03/19/2026
In an age where replacement is often simplified to be easier, faster, and cheaper, we are reminded that the true value of an historic building lies in what remains, not what is replaced.
The windows of the Milliken Memorial Community House were specified in 1928 by architect George Koyl, then Dean of the Yale School of Architecture and a member of the distinguished firm Marr & Holman. The windows are not simply functional elements, they are part of the building’s architectural design.
These windows were crafted with intention: mathematical proportion, profiles informed by centuries of design theory, and use native materials, all carefully considered to complement the structure as a whole. Their wavy glass carries nearly a century of light. Their authentic wood grain and joinery communicates an era of local expertise, true craftsmanship, and are essentially the work of a master of their profession.
To replace them would be to erase that legacy, to erase an object that was used by your grandparents, their parents, to deny ourselves and future generations a tangible connection to our shared ancestry.
Equally as important, repairing these original windows preserves not only the intrinsic value they possess, but is economically the best option; and here's why:
Repair keeps our money at home.
The repair of these windows is simple enough that locals can fix them, meaning that local working families benefit, which keeps money circling in our local economy. New windows would likely place our money in the hands of big business, located elsewhere outside of our community.
Longevity
The Community House's windows have now lasted 100 years. They currently are in need of repair, but still don't need replacement, just typical upkeep. A new window with argon gas and vinyl or aluminum components may last 20-30 years and before needing replacement due to seal leaks and fogging.
Tourism and Marketability
New aluminum and vinyl windows just don't match up to the beauty of historic painted wood windows. Their contemporary, complicated, and one-size-fits-all clumsy design can immediately be detected for their lack of character and authenticity. Tourism potential wise, no one is coming to tour historic buildings to admire new replacement windows. Bottom line: tourism, or if not established yet, the potential of tourism, is an asset that brings in guests who generate income for our community. Beauty in historic buildings doesn't come from inauthentic materials attempting to play the role of the real McCoy.
Restoring the original windows for the Milliken Memorial Community House will continue to be the best choice for this important landmark.
Historic preservation is not only about honoring the past, it is about building a stronger, more resilient local economy.
Special thanks to Kentucky Heritage Council - SHPO for your dedication to providing helpful public information in the form of window restoration workshops and literature.
