1527 Euterpe St

Staff Recommendations:

Constructed in ca. 1860, the two-story side-hall Greek Revival residence at 1527 Euterpe Street is a contributing building in the Lower Garden Historic District. In 2019, the building was cited by the HDLC for the removal of existing six over six wood windows and trim and the installation of inappropriate vinyl windows with grilles in between the glass (#19-02082). In 2020 a $2,000.00 fine was levied against the property and subsequently paid. However, the newly installed windows never went before the HDLC NO Commission for retention. Between 2019-2022 additional work was completed without HDLC review or approval. Five (5) violations were added to a new violation case (#21-08470). The applicant has expressed these violations will be addressed in a larger scope of work that is currently in the process of being submitted by the project architect. Today, the applicant is seeking retention of the windows only as the other violations will be addressed in an HDLC CofA.

The windows prior to 2018 were six over six wood windows complementary of the Greek Revival style. The windows at the side elevations were removed and replaced with six over six vinyl windows with grilles in between the glass. Although Staff have the ability to review and approve wood to vinyl window replacement at side elevations, due to the building and visibility it is unlikely that the window change would have been approved. Furthermore, the windows that were installed do not meet the HDLC guidelines for replacement vinyl windows. Grilles in between the glass configurations are prohibited by the HDLC as windows must have true or simulated divided lites.

The vinyl windows were installed in the same plane as the existing windows and are not flush with the exterior wall. This recess allows for a natural window depth that assists in reducing the overall visibility of the inappropriate windows. Staff recommends denial of replacement vinyl windows closer to the front façade of the building - under the side-facing gable and approval of retention of replacement vinyl windows past the side-gable at the rear. Total windows to be replaced with HDLC approved windows is ten (10). Total windows to retain with installed wood screens is ten (10).

Currently the building is being tented for major termite remediation. If the building requires major restructuring it would be suggested that the vinyl windows be replaced with appropriate windows at that time.