Window Installation in Historic Gratz Park Apartment

We recently completed a window installation project in a rental apartment located in the Gratz Park historic district of Lexington, KY. The unit was on the upper floor of a 19th century home that had been divided into apartments over the years. The windows were original to the building and had become a source of drafts, noise, and discomfort for both the tenants and the property owner.

Our goal was to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and noise reduction while preserving the historic appearance of the building. Since the home is located in a designated historic area, this window installation had to be handled with care to stay in line with local preservation guidelines.

Customer Challenge

The old windows were single-pane units with aging wood frames. They were drafty and difficult to operate, and the exterior glazing was crumbling in several places. The property owner had received complaints from tenants about cold air, noisy streets, and windows that would not stay open or lock properly.

Because the home was in a historic district, replacing the windows with standard vinyl or aluminum options was not allowed. The solution had to look appropriate for the time period and not disturb the original trim or exterior finishes. At the same time, the owner wanted better insulation and functionality, especially since they planned to continue renting out the unit.

Our Solution

We sourced historically styled wood-clad replacement windows with insulated glass and low-profile exterior frames. These windows provided the energy performance the owner needed without changing the outward appearance of the building. Each window featured true divided lite grilles to match the original layout, and the interior wood was left unfinished so the owner could stain it to match the original trim.

To begin the window installation, we carefully removed the old units from inside, protecting the original trim and surrounding plaster. We repaired sections of the frame as needed and added insulation between the window unit and rough opening to reduce air leakage. Each window was secured in place, shimmed for a snug fit, and caulked with color-matched sealant to blend with the existing materials.

Where window weights had been used in the past, we sealed off the cavities and added insulation to those areas for improved efficiency. The sashes were tested to ensure smooth operation, and new locks were installed for added security. The final step was touch-up painting and trim cleanup to make everything look original to the home.

Results

Window installation in a historic Gratz Park apartment, improving comfort and efficiency with a true divided lite wood-clad window that preserves the original charm.

The new windows look just like the originals from the street and keep the historical character of the building fully intact. Inside, the difference in comfort is immediately noticeable. The apartment feels warmer in the mornings and stays cooler in the afternoons, without the need for constant heating or cooling adjustments.

The tenant has already commented on how much quieter the unit is since the window installation. Outside noise from the street and nearby sidewalk has been greatly reduced, and the windows open and close smoothly without sticking.

This project demonstrates that a thoughtful window installation in a historic property can improve comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term value while preserving the building’s character. The owner is confident that the new windows will reduce energy costs and maintenance issues while keeping tenants happy. It is a smart upgrade that respects the past while planning for the future.