The Landmark Commission denied without prejudice a request to replace multiple windows at 2620 Hibernia Street in the State‑Thomas Historic District on May 5, finding applicants did not submit sufficient evidence to show the openings required replacement rather than repair.

Staff recommended denial after reviewing photos and finding apparent paint failure rather than documented wood rot or catastrophic failure. The task force echoed that recommendation and urged the applicant to consult historic‑window specialists or preservation window contractors to document any structural failure. Commissioners emphasized that careful selective repair and paint removal often resolve problems that appear severe in preliminary photographs and that replacement windows for contributing structures must be all‑wood and must express muntins on the exterior (not just simulated divided lights) if they are to match period fenestration.

The motion to deny without prejudice passed unanimously. Staff suggested the applicant engage a qualified preservation glazier or structural conservator, provide measured drawings and any forensic testing of wood framing, and then return with documentation that demonstrates the need for full replacement.

Speakers

- No registered public speakers for this item; staff presented the case.

Authorities

- City of Dallas Code, 51A‑4.501 (preservation criteria and standards for contributing structures)
- Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (referenced for window retention and repair guidance)

Actions

- Kind: certificate_of_appropriateness (window replacement request)
- motion: "Deny without prejudice; insufficient evidence provided to demonstrate need for replacement; applicant to provide specialist reports or documented evidence of rot/structural failure if replacement is needed; if replacement is allowed, windows must be all‑wood, exterior‑expressed muntins and match existing configuration."
- mover: "Commissioner Rothenberger"
- second: "Commissioner Gay"
- vote_record: []
- tally: {"yes":17,"no":0,"abstain":0}
- outcome: "denied_without_prejudice"
- notes: "Applicant may return with documentation or engage a preservation consultant for assessment."

Discussion_decision

- Discussion points: distinction between paint failure and structural rot; typical preservation preference for repair over replacement; window specification standards for contributing buildings (all‑wood, exterior‑expressed muntins).
- Directions: Applicant to supply specialist documentation (preservation glazier/structural report, measured drawings) if replacement is still sought.
- Decisions: Denied without prejudice; applicant may reapply with documentation.

Clarifying_details

- Staff and task force found photos indicate paint failure and recommended consultation with window preservation specialists before full replacement.

Proper_names

[{"name":"State‑Thomas Historic District","type":"location"}]

Community_relevance

- Geographies: State‑Thomas/City Center
- Impact groups: tenants, building owner, preservation community

Meeting_context

- Engagement_level: low for public comment; staff‑led discussion focused on standards and documentation
- Implementation_risk: low to moderate depending on whether the owner procures specialist assessments

Searchable_tags

["2620 Hibernia","window replacement","State‑Thomas","preservation"]

Salience

{"overall":0.4,"overall_justification":"Typical preservation enforcement: protecting original windows in contributing buildings.","impact_scope":"local","impact_scope_justification":"Single building decision with wider preservation precedent.","attention_level":"low","attention_level_justification":"No public speakers; staff recommended denial for lack of evidence.","novelty":0.1,"novelty_justification":"Standard preservation procedure.","timeliness_urgency":0.2,"timeliness_urgency_justification":"Owner may reapply with documentation."}

sections

{"lede":"The Landmark Commission denied without prejudice a request to replace multiple windows at 2620 Hibernia Street on May 5, finding the application lacked documentation showing the need for wholesale replacement.","nut_graf":"Staff and the task force advised that photos indicate paint deterioration rather than structural rot; commissioners asked the applicant to obtain a preservation specialist’s report and measured drawings before returning with a replacement request.","ending":"The owner may return with specialist assessments or targeted repair plans; replacements, if approved later, must be all‑wood and match existing configurations."}