windows recommendations sought
Does anyone have experience with a company or contractor who has had success with getting an application for new windows through the Landmarks Commission? I was working with a sales rep from Pella windows to replace my old windows (mostly vinyl, but some original wood) with new windows with aluminum clad exteriors. My first application…
Does anyone have experience with a company or contractor who has had success with getting an application for new windows through the Landmarks Commission? I was working with a sales rep from Pella windows to replace my old windows (mostly vinyl, but some original wood) with new windows with aluminum clad exteriors. My first application to Landmarks was, however, returned with a request for further information and diagrams which so far the Pella rep has been unable to provide; and I am reluctantly realizing I am going to have to start the whole process over again with a new supplier. Brownstoner, I remember you were looking at your window options a few months back. What did your research turn up? Please pass along anything you’ve learned regarding brands, contracts, Landmarks permissions, etc. And everyone else who’s done their windows, please weigh in.
Yes, I would say it is extremely important to get the ‘concealed jamliners’, are they called? There’s nothing worse than having a historic building with gorgeous black, green, or wood-stained windows, with big strips of white plastic glaring out at you.
Please have 2-3 different measurements taken. I had several people measure my windows and they came up with drastically different measurements ( An INCH off is drastic on a custom-made $1500 window that you’ve been waiting for 6-8 weeks). I realized not everyone knows how to measure for a window — you need the brick opening and the molding opening too.
After one disastrous set of Marvin windows which an installer mismeasured (they all arrived too small) we switched to EZ Tilt Windows. They carry Marvins and also higher end weight/chain brand. They have a website and office in Manhattan as well as Brooklyn. Marvin makes a historic with wood covered jams (so you don’t see the plastic track) and narrow muntins. EZ Tilt can usher the application through landmarks or you can do it yourself—its not hard.
Price really depends on your measurements (each are made to order). Ours were special size/shape, ended up being over $1200 each ($600-1200 MORE each at other window ‘specialists’). Remember, these are Landmark windows for the front of the house. I checked out Pella’s Historical Wood series at Lowes (which might work if you are doing the rear facade) but they turned out to be wood the inside, vinyl on the outside, but maybe Lowe’s has other wood manufacturers, or maybe like the other post said, if you contact Pella directly they might have an all wood window for you. Please post if you find an well priced insulated wood window!
Can you give a ballpark range for the Marvin windows from Dykes Lumber?
I’m using Pella for a project in Manhattan, and I deal directly with the Pella office on W. 18th St. They did all the detailed drawings for me, and got approval from LPC in 3 weeks via expeditor.
You have to use all wood in front of the house, but the rear can have aluminum clad windows
Also used Marvin with no problems. I don’t believe Landmarks will approve aluminum clad, though. You have to go with wood.
We’ve just gone through this process with Landmarks — was an absolute nightmare, and that’s still an understatement. Tried the recommended Park Slope Glass & Windows…don’t recommend them…after being promised drawings/estimates we waited…waited…and then were given drawings for someone else’s building –? Tried to clear up the confusion and were told our drawings were never done — again, huh?. Also had a horrific time with Air-Flo Windows, if you give them a deposit you will never hear from them again, trust me.
Finally had success buying Marvin windows at Dykes Lumber on 6th St. Richard is a fantastic rep there, and Landmark’s really seems to like Marvin quality and will probably approve you faster. Kolbe & Kolbe seems to be a good brand as well, but the Marvin’s priced lower for us, and the quality is fantastic. They are wood, and low E, 2 panes of glass with argon gas inbetween, and you can really tell the difference in heat retention and should lower your energy bills by %24, supposedly. Good luck.
We’re in the process of trying to get LPC approval for windows right now. Frankly, it’s been a bumpy process so far and it’s not entirely clear where the blame lies. We’ve been going through Park Slope Glass & Windows and using their expediter for the application. We hope to report back shortly. One thing we can say is that it is frustrating when one tries to play by the rules (instead of cutting corners and not going through the permit process) and is met with bureaucratic problems. Our application for our rooftop HVAC was turned around very quickly last winter, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we get approval soon for the windows, hopefully even this week. We will see.