Windows for Cleveland landmarks and historic districts.
Replacing windows on a Cleveland landmark or in a historic district? The City's guide says standard vinyl usually is not appropriate there, and names aluminum-clad wood and aluminum among the materials that can be. We supply both.
D.W. Ross supplies windows; the contractor doing the work installs them. If you don't have an installer, we can recommend one from our list of trusted contractors.
The address, a photo of each elevation and the opening sizes. Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Vinyl usually is not the answer on the street side.
The Cleveland Landmarks Commission's residential window guide says standard vinyl and vinyl-clad windows are not typically considered appropriate for homes in designated Historic Districts or on individually designated Cleveland Landmarks.
The same guide lists aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass, composite and aluminum or metal among durable and appropriate replacement materials.
Windows on elevations not visible from the street may be reviewed by Commission staff for vinyl. A change to the style, material, grids or window type may need the Commission's design review, and the work needs a permit from the Department of Building and Housing.
What we supply for a historic opening.
Sierra Pacific aluminum-clad wood
Aluminum outside, wood inside, in double-hung, radius-top, sliding, awning and casement. D.W. Ross is a Sierra Pacific dealer.
Sierra Pacific windowsThermally broken aluminum
For historic buildings, storefronts and loft conversions, in project, fixed and hung styles, anodized or painted.
Thermally broken aluminum windowsArched and radius-top openings
The guide asks that an arched window keep its shape. Sierra Pacific makes radius-top units.
Built to the opening
The guide asks that original openings not be eliminated or altered, and that dimensions and profiles be matched. We size each window to the opening you have.
Windows built to the openingVinyl where it fits
For the back of the house where Commission staff allow it, or a house outside a district, vinyl from rental-grade to fully custom.
Vinyl windows
Where the City’s rules come from.
Every statement on this page about what the Landmarks Commission reviews or allows is from the City’s own guide. The Commission decides each project; check with its office before you order.
Cleveland Landmarks Commission, City of Cleveland: Residential Window Repair and Replacement Guide: Designated Landmarks and Historic/Landmark Districts, retrieved October 27, 2026.
Start with the elevations.
Send the address, a photo of each side of the house and rough sizes for each opening. Tell us which windows face the street. We will match each opening to a window line, and you or your contractor take it to the Landmarks Commission.
Questions buyers ask
Can I use vinyl windows in a Cleveland historic district?
The Landmarks Commission's guide says standard vinyl and vinyl-clad windows are not typically considered appropriate in designated Historic Districts or on Cleveland Landmarks. Windows not visible from the street may be reviewed by staff for vinyl. The Commission decides each project.
What window materials does the guide list as appropriate?
Aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass, composite and aluminum or metal, among others. We supply Sierra Pacific aluminum-clad wood and thermally broken aluminum.
Do I need approval to replace windows on a landmark?
The guide says window replacement goes through the Landmarks Commission office and needs a permit from the Department of Building and Housing. Changing the style, material, grids or window type may need the Commission's design review.
Do you handle the Landmarks application?
No. We supply the windows and help match each opening. You or your contractor file with the Commission and the City.
Do you install the windows?
No. We supply them; the contractor doing the work installs them. If you don't have an installer, we can recommend one from our list of trusted contractors.
Send the house.
The address, photos of each elevation, and a width and height for each opening.
(216) 631-8080Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. 3195 West 63rd Street, Cleveland, OH 44102.