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Historic_Design_Guidelines_9-22-2022Prattville Historic District Design guiDelines City of Prattville, Alabama Prepared by PaleoWest, LLC, 2022 2 | | 3 CONTENTS 6 INTRODUCTION 7 Purpose of the Updated 2022 Guidelines 7 How to Use the Design Guidelines 8 The Role of Preservation in Prattville Why Preserve Prattville? What Does the Prattville Historic District Provide? 9 Benefits of Historic Preservation in Prattville Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation Construction Quality and Longevity of Structures Historic Preservation Creates Jobs Historic Preservation Provides Environmental Benefits 11 Brief History of Prattville 13 Architectural Styles Residential Commercial 17 The Review Process Examples of Projects That Require a Certificate of Appropriateness Applying for a Certificate of Appropriateness 19 Administrative and Expedited Review 21 ResIDeNTIal 21 Site Design Orientation and Spacing Driveways and Sidewalks Alleyways Landscaping Streetscape Fences 25 Alterations and Rehabilitation Architectural Details and Features Awnings Roofs Decks Porches Ramps Staircases and Fire Escapes Lighting Windows Shutters and Storm Windows Siding Materials Painting Entrances and Doors 34 Additions Compatibility With Existing Buildings Distinction From Historic Buildings Protection of Existing Historic Buildings 35 Alterations to Non-Contributing Residential Buildings 36 New Construction New Construction Design Size, Scale, Rhythm, and Massing Architectural Features and Elements Materials 38 Accessory Structures Existing Accessory Structures New Accessory Structures 39 Miscellaneous Solar Panels Mechanical Equipment | 5 Pools Flag Poles 40 COmmeRCIal 40 Site Design Orientation and Spacing Setbacks Size, Scale, Massing, and Form Landscaping Sidewalks and Street Furnishings Public Art Parking Lots and Structures Fencing and Walls Street Lighting 46 Alterations and Rehabilitation Architectural Details and Features Canopies and Awnings Doors, Entrances, and Storefronts Roofs Windows Shutters and Storm Windows Siding Materials Painting Lighting Staircases and Fire Escapes 55 Additions Compatibility with Existing Buildings Distinction from Historic Buildings Protection of Existing Historic Buildings Roof Additions 57 Alterations to Non-Contributing Commercial Buildings 57 New Construction New Construction Design Size, Scale, Rhythm, and Massing Architectural Features and Elements Materials 59 Signage Historic Commercial Buildings Non-Historic Commercial Buildings 61 Miscellaneous Mechanical Equipment Solar Panels Flag Poles Accessory Structures and Storm Shelters 62 DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION OF BUILDINGS 62 Demolition Guidelines 63 Relocation of Buildings Guidelines 64 MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP 64 Best Practices Architectural Features Materials 65 APPENDIX 65 Secretary of the Interior’s Standards 66 Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-68-6 66 Further Information 68 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS PurPose of the uPDAteD 2022 GuiDeLines | 7 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE UPDATED 2022 GUIDELINES in 2021, the City of Prattville was awarded a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to update design guidelines for the Prattville historic District. the original guidelines from 2007 established a set of criteria for appropriate rehabilitation work, new construction, alterations, and demolition of properties within the boundaries of the historic district. the 2022 design guidelines expand upon the original guidelines, so that the City of Prattville will be following the most up to date cultural resource management practices in the industry. in addition, the 2007 guidelines contained separate documents for residential and commercial work; the updated document combines both residential and commercial guidelines into one document for the sake of convenience. HOW TO USE THE DESIGN GUIDELINES Design guidelines will help manage the balance between growth, development, and preservation within the community, and will protect the integrity of the historic district while enhancing property values. the design guidelines are not intended to lock the district into a specific place in time. they will serve as a rulebook for managing growth and ensuring that alterations and new construction won’t compromise the integrity of the historic district. the 2022 updated guidelines will provide property owners, architects, and developers with a clear set of criteria for work requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) within the Prattville historic District by establishing what constitutes appropriate alterations to existing properties and by setting up guidelines for compatible The historic Prattville cotton gin factory as seen from across Autauga Creek near downtown. 