(a) Traditionally, downtown Zanesville buildings contain windows on the upper facade. The amount of detail associated with those windows varies. The most simple form would be double-hung windows in simple, lightly decorated walls. A more ornate form would involve arched windows with heavily decorated hoodmolds over the windows and decorated sills below the windows.
Some past alterations to windows in upper facades included covering them with plywood, filling them in with brick or glass block, or installing new windows which were the wrong size for the opening or wrong style for the building. Some upper facades have been completely obscured by a covering.
(b) Recommendations for Windows.
(1) Maintain the size and proportions of window openings. Avoid changing the size of an opening to accommodate a smaller or larger window. A change in size or proportion can result in altering the appearance of the entire building facade.
(2) Replacement windows should replicate the original windows. Where original windows are beyond repair and new ones are needed, they should match the original in size, style, and number and pattern of glass panes.
(3) Blocking or covering window openings is not recommended. Where blocking for privacy is necessary, explore alternative ways to achieve the same ends, such as interior screening. Exterior shutters might also be used.
(4) Place new openings with care. New window openings on the front of a building represent a radical change to its appearance. Look for places on the alley side facade or rear of the structure, where a new window will be less noticeable from the street. New windows should relate to existing windows in scale, size, proportion, style, and placement.
(5) Traditionally, downtown buildings have used clear glass in windows. Bronze or reflective glass is not recommended for existing buildings.
(6) Storm windows are an appropriate means of protecting windows from the weather as well as conserving energy. The major divisions of the storm windows should match the divisions on the windows being covered. Exterior storm windows provide the most protection, but interior storm windows can also be used.
(Ord. 96-115. Passed 8-26-96.)
Section through typical double-hung window, showing how the upper and lower sash slide past each other while providing a weather-tight fit at the center meeting rail. The exterior of the window is to the right. Note how the sill is sloped to drain water away and how the lower rail is angled to rest flat on the sloping sill to provide a weather seal. |
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A double-hung two-over-two window. The lower sash is recessed so it can slide upward behind the upper sash. The upper sash is designed to slide down in front of the lower sash, but in most buildings the upper sash has been fixed in place. |
Appropriately designed wood replacement windows. |
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Older commercial buildings often employed residential-style windows on their upper floors. |
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These one-over-one double-hung sash windows, clustered in groups of three, represent typical late 19th century practice. The window proportions, weight of sash members, and glazing patterns all were consciously chosen by the architect as part of the design and should not be altered during repair or rehabilitation. |