DRC supports wood window replacements at 307 Main Street; staff asks for samples and window call‑outs

A contractor presented a follow‑up request to replace additional second‑story windows at 307 Main Street — the office above the Mellow Mushroom restaurant — and the Design Review Committee offered constructive advisory feedback.

The presenter said the property’s previous 2023 COA covered a small set of replacement windows and the current submittal seeks to replace roughly 15 additional windows with historically‑accurate wood exterior and wood interior putty‑style windows. He described ongoing problems with the existing windows, including poor water management, wood rot, gaps, mold and insect intrusion. Staff noted the building is non‑contributing to the district (heavily remodeled in the 1980s) but confirmed that if the replacements are wood (or an approved composite), they would be consistent with the historic guidelines. Staff asked the applicant to identify exactly which windows are proposed for replacement on marked photos and to bring a physical sample showing depth and profile before a voting meeting.

Several commissioners expressed support, noting the practical need to address water infiltration and energy inefficiency. One commissioner asked staff and the applicant to show a numbered photo key of windows so the record documents which openings were replaced in which year. The DRC provided informal guidance; no formal vote occurred at the advisory DRC session.