916-918 Kerlerec St.

Staff Recommendations: 

The applicant applied for a non-structural renovation in November 2023 to convert the two-family residence into a single-family, with no exterior work indicated. HDLC Staff contacted the applicant to provide additional information confirm no exterior work was planned. When the applicant responded, they noted that new windows had already been installed. Staff completed a site inspection and confirmed one original window opening on the left side was removed for installation of two new transom windows, and that one new transom window was installed at the right side. While all three new openings appear to have correct exterior wood trim, drip caps and sills, all three have inappropriate leaded-glass window sashes and header heights that do not align with adjacent openings, as is typically required. Additionally, visually prominent tankless water heaters were installed below the transoms, all without a building permit or Certificate of Appropriateness issued.

The HDLC Guidelines discourage the removal and alteration of original window openings, particularly at more prominent elevations, because this removal of original building fabric disrupts the visual perception of the historic building's age, style, and character, as expressed by the rhythm and proportion of its original openings. While the new transoms are set back from the street, all three openings and their leaded-glass sashes are visible at the left and right sides. Additionally, the ornate leaded-glass windows are highly decorative and are considered inappropriate because they are not consistent with the age or style of the building.

The applicant has been working closely with HDLC Staff and has already installed new metal privacy screens at the left and right alley gates, and has agreed to lower both tankless water heaters to reduce their visibility. Based on this, Staff has no objection to the removal of the original window at the left side and no objection to the retention of the three new transom window openings, with the proviso that the header height of one transom at the left side be lowered to match the adjacent, and that all leaded-glass window sashes be replaced with appropriate clear glass wood window sashes.