Historic Window Preservation in Indianapolis
Indianapolis' architectural soul resides in its historic district windows—from the Victorian gems of Irvington to the Italianate masterpieces in Lockerbie Square. At Window Makers LLC, we don't just repair windows; we practice architectural preservation, specializing in historically accurate wood window restoration that meets Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission guidelines while solving modern comfort issues.
Why Indianapolis Historic District Homeowners Trust Us
Each Indianapolis neighborhood presents unique challenges: Irvington's ornate Victorian windows demand delicate restoration, Old Northside's massive double-hungs require structural expertise, while Fountain Square's mixed-use buildings need commercial-grade solutions. With 30+ years serving Marion County, we understand the specific preservation requirements for each historic district.
Indianapolis-Specific Historic Window Expertise:
- IHPC compliance – Approved repairs for all designated historic districts
- Victorian window restoration – Irvington's ornate sash windows with decorative glass
- Italianate window preservation – Lockerbie Square's tall, narrow double-hungs
- Arts & Crafts era window repair – Meridian-Kessler's divided light patterns
- Commercial storefront restoration – Fountain Square and Mass Ave business windows
- Stained glass stabilization – For Indianapolis churches and landmark buildings
- Lead-safe work practices – Certified for pre-1978 Indianapolis homes
Our Indianapolis Historic District Process
We serve all Indianapolis historic districts: Irvington, Old Northside, Lockerbie Square, Fountain Square, Meridian-Kessler, Chatham-Arch, Holy Rosary, Bates-Hendricks, and more. Our process begins with a preservation assessment documenting original materials, identifying replacement parts needed, and creating an IHPC-compliant repair plan. We salvage over 95% of original material whenever possible.
Indianapolis Historic Window Consultation
Preservation Hotline: +1-317-474-2368
Free IHPC-compliant assessment for Indianapolis historic homeowners. We'll document your windows, identify preservation opportunities, and provide a historically accurate repair plan.
Indianapolis Historic Districts & Neighborhoods We Serve
North Central Districts
- Old Northside Historic District
- Meridian-Kessler
- Crown Hill Neighborhood
- Fall Creek Place
East Side Historic Areas
- Irvington Historic District
- Woodruff Place
- Little Flower
- Emerson Heights
Downtown & Near-East
- Lockerbie Square
- Chatham-Arch
- Mass Avenue
- Fletcher Place
South Side Districts
- Fountain Square
- Bates-Hendricks
- Holy Rosary
- University Heights
Service Area: All Indianapolis historic districts & Marion County
Why Restoration Over Replacement in Indianapolis?
Replacing historic Indianapolis windows can trigger IHPC violations, tax credit disqualifications, and 15-25% property value reductions in historic districts. Our restoration approach:
| Option | Cost (Avg. 10 windows) | Historic Value Impact | IHPC Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Vinyl Replacement | $6,000-$9,000 | Reduces property value 15-25% | Violation - Denied by commission |
| Our Historic Restoration | $4,500-$7,500 | Preserves 100% historic value + tax credits | Fully compliant - Pre-approved |
| Custom Wood Replicas | $15,000-$25,000 | Preserves most value | Conditional approval needed |
Indianapolis-Specific Preservation Services:
- IHPC application assistance – We help navigate preservation commissions
- Period-custom storm windows – Interior storms for historic compliance
- Lead-safe work practices – Certified for pre-1978 Indianapolis homes
- Stained glass restoration – Partnering with Indianapolis glass artisans
- Commercial historic window repair – For Indianapolis landmark buildings
- Wavy glass preservation – Maintaining authentic historic appearance
Indianapolis Historic Preservation Fast Facts:
- Irvington (designated 1987) – Over 3,000 historic structures
- Old Northside (designated 1980) – Victorian & Italianate predominance
- Lockerbie Square – Indianapolis' oldest surviving neighborhood
- IHPC requirements – All exterior changes must be approved
- Tax credits – Up to 20% for certified historic preservation
Schedule Designed for Indianapolis Historic Homeowners
We understand the unique needs of historic district residents. Offering:
- IHPC pre-consultations – Before formal commission submissions
- Flexible scheduling – Around historic district events and restrictions
- Phased restoration plans – Multi-year projects for extensive work
- Documentation packages – For tax credit applications and future sales
