Incentives
A GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX INCENTIVES PROGRAM FOR INCOME-PRODUCING PROPERTIES
Program Essentials Application Basics The Review Process Meeting the Standards for Rehabilitation Avoiding Incompatible Work

Historic Building Exterior: Windows

 

 

Replacement for Missing or Non-historic Windows

Many buildings have inappropriate replacement windows or missing windows. Although installing a replacement window that replicates the original historic window may be desirable, documentation of original windows may not be available. The minimum requirement is that the new windows be consistent with the historic character of the building.

 

<two photo series> Replacing these existing incompatible replacement windows (shown) with similar units would not meet the Standards. New windows installed in a rehabilitation project should be compatible with the historic character of the building. In this case, new windows (shown) that convey the general appearance of industrial steel windows were the only appropriate choice for this building. Photos: NPS files

 

Above: Replacing these existing incompatible replacement windows (left) with similar units would not meet the Standards. New windows installed in a rehabilitation project should be compatible with the historic character of the building. In this case, new windows (right) that convey the general appearance of industrial steel windows that were historically on the building were the appropriate choice for this building. Photos: NPS files

The transparency of glass is critical to the function of a shop window. The introduction of reflective glass (shown) is inconsistent with the historic character of this building. Photo: NPS files

 

 

Glazing
Unless the property is a mid 20th-century building, historic glazing is unlikely to be tinted or reflective. Unlike contemporary tinted glass, most clear low-e coatings currently in use have very little visual effect and may be used on historic buildings. It is recommended that a sample of glass be submitted for review if other than clear glass is being proposed. Where the historic glazing was not clear, such as the obscure glass found in many industrial buildings, a replacement other than clear, may be considered.


Left: The transparency of glass is critical to the function of a shop window. The introduction of reflective glass here is inconsistent with the historic character of this building. Photo: NPS files

Avoiding Incompatible Work: Historic Building Exterior: New Additions to Historic Buildings

National Park Service