Heritage Commission Debates Privacy Glass for Stiefel Theatre Restroom Window

During the Aug. 5 Salina Heritage Commission meeting, commissioners discussed how to handle glass treatment on one window of the historic Fox-Watson Theater, now the Stiefel Theatre that serves a women's restroom.

Staff recommended that replacement glass be clear with no visible tint, consistent with a July 8, 2026 correspondence from the State Historic Preservation Office, which stated there should be "little to no tint applied to the glass" and that a clear low-E coating would be acceptable while dark tinting would greatly alter the appearance of the windows.

The applicant proposed one exception: frosted or obscured glass on the fifth window, which serves the restroom, citing direct visibility from across the street. Technical director Kent Hughes said the bottom sashes of that window are already frosted and proposed matching the frosting across both the top and bottom panes of that single window unit.

Several commissioners raised concerns that frosted glass on one window would create an obvious visual difference across the repetitive window facade. Commissioner Maggie Gillam cited the Lee Lofts, where a resident applied reflective film that she described as "really kind of an eyesore." Commissioners suggested the applicant explore alternative privacy solutions such as blinds or blackout curtains rather than altering the glass, to keep the facade uniform.

No final decision was made on the glass treatment, as the overall application was postponed to a continued hearing set for Aug. 28.