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Attachment 2 - Letters of JustificationShiloh Witcosky Senior Design Consultant - Renewal by Andersen On behalf of the homeowner:  Mickael Forsman  16760 Magneson Loop  Los Gatos, CA  Date: August 4, 2025 Town of Los Gatos Planning Department  110 E. Main Street  Los Gatos, CA 95030 RE: Request for Window Replacement Without Grilles – Justification Letter for 16760 Magneson Loop To Whom It May Concern, I am writing on behalf of the homeowner at the above property to respectfully request approval for the replacement of the home’s windows using Andersen Acclaim composite units without grilles. These windows have a true wood-like appearance, a ﬂat ﬁnish, and mortise-style joints to maintain historical integrity while improving energy efﬁciency and longevity. This proposal ATTACHMENT 2 seeks to remove the existing grilles, which were likely not part of the home’s original design. Architectural Background This home is located within a small cluster of storybook- style homes constructed between the 1920s and late 1930s, making them eligible under Los Gatos’s “built before 1941” criteria. These whimsical, European-inspired homes feature dramatic rooﬂines, asymmetrical façades, and charming handcrafted details. The window designs used in this style historically varied—many were large, clear-paned, and intentionally lacked divided lights to balance the visual complexity of the home’s silhouette and textured materials. While it is true that many whimsical Tudor and storybook homes from this era featured ornate leaded glass or divided lights, it is also important to note that the windows being replaced on this property are not original. The one window on the front façade that is both architecturally signiﬁcant and features intricate leaded glass will be retained. This element is one of the few remaining examples of such craftsmanship on the street and helps preserve the historic character of the home. 16760 Magneson Loop (replacement in question - leaded glass remains) Neighborhood Precedent A walk-through visual survey of Magneson Loop conﬁrms the presence of multiple nearby homes that feature grille- free window replacements. Most notably: -Directly next door, the adjacent home features modern replacement windows without grilles. (16750 Magneson Loop)   - Directly across the street, another home of similar style and age also features clear-pane windows without grid patterns. (16771 Magneson Loop) These examples establish a clear and recent precedent for gridless windows within this immediate architectural cluster. Both homes preserve the character and charm of the neighborhood while opting for simpler, historically appropriate glazing patterns. 16750 Magneson Loop - Nextdoor Neighbor has replaced with completely clear glass. 16750 Magneson Loop - Close Up Next Door 160760 Magneson Loop - Directly Across the Street 160760 Magneson Loop - Directly Across the Street These wood pocket, wood core frames seem to be very likely original Preservation of Style and Intent Although the current windows on the subject property do contain grilles, these are later additions, inconsistent with some of the original construction trends. The homeowner’s choice to return to clean, grille-free windows—while retaining the original leaded-glass front window—reﬂects a sensitive and historically aligned approach to restoration. The proposed Andersen Acclaim units deliver exceptional visual ﬁdelity to wood while meeting today’s performance standards. This ensures material and aesthetic compatibility with the historic nature of the home and surrounding area. Summary Checklist of Justification Points - ✅ Architectural style (storybook/whimsical) often featured leaded glass or clear-paned windows  - ✅ Windows being replaced are not original; front façade leaded glass window will remain  - ✅ Historical reference supports gridless windows in homes of this vintage (1920s–30s) (living Places)  - ✅ Two neighboring homes—one next door and one across the street—have recently installed gridless window replacements  - ✅ Proposed windows maintain appropriate material appearance and visual quality  We respectfully request that the Planning Department to consider and approve this proposal based on the neighborhood context, architectural accuracy, and the clear visual precedent set by immediate neighbors. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. Sincerely,  Shiloh Witcosky  On behalf of Mickael Forsman  Switcosky@renewalbayarea.com  (408) 564-9341 To the Esteemed Members of the Los Gatos Historical Preservation Committee, Subject: Request for Approval to Modify Window Grids at 16760 Magneson Loop, Los Gatos I am writing to respectfully request your committee's consideration and approval for a proposed modification to certain windows at my residence located at 16760 Magneson Loop in Los Gatos. As you are aware, my home, a beautiful white Tudor- style house built in the 1930s, is recognized as a historically significant property within our cherished community. I deeply value and am committed to preserving the unique character and historical integrity that defines my home and contributes to the rich heritage of Los Gatos. My proposal involves the removal of the decorative grids from a select few windows on the property. Specifically, I am seeking to remove the grids from one large window in the living room, which directly faces the street, and five windows on the side of the house that are partially visible from the street. The primary motivation for this request stems from a desire to enhance the aesthetic clarity and natural light within these specific interior spaces, while simultaneously refining the exterior presentation of these particular windows. Upon careful consideration of the house's original architectural intent and the evolution of its design over time, I believe that the grids on these specific windows, particularly the large living room window, introduce a visual busyness that detracts from the elegant simplicity and expansive views that the Tudor style can also embody. Removing them will allow for a more unobstructed connection with the surrounding landscape, bringing more natural light into the living areas and creating a more harmonious visual flow from both inside and out. It is crucial to emphasize that this request is highly selective and thoughtfully considered. I am fully committed to retaining the distinctive historical elements of my home. To that end, I will be preserving the most historically styled window, featuring its original leaded grids, which also faces directly onto the street. This iconic window will continue to serve as a prominent historical feature, ensuring that the quintessential Tudor character of the facade remains intact and celebrated. My aim is not to diminish the historical value of the property, but rather to subtly refine certain aspects in a manner that I believe will enhance its overall beauty and livability, while still honoring its architectural heritage. I understand and respect the vital role the Historical Preservation Committee plays in safeguarding Los Gatos's unique architectural legacy. I am confident that these proposed changes, by focusing on specific windows and deliberately preserving the most significant historical elements, will contribute positively to the property's appearance without compromising its historical designation. I am available to provide any further information, architectural drawings, or to meet with the committee at your earliest convenience to discuss this request in more detail. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter. Sincerely, Mickael Forsman mickaelforsman@gmail.com Mobile +1-650-380-7064 16760 Magneson Loop Los Gatos, CA (USA) This Page Intentionally Left Blank