8 | the roLe of PreservAtion in PrAttviLLe Autauga Creek which flows past the Mill Dam. additions and new construction. each section includes examples of both appropriate and inappropriate work within the district. the established guidelines will be used by city staff and the historic Preservation Commission (hPC) to review CoA’s within the district. the hPC has adopted the secretary of the interior’s standards for rehablitation (found in the Appendix) as the basis for these guidelines. Any proposed work that does not comply with the criteria established in the guidelines can delay the CoA process and be grounds for a denial of a CoA. Additionally, any work within the Prattville historic District must also comply with Prattville’s established Municipal ordinance and all established building codes. THE ROLE OF PRESERVATION IN PRATTVILLE Prattville’s Municipal ordinance gives the hPC the power to designate contiguous areas of properties as historic districts if the properties meet a set of criteria outlined in the Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-68-6 (see appendix). to become a historic district, the hPC must recommend adoption of the historic district to City Council. City Council ultimately has the final say in whether an area becomes a historic district or not. Public notice must be sent out in advance of the public hearing to give local property owners the opportunity to voice approval or objection of the designation. there must be a clear majority of property owners for a historic district to be nominated. Prattville Mill Dam Benefits of historiC PreservAtion in PrAttviLLe | 9 under the process established in Chapter 113 of the Prattville Code of ordinances, the hPC was formed in 2002 to preserve and protect sites, districts, and structures important to the history of Prattville. Before the formation of the Prattville historic District, the hPC hired a consulting firm to survey historic properties within the city limits. the survey identified properties as either contributing or non-contributing historic structures. the City and hPC used the survey to establish the boundaries of the Prattville historic District. City Council officially adopted an ordinance that established the Prattville historic District in 2008. WHY PRESERVE PRATTVILLE? Many cities across the us have established historic districts and historic landmarks to preserve community character and protect important cultural resources. in response to the loss of significant cultural and architectural sites in the mid 20th century, Congress officially passed the national historic Preservation Act of 1966 to give state and local governments the power to enact preservation laws and regulations. in the decades since, many state and local governments have adopted their own local preservation laws tailored to the needs of their community. WHAT DOES THE PRATTVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT PROVIDE? ▪A regulatory basis for protecting significant local historic properties and areas through the CoA process. ▪Guidelines (such as these) to guide local homeowners and developers in new construction, alterations to existing properties, and best practices for repair, maintenance, and demolitions. ▪the greatest amount of protection for historic and cultural resources. ▪Many established benefits such as increased tourism, enhanced property values, and a smaller ecological footprint than contemporary construction and development. BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION IN PRATTVILLE there are numerous established benefits of historic preservation and the creation of local historic districts. studies have shown that historic preservation is an effective economic tool, providing enhanced property values, stability during economic downturns, and increased local tourism. in addition to the economic benefits, historic preservation promotes a community’s character, livability, and quality of life. More recent studies have looked at the environmental impacts of historic structures compared to their modern counterparts, and there appears to be a strong relationship between environmental sustainability and the preservation of historic structures. ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION historic preservation improves the local economy through investments, heritage tourism, and a stable tax base. the national trust for historic Preservation defines heritage tourism as, “traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.” interest in heritage tourism first profited some former industrial cities that had lost factories and manufacturing as the economy The demolition of Penn Station in New York City in 1962 galvanized the modern preservation movement in the U.S. 10 | Benefits of historiC PreservAtion in PrAttviLLe globalized in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Cities began to invest heavily in attracting investment and tax dollars by bolstering their cultural resources and promoting tourism as an economic activity. Cities such as Detroit, Michigan and Birmingham, Alabama utilized heritage tourism to bolster their local economy and help create a new identity. in the 1980’s, the national trust for historic Preservation formed the Main street Program to