(for more information go to http://www.jancycampbell.com/ or email me: jancy@jancycampbell.com
Are Replacement Windows Maintenance Free?
I believe what we are all looking for is a solution that is environmentally sound and sustainable, and one that does not compromise the historic integrity of the property. From a recent article by Walter Sedovic and Jill Gotthelf a question asked is, are replacement windows maintenance free . . . "no" according to Michael Jackson, FAIA, chief architect of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Jackson said in a recent presentation that "maintenance free" means it can't be repaired. Vinyl, fiberglass & aluminum windows -- and insulated glass -- are formed using materials and techniques that are not conservable. Once they fade, warp, or fail, there is virtually nothing that can be done but to replace again.
I would love to receive any information about successful window replacement or restoration in historic homes.
Historic Boulder has a most informative web site: http://www.historicboulder.org/. At the top is an index, where you can click on "green" . . This is a wonderful resource. You will also find an interactive link that points out the various parts of a house most likely to be the source of "leaks".
Also, a special note: This Wednesday, October 14th, Historic Boulder will present the second Fall session of its popular Salon Series. The presentation will be "Sears Catalogue (Kit Houses) in Boulder County". Heather Lewis, principal in Animal Arts architecture firm and past chair of the Louisville Historic Preservation Commission will talk about how they arrived in several thousand pieces and a set of instructions, and people went to the train station to pick up what would become their new home. The Salon is free, open to the public and held at the Spruce Street Mansion. Feel free to email for times and further information.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What To Do About Historic Windows?
For more information on Boulder Colorado and surrounding areas go to : http://www.jancycampbell.com/ also contact me at jancy@jancycampbell.com
There is a well acknowledged, and sometimes heated, debate about replacement vs. restoration of historic windows. There is also a lot of mis-information about. What to do with those old drafty windows? The next three blogs will deal with some current information that will address some misconceptions about the proper approach.
1. REPLACEMENT WINDOW MANUFACTURERS may may offer the option of reusing existing frames & replacing just the sash at a more economical cost.
Not quite true . . . as the whole window assembly determines the performance. Infiltration through a window occurs in many locations, not just the sash. Reusing an existing frame that is not tight, within a wall system that leaks, will not solve the problem that existed. Any window system -- old or new -- must be a part of a weather-tight system from the sash to the walls.
Several independent studies have shown that windows contribute only 10 to 12 % of over all infltration into the building. A much higher percentage of "leaks" occur at roof eaves, foundations, wall receptacles, dryer & plumbing vents and fireplaces. So the replacement of the sash alone is not the solution . . .
The support for restoration, and it is reported a virtual watershed of support, comes mostly from various states, historical commissions & preservtionists across North America. Historic wood windows have been called an "endangered species".
Supporting window replacement are, of course, window manufacturers. They have sought to develop standards that would demonstrate their products' effectiveness in a format that would allow consumers to better compare replacement vs. restoration.
Sustainability -- all of us today are looking for best answers. What is really the best route to achieve sustainability? Lets explore this a bit. Again, contact me at jancy@jancycampbell.com with your thoughts.
There is a well acknowledged, and sometimes heated, debate about replacement vs. restoration of historic windows. There is also a lot of mis-information about. What to do with those old drafty windows? The next three blogs will deal with some current information that will address some misconceptions about the proper approach.
1. REPLACEMENT WINDOW MANUFACTURERS may may offer the option of reusing existing frames & replacing just the sash at a more economical cost.
Not quite true . . . as the whole window assembly determines the performance. Infiltration through a window occurs in many locations, not just the sash. Reusing an existing frame that is not tight, within a wall system that leaks, will not solve the problem that existed. Any window system -- old or new -- must be a part of a weather-tight system from the sash to the walls.
Several independent studies have shown that windows contribute only 10 to 12 % of over all infltration into the building. A much higher percentage of "leaks" occur at roof eaves, foundations, wall receptacles, dryer & plumbing vents and fireplaces. So the replacement of the sash alone is not the solution . . .
The support for restoration, and it is reported a virtual watershed of support, comes mostly from various states, historical commissions & preservtionists across North America. Historic wood windows have been called an "endangered species".
Supporting window replacement are, of course, window manufacturers. They have sought to develop standards that would demonstrate their products' effectiveness in a format that would allow consumers to better compare replacement vs. restoration.
