HARC clears aluminum window replacements for altered Southern Street house

The commission approved replacement windows on the contributing property at 1008 Southern Street, concluding the front elevation has been substantially altered and allows alternative materials. Oscar Fernandez, the applicant, said the Sanborn maps and historic photos show prior alterations to the porch and fenestration; he told the commission the existing jalousie and metal windows reflect previous changes and that aluminum windows would be consistent with those alterations.

Staff planner Matthew reviewed the historic evidence and told commissioners that HEART guideline 3 calls for period‑appropriate window materials (wood) but guideline 4 allows alternative materials where facades are significantly altered. Commissioners agreed that the cumulative alterations—shortened openings, existing aluminum windows and altered proportions—justify approving aluminum windows for the 4‑foot openings. The motion passed on a roll call vote.