HPC-201300305, 836 Mimosa Blvd., Sally Newton Combs, Land Lot 385
Item Summary:
Applicant is requesting approval for the removal of the existing exterior siding and trim and to install fiberglass insulation and plywood sheathing and housewrap and replace exterior siding and trim with hardiplank and repaint exterior back to existing color. Also replace all window units with new insulated units made of solid vinyl. Units to have exterior grids to match existing style.
Staff Report:
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends denial of the window, siding, and trim replacement.
Issue
The applicant is proposing to replace the siding and windows on the structure at 836 Mimosa Boulevard. They are proposing to use Hardiplank smooth surface siding with a 5.5 inch exposure and double-glazed, double-hung windows constructed of solid PVC with a fixed grid on either side. The applicant intends to replace trim, as needed, with either Hardiplank or solid PVC.
History
The structure located at 836 Mimosa Blvd. was constructed in 1919 according to the Roswell Historical Society publication, Roswell: A Pictorial History, and is classified as "Historic" on the Historic Properties Map.
The Colonial Revival style home was designed by Neel Reid for a Mr. D.H. Brantley. Reid, a Roswell resident from 1917-1926, was one of Georgia's most influential and well-known architects in the early 1900s.
Previously HPC approvals:
HPC08-16: Minor approval for privacy fence in side and rear.
Analysis
Window Replacement
The Design Guidelines state that "existing historic windows and details should be maintained and preserved" and that "historic windows should only be replaced when they cannot be rehabilitated." Staff believes these windows to be original to the 1919 construction date due to the presence of cylinder ("wavy") glass. While some neglect has occurred to the windows as visible by the peeling paint, the windows themselves are in good shape and can easily be repaired and repainted.
If the windows were beyond repair the Design Guidelines state that "when windows must be replaced, they should be of the same style, size, and material as the historic window" and that "the number of panes should be the same as the historic window with the frame, mullions, and muntins of the same dimensions." The proposed PVC windows do not match the same material or construction of the original windows. The use of modern materials on a historic house is not supported by Staff or the field of preservation when the original material exists and is in good shape. One should not use a material that was created after the construction date of the house. For example, double glazing and simulated divided lights were not used until after 1930, so it is inappropriate to have double glazed windows on a house built before this date. If the windows were beyond repair, Staff would recommend a wood, single glazed, true divided light window in the matching light configuration.
Staff recommends denial of the proposed window replacement.
Siding and Trim Replacement
The Design Guidelines state that "when wood siding or elements need to be replaced, replacements should match the historic elements in size, shape, grain and other visual quality." Staff could find no evidence of the existing siding having been replaced in the past, concluding that the siding is original. With the exception of a few boards, the existing siding is in good shape and simply needs to have the paint stripped and reapplied. If the siding was beyond repair, Staff would recommend the use of wood siding with a matching profile and reveal. The use of fiber-cement siding is not appropriate on this 1919 structure as fiber-cement was not commercially introduced until 1975. The use of fiber-cement or solid PVC trim is not supported or recommended either.
Materials
Aerial
Letter of intent
Current Photographs
Historic Photograph
HPC Application
Presented by:
Courtney Lankford, Planner II