Historical Summer 2009 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
There have been several companies operating in our neighborhood who promise sellers that they are getting the required permits for windows or door replacements. Unfortunately, they have not gotten what was necessary. City inspectors issue stop-work orders and there is a delay while necessary permits are obtained. Or if the work does not meet historic district standards, the seller has to change what has been installed, incurring extra expense. Worse case scenario, owners end up in housing court, where they may be fined.
With the energy tax credits, there is an increase in advertisements for companies selling new windows and doors.
The Skinker-DeBaliviere Historic District Review Committee wants to make certain building owners know what is required, so no one is taken advantage of. Any replacement windows and doors visible from the street must have a permit from the city’s Cultural Resource Office, 314-622-3400 or stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/ planning/heritage.
The photo which accompanies this article shows the contrast between inappropriate, non-historic windows installed alongside original windows. (This building is not in our district, but close by. Showing neighborhood examples might embarrass or anger property owners.
While it is owned currently by Washington University, the work was done prior to their ownership.) Replacements need to follow the same size and design as the historic windows and use an acceptable method of installation; almost all of the doors in the area have a clear glass panel, often with side lights or a transom.
Please make certain that, before any work is begun, you as the owner see the appropriate permit if you were not the person who applied for it.
The owner is ultimately responsible for following the law; please be careful not to take anyone’s word that either permits are not necessary or that they have what is required. Historic windows which are in good condition, with solid glazing and wood frames in sound shape, can be as efficient as new windows provided there are wellfitting storm windows.
The energy savings payback with replacement windows may be longer than often expected. Large windows, which most of our buildings have, are hard to replace with vinyl frames as the material often cannot support the weight of the glass, and they become inoperable in a relatively short time. For examples of a building with quality, wood replacement windows see 5911 De Giverville or 6178 McPherson. 5782 Waterman is an excellent example of original windows which have been restored.
In addition to the Cultural Resources Office, please call the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council 314-862-5122.
Original photograph caption
Window comparison in original Building Corner article. Original caption states property is outside district and work predates current Washington University ownership. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2009.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2009_06.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
