2021.02.03 Staff Report To: Historical Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Re: February 3 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 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 applicant indicates that
“The majority of the hung windows will be replaced with a few exceptions being the attic,
basement, and some other smaller units. There are several casement windows on the rear of the
house – kitchen sunroom - that do not currently have grilles in them.” Existing grille windows ,
which are all divided light, are proposed to be replaced with interior removable wood grilles
rather than simulated divided light due to considerable cost difference.
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 do
not meet the standards. A condition assessment was not provided.
If the Commission finds that a project is inappropriate (certificate is disapproved), it shall
consider whether a certificate of hardship should be issued. The Ordinance specifies that a
hardship can be issued if “owing to conditions especially affecting the building or structures
involved, but not affecting the historic district generally, failure to approve an application will
involve a substantial hardship, financial or otherwise, to the applicant and whether such
application may be approved without substantial detriment to the public welfare and without
substantial derogation from the intent and purposes of the Historic District Ordinance
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.
S106 Review, Old Springfield Road Bridge Replacement
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to consider the
effects of federally funded projects on historic properties. The Commission should review the
work, and provide comment to MassHistoric if it could negatively impact “buildings, structures,
archaeological sites, districts, objects, and landscapes that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the
National Register of Historic Places”