Sustainability -- all of us today are looking for best answers. What is really the best route to achieve sustainability? Lets explore this a bit. Again, contact me at jancy@jancycampbell.com with your thoughts.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Property Values and Historic Districts
Becoming an historic district helps to protect the values of the homes within. Several days ago I was a part of a fun and informative bus tour for both new and existing Historic Boulder board members to view some of Boulder's interesting historic properties. Joyce Davies, one of Boulder's first and most fascinating preservationists, provided the background information. We spent some time looking at perhaps the City's smallest historic district, and one with a charming story to tell.
In 1939 eight faculty members of the University of Colorado, not satisfied with available living possibilities in Boulder, decided to form their own association. They purchased an entire city block in the Floral Park subdivision -- down the hill from Chautauqua and close to the University. They created eight lots. Each family drew for one of the lots, and each built a house. Architectural integrity was important to these faculty members, and they created covenants to preserve their buildings' exteriors. Before the words, "historic preservation" had been thought about, these eight had made a decision that preserved the past and looked ahead to the future.
These eight homes (bounded by Mariposa and Bluebell Avenues and 15th and 16th streets) all were constructed with green shutters and red tile roofs. The architect was James M. Hunter, who saved the homeowners money by buying in bulk and using recycled bricks from the recently demolished State Preparatory School. The appliances were ordered in bulk. With the homeowners all in agreement, it took Hunter only six months to design all of their residences.
When the eight houses were completed in 1940, people called the area Red Square because of the red roofed houses that surrounded an interior courtyard designed as open space.
In 1978 the City of Boulder designated this single city block as the Floral Park Historic District. Hunter's description of the architectural style is recorded in the minutes of the Boulder Landmarks Board from 1977. "The roof slope was in the style of the University buildings," he stated, while "detailing was culled from Williamsburg, and molding was in the Colonial style." (Some background information from a Daily Camera story by Silvia Pettem)
Rarely does one of these homes come on the market for sale. Two have sold within the last year, one in August of 2008 and one in January of 2009. The square footage of these two homes were 2,358 and 2,598. The average sale price of these two sales was $870,000. The average sale price of all single detached residential homes sold in the City of Boulder in 2008 was $656,026 - - and these statistics for the City include the sales of several million dollar properties.
With this little bit of history, it is fun to drive by and imagine a lifestyle many years ago.
In 1939 eight faculty members of the University of Colorado, not satisfied with available living possibilities in Boulder, decided to form their own association. They purchased an entire city block in the Floral Park subdivision -- down the hill from Chautauqua and close to the University. They created eight lots. Each family drew for one of the lots, and each built a house. Architectural integrity was important to these faculty members, and they created covenants to preserve their buildings' exteriors. Before the words, "historic preservation" had been thought about, these eight had made a decision that preserved the past and looked ahead to the future.
These eight homes (bounded by Mariposa and Bluebell Avenues and 15th and 16th streets) all were constructed with green shutters and red tile roofs. The architect was James M. Hunter, who saved the homeowners money by buying in bulk and using recycled bricks from the recently demolished State Preparatory School. The appliances were ordered in bulk. With the homeowners all in agreement, it took Hunter only six months to design all of their residences.
When the eight houses were completed in 1940, people called the area Red Square because of the red roofed houses that surrounded an interior courtyard designed as open space.
In 1978 the City of Boulder designated this single city block as the Floral Park Historic District. Hunter's description of the architectural style is recorded in the minutes of the Boulder Landmarks Board from 1977. "The roof slope was in the style of the University buildings," he stated, while "detailing was culled from Williamsburg, and molding was in the Colonial style." (Some background information from a Daily Camera story by Silvia Pettem)
Rarely does one of these homes come on the market for sale. Two have sold within the last year, one in August of 2008 and one in January of 2009. The square footage of these two homes were 2,358 and 2,598. The average sale price of these two sales was $870,000. The average sale price of all single detached residential homes sold in the City of Boulder in 2008 was $656,026 - - and these statistics for the City include the sales of several million dollar properties.
With this little bit of history, it is fun to drive by and imagine a lifestyle many years ago.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
A Bit More History
Boulder is celebrating all of 2009. It was founded in 1859 by 54 men who had crossed the Great Plains to seek their fortunes in gold. Alfred Brookfield, one of the prospectors, wrote a letter home to his wife saying, "We thought that as the weather would not permit us to mine, we would lay out and commence to build what may be an important town."
Boulder did become important -- and in those early days as a supply town to the mountain mines, and as a county seat, agricultural center, and a railroad hub. In 1877, one year after Colorado was granted statehood, The University of Colorado opened its doors -- to then a lone building, Old Main, located on a barren mesa south of town.
