Case Study: Parrett High Performance Windows & Stained Glass Restoration

The fully restored stained glass windows are the crown jewels on the facade of this Brooklyn Brownstone.

The fully restored stained glass windows are the crown jewels on the facade of this Brooklyn Brownstone.

Brooklyn is known for its Brownstones. But it’s also home to the most Landmark districts in New York City. Tree-lined streets are filled with young families taking on the maintenance that comes with a Landmark Brownstone. The owners of this Park Slope Brownstone were drawn to the stained glass windows adorning the signature three-floor 1901 home. But many of the windows were in bad shape, and some were barely or totally non-operational. Worse yet, some of the stained glass windows were missing entirely.  

Details are everything when it comes to Landmark homes.

Details are everything when it comes to Landmark homes.

A Landmark expert, Historical Window’s team assessed the condition of the existing windows along the front façade, with the goal of restoring wherever possible and replacing when necessary. For operational clear-glass windows, Historical Windows installed high performance (argon-filled and low-e coated) Parrett spiral balance wood hung windows on the parlor, second, and third stories. Historical Windows removed the stained glass transoms and panels, including a 72-inch wide arched window, and either completely restored or replaced with salvaged period colored glass, and reinstalled. Additionally, Historical Windows restored or created replicas of original carved mahogany columns and custom mouldings on the parlor and second levels.  

The final result was a full restoration and replacement package that brought back functionality, matched historic profiles, and custom manufactured replica stained glass windows, while improving the energy efficiency and interior comfort for the family. Historical Windows maintained the original architect’s design intent for this home and the neighborhood: from the street it is impossible to tell the difference between the original leaded glass windows and the replicas.

A restored three-panel stained glass transom sits above high performance spiral balance wood hung windows during the re-installation process.

A restored three-panel stained glass transom sits above high performance spiral balance wood hung windows during the re-installation process.