Many thanks for the info. Mark Henderson This is quite helpful.

How is it possible that the U.S. Department of Interior is being allowed to
replace all 5000 or so wood windows in their building in DC with new?

The US Dept. of the Interior are the folks who have brought us " The Secretary
of the Interior's Standards for Preserving Buildings "  Under the Standards
Item #2 states:  "The historic character of a property will be retained and
preserved. The replacement of intact or repairable historic materials… will be
avoided"

        The replacement of windows in this landmark structure creates the biggest
mockery to those individuals and institutions who fight for the conservation
of  America's buildings.  I can think of no greater slap in the face than the
US Dept. of Interior's lack of respect for their own standards.

        The acceptance of this approach to building "upgrading"  will cost the
American tax payer  significantly more than the repair and thermal upgrading
of  the existing windows. This replacement approach gives the window
replacement business more ammunition in the fighting the conservation of
historic buildings.

        This is a plea to you and your associates to do what ever you can to save
these "repairable" windows and set a new standard for preservation.

        In this new year let's hope for a greater understanding of the value of
retaining a building's architectural integrity into the next century.


                                                        Sincerely,


                                                        John H. Stahl

        PS. I am still unclear as to who the decision makers are in Washington that
allow this.  Any information would be appreciated.

        For further information : http://www.facilitiesnet.com/NS/NS2b7bc.html.

        PSS: Project is approximately 50% completed. Congress has put the remaining
project on hold pending funding.