HomeMy WebLinkAboutPage Application HDC Facades
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define and divide space including the kind and texture and
exposure of wall sidings and trims, and the location,
number and design of all window and door openings.
Wall area refers to the proportion, rhythm, and scale of
walls, their associated openings and their relationship to
buildings within the area of influence. Applicants should
provide a design that demonstrates sympathy to the
proportions, rhythms, and scale of the prevailing patterns
of development within the immediate surroundings of the
subject property. Drawings submitted should be graphic in
nature, convey overall proportions and to scale.
In general, it is APPROPRIATE to:
x Orient window and door openings vertically and symmetrically within a given wall area.
x Space openings and projections in such a way as to clearly identify floor elevations within a given
wall area.
In general, it is INAPPROPRIATE to:
x Orient window openings horizontally in a primary wall area. An example would be modern strip
windows set high above the finished floor which are out of proportion and rhythm within the
district.
x Space openings and projections so as to obscure floor elevations and create asymmetrical rhythms
within a given wall area.
i. Roof Area
Roof area means the outside covering of a building or structure extending above the vertical walls
including the form, material, and texture of the roof, and including the slope and pitch, spacing of roof
covering; size, design, number and location of dormers, the design and placement of cornices, and the
size, design, material and location of chimneys.
There are many roof types present within the historic district such as Mansard, Gable, Hip, Gambrel,
Shed, Dutch Gable, etc. For this reason applicants should attempt to resemble the prevailing patterns of
development within the area of influence of the subject property. Drawings submitted should be graphic
in nature, convey overall proportions and to scale.
Material traditions found throughout the district include asphalt, slate and wood shingles, standing seam
metal, metal shingles, and copper.
j. Facades
Facade means the face of a building.
Façade refers to the textural appearance of the materials that will contribute to a building’s character and
appearance. Generally materials for new construction should match or mimic those found in the
prevailing patterns of development within the area of influence. However, materials need not be
identical to those found within the Historic District if they are complementary, particularly in areas
where there is a diversity of materials. Drawings submitted should be graphic in nature, convey overall
proportions and to scale.
Figure 58. These new townhouses have
utilized corniced parapet walls to visual-
ly screen their flat roofs.
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Material traditions found throughout the district include brick and concrete masonry; cement stucco;
wood lap siding; and wood board and batten.
Inappropriate materials include those that unsuccessfully pretend to be something they are not, such as
vinyl siding, aluminum or vinyl weatherboards, “brick” panels, other stamped products, T -111, and
Exterior Insulation Finish System (EFIS).
In general, it is APPROPRIATE to:
x Employ exterior materials that are present on buildings within the area of influence.
x Employ modern exterior materials that closely resemble the proportions, rhythm, scale, and mass of
exterior materials that are present on buildings within the area of influence.
In general, it is INAPPROPRIATE to:
x Employ materials that are out of proportion, scale or mass to exterior materials that are present on
buildings within the area of influence.
x Employ materials that can not be assembled in a manner that would mimic the rhythms of exterior
materials that are present on buildings within the area of influence.
Exceptions:
The Historic District Commission, strictly on a case by case basis, will consider materials generally
deemed inappropriate if:
There is a sufficient evidence to show another more appropriate material would not satisfy code
requirements;
There is sufficient evidence to show the material being proposed is superior in durability and longevity
to more appropriate materials;
The applicant should submit samples and documentation of an proposed new material to the
Commission prior to submission of an application for review.
k. Detailing
Detailing means architectural aspects that, due to particular treatment, draw attention to certain parts or
features of a building.
Detailing refers to trim pieces that include moldings, decorative elements and features that are
secondary to the major wall surfaces and materials.
Historical trim and detail moldings are both functional and
help to identify historical styles which may place a building
within a specific time period. Modern trim generally does
not serve a functional need, but does provide for transition
between dissimilar building materials and can be used to
enhance a building’s proportions, rhythm, scale and
massing to more closely mimic buildings within the area of
influence.
Common detail elements include cornices, lintels, arches,
balustrades, chimneys, shutters, columns, posts and other
architectural features. Where an applicant may choose to
use these elements in a strictly decorative fashion it is
encouraged that they appear as if they would be functional.
Figure 59. Split-face concrete block
can be used as a foundation material to
convey that even an replica in all other
respects of a historic building is in fact
contemporary.