2021.02.23 Staff Report To: Historical Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Re: February 24 2021 Historical Commission Staff Report
Please note that staff recommendations are based on the paper record. Applicants may present
other information that could be persuasive.
5:30 PM: Request for a Local Historic District Certificate of Hardship or
Appropriateness pursuant to Section 195 of the Northampton Code for
proposed window replacement. Dallas Ducar and Perry Cohen/Pella
Windows, 330 Elm Street, Map ID 31A-002.
Application Overview:
The application proposes replacement of nearly all windows on this 1920 Colonial Revival.
Review is required as the proposed windows are not a “duplication or rehabilitation of existing
windows, provided that the new windows are identical in size to the old windows, have the same
style and details and are consistent with the Design Standard” The inventory form notes that
“First story windows have limestone keystone in their straight lintels and 6/6 sash. The 6/6 sash
is used at the second story as well. The south ell has a row of arched windows at the first story,
which is relatively unconventional for this very traditional house.” The application had
previously proposed to replace existing grille windows , which are all divided light, with interior
removable wood grilles rather than simulated divided light due to considerable cost difference.
Finding that removable grills did not meet the Design Standards, the Commission disapproved a
Certificate of Appropriateness. Revised designs propose ILT (simulated divided light grilles
with spacer) for windows visible from the street, with grille pattern to match existing, and
removable grilles on windows not visible from a public way and not subject to the Ordinance.
Recommendation:
The Design Standards, page 39 provide standards for replacement windows for instances where
repair is not feasible. The Standards specify that “The complete replacement of all windows in a
building in which only a few are in disrepair will not be approved” and that “Divided light
options (muntin bars) should be limited to the following: - Authentic divided light or Simulated
divided light with spacer bar between insulating glass.” The proposed window replacements
comply with the second option, and a window assessment was provided. If the Commission
agrees that the work meets the standards and is appropriate for the character of the District, a
Certificate of Appropriateness can be issued. Windows not visible from any public ways are not
subject to the Ordinance, and the Commission should clearly identify any exempt windows in
the decision.
Review Proposed Porch Replacement Pursuant to Preservation Restriction, 52
Hatfield Street
The City holds a 30-year preservation restriction on 52 Hatfield Street, the brick house in the
cemetery0 formerly the Slough Street School, that was created when the City surplussed and
sold the property. As with other restrictions - Historic Northampton and Clarke School, It
requires that the City review proposed ‘major’ alterations to the Premises to determine that such
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work will not affect the characteristics which contribute to the architectural, archaeological, or
historical integrity of the Premises. The Restriction specifies that the Secretary’s Standards for
Rehabilitation must be used as a guide for review. The restriction (copy attached) also specifies
that interior blackboards must be preserved intact, window and roof changes, as well as
alterations to the front railing system, are prohibited.