Board approves replacement of failing Masonite siding at 211 S. Loud Street with beaded Hardie siding

The Winchester City Board of Architectural Review on June 18 approved a certificate of appropriateness for BAR26-58 to replace existing Masonite siding at 211 South Loud Street with beaded Hardie (fiber‑cement) siding in the same profile and color.

The applicant told the board the work applies to a later, nonhistoric addition and said, “Nothing will change. The color will be the same,” describing plans to install matching beaded siding, add PVC window and corner trim on the rear addition, and replace the top flashing without altering the original masonry portion. Gavin, a city preservation staff member, summarized the building’s sequence of changes and noted the rear additions date to 1981 and 1997; the site also carries a historic plaque approved in 1986 even though some later work used nonhistoric materials.

Board members focused discussion on two practical issues: the condition of the existing Masonite and the substrate behind it, and whether the Hardie product and installation would visually match historic profiles. A committee member warned that Masonite often sits over a compressed particle‑board substrate that traps moisture and can cause movement; the member said that if the substrate is not replaced, “when you put that Hardie on, you might as well be putting on bridal vinyl … it’s gonna look like the ocean,” urging careful substrate replacement and installation. The applicant said they would assess the substrate and replace it if needed.

Staff suggested painting the faux gable and the storefront shutters to match the new Hardie color for visual consistency. The board’s motion approved BAR26-58 as submitted while asking that the wood shake color match the new Hardie siding; the motion passed 3–1.

The decision allows the owner to move forward with the described Hardie siding, PVC trim, and related trim work for the later addition; board members asked staff to ensure installation details and any necessary substrate repairs are addressed in final permitting.