FAQs

The historic window renovations were approved by the Installation in 2014, with consultation from the Virginia State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for all homes deemed eligible under the National Historic Register. All materials and installation methods were reviewed and approved by both parties.

The remaining historic window renovations will adhere to the Program Comment for Department of the Army Inter-war Historic Housing, Associated Buildings and Structures, and Landscape Features (1919–1940) approved in September 2020 and will preserve the historic and architectural design integrity that has made Belvoir a special place for generations of military families.

To minimize inconvenience to the military families we serve, window replacements only occur once a family has moved out. Since renovations will occur on a rolling basis as homes become available, the anticipated completion is expected in 2025.

Work hours at each of the vacant home sites are Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 18:00 and Saturday 09:00 to 18:00. 

Resident safety is our top priority. Accordingly, our contractor is following all local, state, federal, and OSHA regulations, as well as their own industry-leading safety best practices to create incident-free construction sites at each vacant home. Residents must adhere to all posted safety signage and refrain from entering any areas marked as designated construction areas. Due to the nature of the work and the location of the homes within our active family communities, we ask for extra vigilance in helping children and pets also abide by these important safety guidelines.

No, resident relocation is not required. Historic window renovations will occur on a rolling basis as residents vacate their homes. 

Storm windows improve the energy efficiency of a home. The original wood windows remaining in some historic homes include exterior storm windows for energy efficiency and resident comfort. Between 2010 and 2020, depending on their condition, original wood windows were either replaced or renovated on many of our great historic homes. For renovated windows, the original windows were taken off-site for restoration, where dedicated craftsmen carefully removed the paint, repaired glass panes as needed, and added new pulley systems. The renovated windows were reinstalled with exterior storm windows as required by the SHPO to replicate their historic counterparts. Based on resident feedback, the Villages elected to upgrade these renovated windows to include operable storm windows, which allow residents to open both sets of windows.

Homes that received new, replacement wood windows do not require storm windows due to their construction using double-paned, energy efficient glass similar to what you would see in a typical new home. 

Unfortunately, due to the age and nature of the historic windows and the painting process over many decades, homes that have not received window improvements may still have some original wood windows that are inoperable. Resident feedback about inoperable windows is one of the main reasons the window replacement and renovation initiative was started. Although Installation and industry guidelines dictate that we cannot replace these historic windows until a family moves out, rest assured that the original windows all undergo a rigorous inspection program that includes multiple inspections at move-in by Army QA/QC and Villages personnel, as well as annual preventative maintenance inspections. Part of the annual inspection includes checking for at least one operable window in each bedroom. We understand and do apologize for the inconvenience associated with inoperable windows.

For emergencies, contact 911 immediately. For all other inquiries, please contact Kim Saroglou, Assistant Community Director of the Villages at Belvoir, at ksaroglou@tmo.com. 

The Villages at Belvoir is proud to continue our stewardship of the heralded historic homes on the Installation. Residents are encouraged to visit the Fairfax Village Neighborhood Center’s historic timeline model and look for signs and plaques in each neighborhood identifying important historic resources. Detailed village histories and stories from residents who lived in these neighborhoods over the last several decades are highlighted on the Fort Belvoir Housing History website.