By 1909, Boulder residents called their city the "Athens of the West." It had grown to a city of 9,000 residents who celebrated with a pioneers' banquet and a spirited parade. Even the Utes came to Boulder to join in the city's semi centennial festivities. To encourage Boulder's growth, local businessmen and women bought stocks in the Boulder Hotel Company. In 1909 the Hotel Boulderado opened its doors on New Year's Day 2009. One year later, nationally known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. prepared a comprehensive plan of improvements, encouraging Boulder residents to plant a variety of trees and create more parks.
Researching Boulder's history is fun and easily done from your computer by going to http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/, and then going to the Carnegie Branch Library, Boulder's historic branch.
Today, Boulder continues its balmy weather . . . temperatures may reach the 70's . . . . Where has Boulder's winter gone? . . . . I wouldn't be surprised to see a late spring blizzard.
Boulder did become important -- and in those early days as a supply town to the mountain mines, and as a county seat, agricultural center, and a railroad hub. In 1877, one year after Colorado was granted statehood, The University of Colorado opened its doors -- to then a lone building, Old Main, located on a barren mesa south of town.
By 1909, Boulder residents called their city the "Athens of the West." It had grown to a city of 9,000 residents who celebrated with a pioneers' banquet and a spirited parade. Even the Utes came to Boulder to join in the city's semi centennial festivities. To encourage Boulder's growth, local businessmen and women bought stocks in the Boulder Hotel Company. In 1909 the Hotel Boulderado opened its doors on New Year's Day 2009. One year later, nationally known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. prepared a comprehensive plan of improvements, encouraging Boulder residents to plant a variety of trees and create more parks.
Researching Boulder's history is fun and easily done from your computer by going to http://www.boulder.lib.co.us/, and then going to the Carnegie Branch Library, Boulder's historic branch.
Today, Boulder continues its balmy weather . . . temperatures may reach the 70's . . . . Where has Boulder's winter gone? . . . . I wouldn't be surprised to see a late spring blizzard.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Boulder's Historic Districts & Its Salon Series
The City of Boulder has a population of around 100,000. There are currently 10 historic districts and more in the making. Two of these districts plus two other locations are listed on the National Register: the famous Pearl Street Mall (a highly successful historic commercial area); Chautauqua (one of three remaining original Chautauquas): The Norland Quandrangle (on CU's campus); and the Historic Columbia Cemetery (during the Halloween Season there is a time when a person can actually go and "Meet the Spirits"). There are currently 153 separately land marked properties.
Boulder's popular Historic Salon Series began its spring sessions last Tuesday with Dan Corson presenting a look at the homes of early black citizens. This spring series is all about "If These Walls Could Talk" and will take people inside some of Boulder's fine historic Buildings and reveal some fascinating stories. On March 11, Betty and Bill Chronic will take you inside the Oddfellows Building . . . "The Oddfellows: Who & Where Are They?"; April 9th Margaret Hansen and Paul Saporita will tell you about the music and dancing and banking that took place in "The Citizens National Bank Building". On May 13th, we will find out about "Three Homes With A Past", and discover some of what happened a long time ago in homes on Highland Avenue, Mapleton, and Pine. Caroline Stepanek, Cathy & Donn Asphaugh, & Laura Ware will reveal the stories the walls in these homes might tell is if they could. The Salons are free and open to the public. For more information contact Historic Boulder, 303-333-5192.
Boulder's popular Historic Salon Series began its spring sessions last Tuesday with Dan Corson presenting a look at the homes of early black citizens. This spring series is all about "If These Walls Could Talk" and will take people inside some of Boulder's fine historic Buildings and reveal some fascinating stories. On March 11, Betty and Bill Chronic will take you inside the Oddfellows Building . . . "The Oddfellows: Who & Where Are They?"; April 9th Margaret Hansen and Paul Saporita will tell you about the music and dancing and banking that took place in "The Citizens National Bank Building". On May 13th, we will find out about "Three Homes With A Past", and discover some of what happened a long time ago in homes on Highland Avenue, Mapleton, and Pine. Caroline Stepanek, Cathy & Donn Asphaugh, & Laura Ware will reveal the stories the walls in these homes might tell is if they could. The Salons are free and open to the public. For more information contact Historic Boulder, 303-333-5192.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Remember Sears Mail Order Homes?????
