542-544 Jackson Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

The applicant received a Certificate of Appropriateness in 2017 for minor exterior repairs including fencing, handrails, and repairs to the front porch steps. In 2021, the owner requested a final inspection. Upon inspection, the changes to the window openings and installation of inappropriate windows was found. On the right side of the building, an original window opening was removed for the installation of a flush-mount transom window, with a header height that does not match the existing openings. On the left side of the building, four original window openings were removed for the installation of a set of paired windows and four transom windows. All of the windows on the left side were replaced with new inappropriate flush-mount windows with aprons under the sills. 

The HDLC Guidelines discourage the removal of original window openings, particularly at areas prominently visible from the public right of way, because the removal of original building fabric also disrupts the visual perception of the building as expressed by the rhythm and proportion of its original openings. While most of the windows are minimally visible, due to the proximity to the neighboring houses, the windows closer to the street are visible.

The owner has agreed to replace the first two windows on the left side of the building with new HDLC approved windows; Staff recommends that the first three windows on the left side be replaced. This is based on the 2nd and 3rd windows being a paired set, that should match. Staff also recommends that the transom window on the right side of the building be removed and the opening infilled with siding, or be replaced and reframed to be at the appropriate height.