Historic District Commission approves restoration of windows at 2 Mediterranean Lane
January 27, 2026 | Norwich, New London County, Connecticut
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Regan Minor, chair of the Norwich Historic District Commission, said the commission voted unanimously Jan. 21 to accept a certificate of appropriateness allowing the restoration and reinstallation of older wood windows at 2 Mediterranean Lane.
The decision follows an applicant presentation from owner Will Duran, who said he found original wood windows in the home’s basement and intends to refurbish and reinstall them to replace the existing unapproved vinyl windows. "We will be replacing, their current window with the old 1, which we found in the basement," Duran said during the public hearing.
Minor told the commission she inspected the windows and that the building official asked the COA to include a statement noting that compliance with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), section R501.6, would "threaten, degrade, or destroy the historic form, fabric, or function of the building." The chair said she would record that language in the COA so the building department’s paperwork could be resolved.
Commissioners discussed appearance and energy concerns. Several members encouraged the applicant to consider interior storm windows and to use historic glass when feasible. Minor suggested replicating neighborhood muntin patterns, noting 6-over-6 grids as an appropriate look; commissioners consistently described such design recommendations as optional, not mandatory.
The commission also heard that enough original windows were found in the basement to restore the house’s openings, and Duran said he will meet with a glass contractor next week to determine glass type and sealing. Duran confirmed the refurbished windows will be painted white to match the house exterior.
The commission’s motion to accept the application as presented, incorporating the building-department addendum about energy-code compliance, passed by roll-call vote with all members voting in favor. The chair said the COA language will be included in the commission’s paperwork for the building department.
Votes at a glance
• Certificate of Appropriateness (COA 602, 2 Mediterranean Lane): Approved unanimously (Sean: Aye; Ed: Aye; Greg: Aye; Tyler: Yes; Chair Regan Minor: Aye). The motion accepted the application as presented and included the building official’s statement regarding 2021 IECC R501.6.
• Approval of minutes (Dec. 17, 2025): Approved unanimously by roll call.
Minor also reported a brief chairman’s update: Commissioner Ed inspected a rebuilt chimney at 13 Harlan Road and confirmed it appears to match the original. The commission discussed remote participation policy and concluded Zoom remains acceptable for now pending further discussions with city management.
The commission adjourned after routine closing business; its next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
The decision follows an applicant presentation from owner Will Duran, who said he found original wood windows in the home’s basement and intends to refurbish and reinstall them to replace the existing unapproved vinyl windows. "We will be replacing, their current window with the old 1, which we found in the basement," Duran said during the public hearing.
Minor told the commission she inspected the windows and that the building official asked the COA to include a statement noting that compliance with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), section R501.6, would "threaten, degrade, or destroy the historic form, fabric, or function of the building." The chair said she would record that language in the COA so the building department’s paperwork could be resolved.
Commissioners discussed appearance and energy concerns. Several members encouraged the applicant to consider interior storm windows and to use historic glass when feasible. Minor suggested replicating neighborhood muntin patterns, noting 6-over-6 grids as an appropriate look; commissioners consistently described such design recommendations as optional, not mandatory.
The commission also heard that enough original windows were found in the basement to restore the house’s openings, and Duran said he will meet with a glass contractor next week to determine glass type and sealing. Duran confirmed the refurbished windows will be painted white to match the house exterior.
The commission’s motion to accept the application as presented, incorporating the building-department addendum about energy-code compliance, passed by roll-call vote with all members voting in favor. The chair said the COA language will be included in the commission’s paperwork for the building department.
Votes at a glance
• Certificate of Appropriateness (COA 602, 2 Mediterranean Lane): Approved unanimously (Sean: Aye; Ed: Aye; Greg: Aye; Tyler: Yes; Chair Regan Minor: Aye). The motion accepted the application as presented and included the building official’s statement regarding 2021 IECC R501.6.
• Approval of minutes (Dec. 17, 2025): Approved unanimously by roll call.
Minor also reported a brief chairman’s update: Commissioner Ed inspected a rebuilt chimney at 13 Harlan Road and confirmed it appears to match the original. The commission discussed remote participation policy and concluded Zoom remains acceptable for now pending further discussions with city management.
The commission adjourned after routine closing business; its next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
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