Certificate of Appropriateness · 10403 High Street · Brickelltown Character Area

Proposed Railing Design

Request for Historic Preservation Advisory Commission Review
New Design Submission

Replacing Glass Railings with Traditional Forms

Following the Commission's guidance, we are replacing the glass railings at 10403 High Street with new railing designs rooted in traditional forms and materials. We understand the importance of the Brickelltown Character Area—listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2009—and have developed four options, each drawn from historic precedent appropriate to Downtown Truckee and consistent with the character of the house.

Each design establishes a recognizable railing element as the primary visual feature. The glass that currently exists will remain, but only as a recessed element behind the new railing—providing wind protection and an additional safety barrier while the traditional railing defines the design.

This approach mirrors what we see in other successful projects within the historic district. The RMU building, Truckee Tavern, and the Flying A each incorporate glass thoughtfully—and two of the last five HPAC Excellence in Historic Preservation awards included glass as a design element. In our case, the glass is no longer the railing itself; it serves a purely functional role for safety and wind protection, with traditional forms taking the visual lead.

Proposed Designs

Four Options with Historic Precedent

1
Operable Sliding Shutters
CLOSED OPEN Stacked Wind screen visible only when shutters open

Historic Context

Sliding shutters have deep roots in agricultural and mountain architecture throughout the Sierra—from railroad-era buildings to working ranches. When closed, they present a solid traditional face consistent with Brickelltown's character. The shutters are unambiguously the primary design element.

Estimated Cost $18,000 - $28,000
Character Reference Barn / Agricultural
Flexibility Open, Closed, Partial
2
Folding Accordion Shutters
OPEN CLOSED Bifold panels frame the wind screen when open

Historic Context

Bifold shutters compress the barn-door concept into a more compact arrangement. This form has precedent in European alpine architecture as well as American plantation and craftsman traditions. The folding panels remain the dominant visual element in any position.

Estimated Cost $15,000 - $22,000
Character Reference Alpine / Craftsman
Space Required Minimal (panels fold)
3
Horizontal Cable Rail
CABLE RAILING Wind screen recessed behind cables

Historic Context

Horizontal cable systems appear throughout Tahoe and Sierra mountain architecture—on lodges, ski facilities, and residences dating back decades. The cable reads clearly as the barrier element. This form has become part of the regional mountain vernacular.

Estimated Cost $8,000 - $12,000
Character Reference Mountain / Lodge
View Openness High
4
Traditional Vertical Balusters
BALUSTER RAILING Wind screen recessed behind traditional balusters

Historic Context

Vertical wood balusters represent the most universally recognized railing form, found on porches and balconies throughout Truckee's history. The balusters are unambiguously "the railing"—identical in concept to storm windows or enclosed porches found on historic homes throughout the district.

Estimated Cost $6,000 - $10,000
Character Reference Universal Residential
Maintenance Standard wood care
Comparison
Option Cost Installation Character Operability
1. Sliding Shutters $18-28K 1-2 weeks Barn/Agricultural Full range
2. Accordion Shutters $15-22K 5-8 days Alpine/Craftsman Full range
3. Cable Rail $8-12K 3-5 days Mountain/Lodge Fixed
4. Vertical Balusters $6-10K 2-4 days Universal Fixed
Request
Certificate of Appropriateness
We respectfully request the Commission's guidance on which design direction best serves the Brickelltown Character Area. We are prepared to proceed with any of the four options presented, each of which:
  • Replaces glass railings with traditional railing forms consistent with the house
  • Draws from historic precedent appropriate to Downtown Truckee
  • Retains glass only for wind protection and safety behind the railing
  • Responds directly to the Commission's guidance

We share the Commission's commitment to preserving and enhancing the historic character of Downtown Truckee while encouraging compatible new development.

Guesthouse · 10403 High Street · Brickelltown Character Area · January 2026