| 6/10/2013 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| HELD IN COMMITTEE
Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich gave an update on the window project. The matter was held at the last meeting to allow for greater dialogue between staff and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). The matter is not ready to be acted on at this point. MPS is looking at putting in new wood windows or restoring them. The Sherman Park Community Association, based on a letter that they have submitted, wants to keep intact the integrity of the school as much as possible and to avoid precedent setting changes. Further communication from MPS is expected. If the proposal would be for wood window restoration, the matter would become a staff approved item as the project would then be within the guidelines.
Mr. Hoeschen inquired if a building and project of this magnitude would be considered a staff approve item in general?
Mr. Jakubovich said yes.
Mr. Hoeschen moved to hold in committee the Certificate of Appropriateness for the removal of all original divided wood windows and replacing with new metal windows at 3360 N. Sherman Blvd with the proviso that the matter can be approved at the staff level if staff is satisfied with a proposal to refurbish the existing wood windows. Mr. Williams seconded. There were no objections.
| Pass | 5:0 |
Action details
|
Meeting details
|
Video
|
| 5/13/2013 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| HELD IN COMMITTEE
Minutes note: Mr. Jakubovich gave an overview on the staff report. Townsend Street School, a three story structure on a raised foundation, is part of the North Sherman Boulevard Local and National Register Historic District. The Milwaukee Public School (MPS) school building has a tremendous amount of divided light windows and is visible from the streets surrounding it on all four sides. The building is a Neo Collegiate Gothic style that was very popular for educational buildings back in the 1920s and 1930s with original stone work. There are approximately 200 original double hung windows that need repair. The windows consist of fine old grove hardwood, a soft wood proven to be very restorable. The proposal is to remove all of these original wood windows and replace them with metal windows. Each metal window would have a single sheet of glass per sash with a grid over it to simulate divided lights. The metal windows mimic but do not recreate completely the look of the original double hung windows. The majority of the building consists of wood double hung windows, and the windows are an important part of the character of the building. The cost of metal windows is significant. Staff has been given a verbal soft cost estimate of $1850 for restoration of the two sashes in each opening. Not included in the soft cost estimate are the restoration of the jams, removal of windows, taking the windows apart, re-gluing the windows, fixing the windows with any necessary epoxies, installation of more new energy efficient individual pieces of glass, returning of the windows to the site, removal of the lead on the jams and sills, painting, and reinstallation of the windows. Dry ice blasting can be a quick way of removing the lead based paint and any asbestos. Restoration would offer a greener process, safer removal of paint, and consistency with the guidelines of the district. The softwood is something that is irreplaceable and has properties beyond any wood cut today. Staff recommendation is that the project be considered for restoration rather than complete removal and replacement.
Ald. Bauman concurred with the staff. Wood windows are superior to newer products. The proposed metal windows offer fake divided lights and do not last long. There should be further discussion with MPS for a resolution.
Mr. Jakubovich added that temporary boarding of the windows would be necessary when windows are being taken out. Boards with an actual picture of a window can be put up as a possible solution to avoid the appearance of a boarded up window. The project is large in nature and would go to someone with a factory for window set up. Work would be done probably through an assembly line process.
Ald. Bauman moved to hold in committee, seconded by Mr. Hoeschen, the Certificate of Appropriateness for the removal of all original divided wood windows and replacing with new metal windows at 3360 N. Sherman Boulevard in the Sherman Boulevard Historic District. There were no objections.
| Pass | 6:0 |
Action details
|
Meeting details
|
Not available
|