revitalize smaller commercial downtowns. today, the Main street program operates in over 1,200 communities across the u.s by leveraging historic and cultural resources as a driver of local tourism. A 2002 study from Auburn university in Alabama found a positive relationship between property values and designation status. other studies conducted across the nation have backed up the research, proving that properties located either in a national historic District or a local historic district such as the Prattville historic District, will maintain or increase their property values in comparison to properties located outside of districts. CONSTRUCTION QUALITY AND LONGEVITY OF STRUCTURES studies have suggested that, with proper maintenance, historic structures are likely to last longer than modern construction. According to a 2013 report by the Getty Center, the average lifespan of a traditional stone or wood building with ordinary maintenance is 100 to 120 years before structural elements need to be replaced. With proper maintenance the lifetime of historic structures can be expanded hundreds of years as evidenced by buildings in the u.s dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. Alabama’s oldest standing dwellings date to the turn of the 19th century. studies on more recent construction vary, but concrete and glass structures, on the other hand, have a standard lifetime of about 50 to 60 years. research suggests that standard strip malls and other commercial structures usually last about 30 years before they require either complete remodeling or demolition. new residential construction has a similar lifeline before major components need to be replaced. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CREATES JOBS Preservation and cultural resources create thousands of new jobs annually, and historic preservation construction jobs outpace construction jobs for new development. rehabilitation and renovation projects tend to be more labor intensive than new projects, and a greater amount of skill is required from workers. even more importantly for Prattville and similar cities, because of the nature of preservation work, labor for preservation projects almost always comes from local sources. electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and painters are just a few of the skilled trades required for a successful preservation project. in addition, architects, engineers, lawyers, real estate brokers, and public sector workers are also necessary participants and partners for any historic preservation initiative. Materials for construction also often come from local sources, creating even more revenue and jobs for the local economy. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROVIDES ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Many non-profits, research institutions, and universities have explored the relationship between historic preservation and environmental sustainability. in the u.s alone, nearly half of our carbon emissions can be attributed to the construction and operation of buildings, and the impact increases significantly when the manufacturing, infrastructure, and utilities needed to construct new houses and neighborhoods are added to the equation. Brief history of PrAttviLLe | 11 DANIEL PRATT HISTORIC DISTRICT VS. PRATTVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT Not to be confused with the Prattville Historic District, the Daniel Pratt Historic District is the designation assigned by the federal government. Federal designations are generally honorary and do not carry regulatory bindings, though they do qualify areas for certain federal incentives. The Prattville Historic District is the local designation as codified by the Prattville City Council. Local designations, such as the Prattville Historic District, are regulated by local preservation ordinances and guidelines such as these. “Green” construction has been suggested as an alternative to standard building practices to offset some of the environmental impacts associated with new construction; however, the ePA has found that it takes about 65 years for the energy savings of new energy efficient buildings to offset the waste from demolition and production of new materials. Couple this with other studies which show that new builds typically don’t last more than 30 years, and the amount of waste from new construction is staggering. the demolition of structures also adds waste in our landfills, even though many construction materials remain usable after a structure has been demolished. Certain cities in the u.s have started to require that building materials be reused in new construction as a way of keeping them out of landfills, but historic structures built to higher quality standards provide many more of these recyclable materials than modern construction does. BRIEF HISTORY OF PRATTVILLE in 1984 the Daniel Pratt historic District was added to the national register of historic Places for embodying industrial, social, and humanitarian historical significance; its association with Prattville’s founder Daniel