Today I attended the 9th annual Boulder County Historic Preservation Forum. We met in the historic mining community of Louisville's City Hall with members of preservation boards, historical societies and committees from across Boulder County to discuss last year's successes and challenges. Last fall the City of Louisville successfully voted in a new Historic Preservation Tax . . . . of about 1/8 of 1 percent of the sales tax that will provide much needed funds for the next several years to help in the preservation of some of the important historic buildings in Louisville's downtown area.
Probably the highlight of the morning was a fascinating, well researched presentation on "Homes by Sears" . . . Louisville's Mail Order Legacy. Heather Lewis, architect and principal of Animal Arts -- Gates . Hafen . Cochrane in Boulder, told us that researching the Sears Catalogue homes had become a passion. She is also member of Louisville's Historic Preservation Commission.
Sears Mail Order Homes were sold throughout the country from 1908 to 1940. She has found nine of these homes in Louisville, and asked for anyone knowing of other Sears Mail Order Homes in the area to let her know as she is actively gathering all the information she can.
She talked about the fine quality of these homes. Sears was a corporation that bent over backwards to satisfy its customers and provide the best quality. The Sears "Kit Houses" for this community came at the right time . . . with its location near a railroad and with citizens of modest income. Sears Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans provided people with plans and all of the necessary supplies to build the home of their dreams, and then packaged the entire "kit" and sent it by railroad to them. She also pointed out that the beginning of the demise of the Sears Kit Homes was when Sears decided to also go into the mortgage business . . . .
Do you know if there any still existing Sears Mail Order Homes in your community???
Probably the highlight of the morning was a fascinating, well researched presentation on "Homes by Sears" . . . Louisville's Mail Order Legacy. Heather Lewis, architect and principal of Animal Arts -- Gates . Hafen . Cochrane in Boulder, told us that researching the Sears Catalogue homes had become a passion. She is also member of Louisville's Historic Preservation Commission.
Sears Mail Order Homes were sold throughout the country from 1908 to 1940. She has found nine of these homes in Louisville, and asked for anyone knowing of other Sears Mail Order Homes in the area to let her know as she is actively gathering all the information she can.
She talked about the fine quality of these homes. Sears was a corporation that bent over backwards to satisfy its customers and provide the best quality. The Sears "Kit Houses" for this community came at the right time . . . with its location near a railroad and with citizens of modest income. Sears Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans provided people with plans and all of the necessary supplies to build the home of their dreams, and then packaged the entire "kit" and sent it by railroad to them. She also pointed out that the beginning of the demise of the Sears Kit Homes was when Sears decided to also go into the mortgage business . . . .
Do you know if there any still existing Sears Mail Order Homes in your community???
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
January 20th . . . Inaugration Day
The City of Boulder celebrates its Sesquicentennial Celebration this year. One hundred and fifty years ago, 1859, gold was discovered in the area (Gold Run), and the Boulder City Town Company was formed. The next year, 1860, Andrew J. Macky built the first frame building in Boulder on the N/E corner of 14th and Pearl . . . Boulder's "first" real estate development. A lot has happened since that time.
Today, Boulder is considered one of the most progressive, visionary, and environmentally conscientious locals in the country. The citizens of Boulder have given top priorities to the preservation of not only its environment but also its heritage. These priorities are just some of the reasons that make Boulder such a desirable place to live.
January 2009 continues to bring us warm weather . . . . sweater weather . . . . but we may see some snow toward the end of the week.
Today, Boulder is considered one of the most progressive, visionary, and environmentally conscientious locals in the country. The citizens of Boulder have given top priorities to the preservation of not only its environment but also its heritage. These priorities are just some of the reasons that make Boulder such a desirable place to live.
January 2009 continues to bring us warm weather . . . . sweater weather . . . . but we may see some snow toward the end of the week.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Historic Boulder
This is the first blog to talk about historic homes and buildings in the City of Boulder and Boulder County. I will be adding information about the historic districts in the area, historic homes for sale, and also, a topic somewhat new to historic properties . . . . the "greening of historic real estate" supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
In the next few days I will be talking about Boulder's 10 historic districts, and some outstanding historic homes for sale in the area. More later . . . Jancy Campbell. If you have any questions at this time, I can be reached at either Jancy@JancyCampbell.com or jcampb1004@aol.com.
This is January 18th, and the Boulder temperature is close to 60 . . . . a beautiful day.
In the next few days I will be talking about Boulder's 10 historic districts, and some outstanding historic homes for sale in the area. More later . . . Jancy Campbell. If you have any questions at this time, I can be reached at either Jancy@JancyCampbell.com or jcampb1004@aol.com.
This is January 18th, and the Boulder temperature is close to 60 . . . . a beautiful day.
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