Commission approves window modifications at 625 Queen City Avenue after reviewing altered work

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission approved modifications to a previously approved certificate of appropriateness for 625 Queen City Avenue (HPC 6625) during its Dec. 10 meeting.

Staff explained the application arrived as a violation and requests changes to windows and a formerly approved door on all four elevations: replacing a previously approved door on the west elevation with a 1‑over‑1 single-pane window, adjusting light patterns and sizes on north, south and east elevations, and using aluminum-clad wood windows like‑for‑like with existing materials.

Kelly Fitz, appearing for the owner, said she was not the construction manager and had been asked to step in to resolve discrepancies. Commissioners focused on alignment and trim: several members observed the approved drawing, not the photographic supplement, is the document the commission would approve and that the applicant should make any dimensional corrections before final inspection. Staff confirmed that if the field-built dimensions differ from the approved drawings, the applicant will need to modify the work to match the approval.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the modifications with the expectation that final work will conform to the submitted elevation drawings and that the applicant will work with staff to correct any dimensional mismatches before final inspection.

Why it matters: The case underscores that approvals are based on submitted elevation drawings, not photographic images of existing conditions; field work must conform to the approved drawings or be returned to the commission.

The applicant should coordinate with city staff to ensure the final window heights, widths and trim match the approved elevation drawings prior to final inspection.