Neighborhood Spotlight: Window Upgrades in the Broadmoor Area

The Broadmoor neighborhood is one of the most beautiful areas in Colorado Springs. With its mix of historic estates from the 1920s through the 1940s, mid-century homes, and modern builds, it has a character that is distinctly its own. The mature trees, mountain views, and proximity to the Broadmoor Hotel make it one of the most desirable places to live along the Front Range.

But those beautiful older homes come with window challenges that I see every week.

What Makes Broadmoor Homes Unique

The Broadmoor area has an architectural range that you do not find in many Colorado Springs neighborhoods. Walk down one street and you will see a Tudor-revival estate from the 1930s next to a ranch-style home from the 1960s next to a custom modern build from last year.

This variety means there is no one-size-fits-all approach to window replacement here. The windows in a 1925 estate are completely different from those in a 1975 ranch, and both require a different approach than new construction.

Historic Homes (1920s-1940s)

The oldest homes in the Broadmoor area often have:

• Original single-pane wood windows with rope-and-pulley counterbalances
• Custom sizes and shapes that do not match modern standard dimensions
• Leaded glass or decorative elements that homeowners want to preserve
• Multiple window groupings (three or four units ganged together) that need careful coordination

The challenge with these homes is balancing historical character with modern performance. Nobody wants to ruin the look of a gorgeous 1930s Tudor by putting in cheap vinyl windows. But those original single-pane windows are energy disasters.

Mid-Century Homes (1950s-1970s)

These homes typically have:

• Aluminum-frame windows that conduct cold straight through
• Large picture windows that were popular in the era but often poorly insulated
• Slider windows with worn-out tracks and failing seals
• Original glass that may have no Low-E coating at all

The good news is that mid-century homes usually have standard-sized openings that make replacement straightforward and cost-effective.

Modern Builds (2000s-Present)

Even newer homes in the Broadmoor area sometimes need window attention:

• Builder-grade windows that were the minimum spec, not optimal for our altitude
• Seal failures on lower-quality double-pane units (especially south and west-facing)
• Cosmetic damage from hailstorms

Matching Windows to Broadmoor Architecture

This is something I take personally. When we replace windows in a historic home, the new windows should look like they belong there. Here is how we approach it.

Grille Patterns

Original Broadmoor homes often feature divided-light windows with specific grille patterns. Modern windows can replicate these patterns using:

• Simulated divided lites (SDL) with exterior and interior bars and a spacer bar between the panes, creating the most authentic look
• Grilles between the glass (GBG) that sit inside the sealed unit, easier to clean but less authentic-looking from outside
• Traditional-profile bars that match the width and detail of original wood mullions

For a true period home, I always recommend SDL grilles. The difference from the street is night and day compared to flat GBG grilles.

Color and Finish

The exterior color of your window frames matters more in the Broadmoor than in many neighborhoods. White or almond frames look fine on some homes but would be completely wrong on a dark-stained Tudor or a brick Colonial.

Andersen offers a wide range of exterior colors including dark bronze, forest green, and terratone that complement Broadmoor’s traditional architecture. Custom colors are also available for projects where an exact match is important.

Interior Wood Options

Many Broadmoor homeowners want the warmth of real wood on the interior. Andersen’s wood interior options (with a low-maintenance exterior cladding) give you the best of both worlds: the beauty of stained or painted wood inside, with a weather-resistant exterior that does not need constant maintenance.

HOA Considerations

Several Broadmoor-area neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations with architectural review committees. If your neighborhood has an HOA, here is what you need to know:

1. Check your CC&Rs for specific requirements about window appearance, color, and style
2. Submit plans before ordering to avoid delays and costly changes
3. Get it in writing by obtaining formal approval from the architectural committee
4. Keep records of the approved specifications for future reference

We have worked with multiple Broadmoor-area HOAs and can help you prepare submission materials. In most cases, as long as the replacement windows match or improve upon the original style, approval is straightforward.

Energy Performance in Broadmoor Homes

Broadmoor’s location along the west side of Colorado Springs gives it some specific climate characteristics:

• Mountain shadow effects mean less direct sun in winter, making insulation even more important
• Proximity to the foothills can bring stronger gusts during windstorms
• Mature trees provide some natural shading but also block winter solar gain in certain orientations

For most Broadmoor homes, I recommend at minimum double-pane windows with Low-E coatings and argon gas fills. For north-facing windows and larger picture windows, triple-pane upgrades provide noticeably better comfort and noise reduction.

Recent Dream Windows Projects in the Broadmoor Area

We have completed a number of projects in and around the Broadmoor neighborhood. While we respect our customers’ privacy, here are a few representative examples:

1930s English Tudor, 16 windows: Replaced original single-pane wood windows with Andersen E-Series in dark bronze with SDL grille patterns matching the original design. Homeowner reported a dramatic reduction in heating costs and finally had consistent temperatures throughout the home.

1965 Ranch, 12 windows: Replaced failing aluminum-frame windows with Andersen 400 Series double-hung and casement windows. New Low-E glass with argon fill. Clean, classic look that updated the home without changing its character.

2005 Custom Build, 8 windows: Replaced builder-grade vinyl windows (south and west elevations) that had seal failures after just 17 years. Upgraded to Fibrex frames with triple-pane glass for improved performance and longevity at altitude.

Planning Your Broadmoor Window Project

If you own a home in the Broadmoor area and you are thinking about window replacement, here is my recommended approach:

1. Start with an assessment. We will inspect every window in your home, identify the ones that are failing or underperforming, and prioritize the biggest problems.
2. Consider the architecture. We will recommend styles, grille patterns, and finishes that match your home’s character.
3. Check with your HOA. We will help you navigate the approval process if needed.
4. Plan the project. Whether you want to do the whole house at once or phase it over time, we will create a plan that fits your budget and timeline.

Schedule a Free Broadmoor Area Consultation

We know this neighborhood and we care about getting it right. Call (719) 238-5419 or browse our whole-home window replacement options and neighborhoods we serve to get started.