Church, ARC Open WindowToCompromise

Much was made of "horizontal rhythms" of windows during a recent discussion of how a church day care might comply with an order to meet fire safety standards.

Architectural Review Commission members wanted the Seminole Heights United Methodist Pre-School to replicate an existing window pane grid featuring five horizontal strips; church officials wanted something similar but less expensive and with fewer window panes.

The more costly option might have forced the closing of the school, operated by the church at 801 E. Hanna Ave.

A subsequent compromise appeared to have everyone in agreement on window aesthetics and cost.

The church's initial selection of a simpler, less expensive window design didn't impress some commissioners.

"As it's presented, it doesn't work, specifically in regard to rhythm and symmetry, scale and form," said David Hunter at a Jan. 5 hearing.

Others said it fit the character and design of its period - 1957. "I think it matches the pattern exactly. I fully support it," said Commissioner Julie Brown.

The board approved the project with a stipulation that the city's historic preservation staff approve windows meeting Seminole Heights' guidelines and falling in line with the existing window pattern.

The expense of windows preferred by the commission and the city's historic preservation staff could have reached nearly $100,000, church officials said.

"We couldn't have budgeted for that," said Ken Brown, chairman of the church's board of trustees. The $26,000 cost of the compromise proposal is doable, he said, largely because of an estate gift to the church.

The window issue arose last summer when a fire official told church leaders the existing windows, which cannot be opened, are a safety hazard. The church had until the end of January to modify or replace them.

The day care is a one-story building behind the church. It serves 80 to 90 children. Though not historical, the building is within a Seminole Heights historic district.

Church officials said they explored options with at least three contractors, and the option desired by the preservation staff was on the high end of their budget. The compromise: a less costly window that raises and lowers to meet fire standards and has faux strips to match the old window pane pattern.

The windows should be installed within the next month, Brown said. Most work will be done on weekends to avoid disruption to the school, he said.