Pratt; and the architectural significance of its historic buildings. Prattville provides a prime example of the role industry played in shaping the pre-Civil War south as the town’s industrial operations coexisted symbiotically with the agriculturally based society around it. industrialist Daniel 12 | Brief history of PrAttviLLe Pratt began manufacturing cotton gins in Autuga County in 1833, believing that the cotton farms of the region would give him a guaranteed customer base. he founded the city of Prattville to house his workers. Members of Daniel Pratt and Company expanded the manufacturing presence and the role of cotton in the town by forming Prattville Manufacturing Company, a textile mill, in 1846. in the beginning, the majority of the workers at the gin factory were enslaved workers, but over the next three decades that shifted until about three-quarters of the workers were free by the 1860’s. Many of these employees rented housing from Pratt. More than half of the town’s 1860 heads of households drew salaries from the factory or the mill. By 1860 Daniel Pratt and Company was the largest cotton gin manufacturer in the world thanks to Pratt’s choice of location, his perspicacious timing, and his ability to turn this regional relationship between cotton and gins into a defining element of the Prattville community. As Prattville’s manufacturing grew more profitable and drew increasing numbers of workers, new infrastructure and businesses were needed to support the town’s economy and residents. in 1851 a plank road connecting Prattville to the Alabama river was built. thanks to the factory and mill, Prattville was soon Autauga County’s marketing center with a lively merchant and professional class. these business people built new structures around town, including the Prattville Mercantile Company at 176 West Main street, circa 1855. After the Civil War, Prattville continued to thrive because of its industry. Jobs continued to be available, and salaries increased between 1860 and 1870. Both republicans and Democrats, typically bitterly divided over those years, praised Prattville and Daniel Pratt. Pratt and his achievements became symbolic for new south boosters of the combined power of individualism and manufacturing. Pratt was one of a few white managers of owners who continued to hire Black mechanics during reconstruction. Because good jobs were available, Prattville became a settlement center for former enslaved workers during and after the war, and in 1891, the local Black community built Ward Chapel African Methodist episcopal, then without its brick veneer. home building continued in Prattville into the twentieth century. Most of the buildings added in the 2007 resurvey of the historic district represent mid twentieth century architectural trends such as the Craftsman, ranch, and Minimal traditional styles. they combine with the remaining older domestic buildings to demonstrate the geographic, aesthetic, and social evolution of Prattville. As such, Prattville’s residential neighborhoods and the buildings they contain are important resources to consider in historic preservation efforts. C. 1910 photo showing commercial front buildings in downtown Prattville. Photo of downtown Prattville c. 1890 shows the relationship between the commercial downtown and the industrial endeavors of Daniel Pratt’s Gin Shop and Mill in the background. ArChiteCturAL styLes | 13 ARCHITECTURAL STYLES RESIDENTIAL Greek Revival (1825-1860) Greek revival architecture typically features a low pitched or hipped roof with a noticeable cornice line and wide bands of trim. in the southern united states a side gabled roof is most common. they commonly have a pediment in the gable ends of the roof and along the porch. Most Greek revivals are fronted by an entry or full-width porch supported by Greek or roman style columns. entry doors are frequently matched with sidelights and a transom. full-height or full-façade porches are the most common type found in Alabama and the American south. Gothic Revival (1840-1880) the Gothic revival style is characterized by its steeply pitched roof, cross gables decorated with elaborate vergeboards, and one-story porches. Paired gables are rarely found on Gothic revival structures. the windows on Gothic revivals will typically feature a “Gothic Arch” that extends into the gable end of the roof. Most examples are frame clad buildings, especially in the American south. Folk Victorian (1840-1910) folk victorian, also known as victorian vernacular, was one of the most common styles of residential houses to be built in the united states in the 19th century. it features many of the elements found in high styles such as Gothic revival and Queen Anne, though scaled down and more modest. folk victorians are characterized by their simple form and typically have either gable or hipped roofs. Most folk victorians have a porch with gingerbread detailing. Both one and two-story examples are commonly found. Queen Anne (1880-1910) the Queen Anne style commonly features a steeply pitched roof, with a prominent front-facing