Commenters on this post wondered if Greenleaf & Company cheapened out on the new windows going in on the Bosche Building, one of two buildings being redeveloped for a mix of residential and commercial space at 916-18 Main Street utilizing historic preservation tax credits. Carmina Wood Morris designed the project and architect Steve Carmina in the comments said:
The facade restoration and window designs match to [the] oldest photo we have of the Bosche which happens to have been taken at the time of the building’s dedication. Which means what you see being installed has been vetted by my firm, SHPO and the Department of the Interior.
The good folks at Carmina Wood Morris sent along a few historical images of the Bosche Building.
Carmina Wood Morris architect Paul Lang provides some background.
“We document existing conditions and referenced our historic documents from similar jobs such as the Webb Building, AM&A Warehouse Lofts, etc.,” says Lang. “The project team worked closely with Pella Windows and all of the units are in full conformance with Department of Interior Standards while meeting modern day expectations for window performance. The New York State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service approved of the work. Historic standards require you to be within a 1/4” of the existing or original profiles if replacing. The majority of the window units in both 916 and 918 were unoriginal or too badly deteriorated due to abandonment to be restored, therefore replacement in-kind was selected. On preservation projects, you always try to restore if possible.”
“Greenleaf didn’t have to replace windows,” adds Lang. “The State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service cannot force you to change existing conditions, however once you begin to alter the building exterior, the standards kick in. Windows along with masonry repair methods are some of the most scrutinized elements by the state and federal preservation offices, especially in warehouse buildings which have little historic or character defining elements.”
Now you know.