Preservation is not just a means of preserving the integrity of the built environment -- it can also be a driver for the local economy and a sound business option.  Window reconstruction is a thorny issue for many, first raised when the vinyl window fad blew through.  In the intervening years, the poor performance and short lifespan of the vinyl products have become evident.  And it has become clear that rehabilitating existing historic windows is often the best and most durable option.  It is often the most efficient choice from an energy standpoint.  The links go to the window preservation resources from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has been working to get the word out about the need to preserve windows and also become more energy efficient.  But it can still be a hard sell.  And most window installers aren't going to give you that side of the story.

Here's an example though of a person in North Carolina who initially got involved with his own properties and gradual expanded into his community in the course of revitalization work and now finds himself in a thriving regional business.

While there are not a lot of resources in the immediate area helping homeowners learn the skills needed for historically appropriate home improvements, we are not far from organizations with substantial calendars of educational events, tours and workshops.  If you find yourself heading to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, see if you schedule will permit you to check out any of the offerings of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelhpia or the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation.

You can also learn a lot just by looking closely as you walk around your own neighborhood and seeing what needs work and what kinds of improvements others are making.  Look for historic details like the beautiful brass door hardware on the doors to the LNC office, pictured here.  Or you could visit a Borough Historic Architectural Review Board meeting.  The next one is November 12 at 5pm at the Borough Building (itself an example of thoughtful historic preservation -- though not a place where restored historic windows are in evidence).

The Bull Run Neighborhood Committee will be submitting an application to HARB this coming month for a screen to be built around the portable restrooms in Hufnagle Park.  All the meetings are open to the public.  You can come and see what's involved in submitting an application and get a better understanding of the ethic of preservation.