gable. Both cross gabled and hipped roofs were commonly used. towers were sometimes used, usually in a prominent position on the front façade. Gable ends typically have elaborate detailing including patterned shingles. Porches can be either one or two-story and are often decorated with elaborate columns, gingerbread detailing, and decorative brackets. one or two masonry chimneys are common. Queen Annes typically bear a resemblance to the simpler folk victorian style, though the two can be differentiated by elaborate decorative elements on the building’s exterior. Folk Victorian Queen Anne Greek Revival Gothic Revival 14 | ArChiteCturAL styLes Colonial Revival (1880-1955) the Colonial revival style builds upon the earlier Georgian and federal styles of American architecture. they typically feature a symmetrical front façade, with asymmetrical building forms being less common. Later examples of the style may have a built-in garage. Builders frequently constructed a pedimented entryway supported by narrow columns, with sidelights and transom lights on entryway doors. Double-hung windows with multi-pane glazing are frequently paired on the facade. on symmetrical Colonial revivals it is common to have one-story side additions with a flat roof. Tudor Revival (1890-1940) tudor revivals are typically associated with the early suburbs of the 20th century, but they are not commonly found within Prattville. the style is characterized by a steeply pitched roof that is usually side or cross-gabled, with a prominent gable on the façade. the gable end typically features wood half-timbering surrounded by stucco. Windows are typically double-hung, multi-plane, tall, narrow, and found in pairs. tudor entryway doors are frequently elaborate with stone detailing and a tudor arch, though in more modest examples a simple entryway is used. if chimneys are present, they are usually prominent on the building’s façade. Craftsman (1905-1930) the Craftsman style is another example of residential architecture found in early 20th century suburbs and it was used for grand residential structures and more modest dwellings. Companies such as sears and roebuck sold Craftsman houses through their paper catalogues, these are commonly known as kit houses. the style is characterized by its low-pitched gable roof, with hipped roofs being less common. roofs typically featured wide overhanging eaves with exposed rafter tails and brackets. full or partial width porches are typically found on the façade supported by broad columns that extended through the porch into the ground. Multi-pane, double-hung windows are the most common used. Most Craftsman’s single-story, though two-story examples are found in more elaborate examples. single story examples, such as those seen in Prattville are commonly referred to as “Craftsman Bungalows.” Ranch (1935-1975) ranch style houses are commonly found in the post-war suburbs of united states. they are characterized by their broad, horizontal shape and they are typically built low to the ground. Low-pitched roofs with little to no overhang are most common. the front entryway is typically off-centered and is recessed within the front porch. Garages are commonly found in either end of the structure. Another notable feature of many ranch houses is a large picture frame window prominent on the façade. Colonial Revival Tudor Revival Craftsman Ranch ArChiteCturAL styLes | 15 COMMERCIAL Greek Revival (1825-1860) While most often associated with residential buildings, the Greek revival style was also employed in public buildings. the style mirrored many of the elements found within residential structures – including emphasized cornice lines, pediments in the gables and above the entry way, and Greek and roman style columns. in the case of Prattville’s Picker house, italianate elements such as decorative brackets and tall, narrow windows were also used. the style was common in religious and institutional buildings, though commercial examples do exist. Gothic Revival (1840-1880) the Gothic revival style drew its influence from medieval europe. Gothic revival was popular for both residential dwellings and institutional buildings such as churches and schools. the style can be identified by the use of castle- like towers, parapets, decorative tracery windows, and gothic arches in windows and entries. Italianate (1840-1885) similarly to the Greek revival style, the italianate style was often employed in residential construction, though elements of the style were used in commercial buildings as well. Decorative eaves and brackets, cupulas, bay windows, narrow frame windows, and multiple stories are all characteristic of the style. the Daniel Pratt Cotton Gin factory is one local example that draws from the italianate style. Like Greek revival and the other revival styles of the 1800’s, the italianate style drew its influence from the classical architecture of italy. Romanesque Revival (1870-1890) romanesque revival is often called richardsonian romanesque in the unites states after American architect henry hobson richardson, who popularized the style. the romanesque revival style is another that draws its influence from the classical world. the style is characterized by large rounded arches, heavy stone, and massive size and scale. the style was equally used in residential, commercial, and institutional construction. the Daniel Pratt Gin Company building features a characteristic romanesque arch. Greek Revival Gothic Revival Italianate Romanesque Revival 16 | ArChiteCturAL styLes Art Deco & Art Moderne (1920-1940) Art Deco and Art Moderne are considered one of the first “modern” styles to be employed in the united states. Both styles were popularized in the united states during the roaring ‘20s. these styles were rarely used in residential construction. Both styles are characterized by smooth wall surfaces, flat roofs with no eaves, and glass block windows. Art Deco tends to have a vertical emphasis with bright colors and decorative motifs. Art Moderne on the other hand, has more horizontal emphasis, with rounded corners, and muted color patterns. One-Part Commercial Block Both one-part commercial and two-part commercial block are used to categorize commercial buildings by form rather than architectural style. one-part commercial block buildings are always single story, and they are the most common commercial construction form in downtown Prattville. Both a one and two-part can include elements from any of styles that were popular during its construction. Two-Part Commercial Block two-part commercial block buildings are two or more stories high. in two-part commercial block construction there is a clear difference between the ground floor and the upper floors of the building. the ground floor was often reserved for the storefront, while the floors above could be used for office, industrial, or residential purposes. Most of the commercial buildings in downtown Prattville that are two stories or higher fall within the two-part commercial block style. Art Deco Row of one-part commercial block buildings Two-part commercial block the revieW ProCess | 17 THE REVIEW PROCESS All exterior changes to the appearance of a building and items addressed within these guidelines require a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) before work can commence. A CoA is administered by the Planning and Development Department of the City of Prattville after the historic Preservation Commission (hPC) has given approval. Applicants should use this document for information on what is and is not appropriate within the historic district. the hPC uses these guidelines as the basis for their decision in evaluating a CoA. A CoA must be approved by the hPC at their regular monthly meeting before any work can commence. for assistance applying for a CoA, the Planning and Development Department should be contacted directly at 334- 595-0500. in addition to a CoA, the applicant must obtain any necessary building permits through the Planning and Development Department of the City of Prattville. APPLYING FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Step 1: Become familiar with these guidelines and other applicable city codes such as the Zoning ordinance and the Downtown overlay District, which can be provided by city staff. review the table of contents from this document to determine where to find the sections applicable to your project. Step 2: Consider hiring an architect or a contractor who has experience working in historic districts and is familiar with the process and requirements. Project proposals need to be as clear as possible to avoid unwanted delays. unclear or vague plans may require a resubmittal and could be grounds for a denial. Step 3: Consider meeting or consulting with city staff prior to submitting your CoA application. this will ensure that you have all the required materials for the hPC to review your project. Step 4: Prior to submitting your application, ensure that your project proposal meets the guidelines. Projects that do not meet the guidelines are subject to denial. 18 | the revieW ProCess Submitting Your Application: Step 1: once you have completed the preplanning process, you are ready to submit your application. As a general rule, the more information you can provide with your application, the better. Before submitting, ensure that you have the required materials listed on the CoA application: ▪Location of property along with the contact information of the owner and applicant. ▪Description of your project. ▪Proof of ownership, and relation to owner if applying on their behalf. ▪scaled site and elevation drawings, including drawings illustrating the proposed changes to existing structures and any new structures. ▪samples of proposed new materials. ▪Photographs of the existing structure or site from multiple angles. ▪Any supplemental information to be reviewed by the hPC. ▪if the application is for a demolition project, the demolition supplement form. Step 2: submit your application and all required materials to Planning and Development Department staff. City staff will inform you if your application is complete and when to expect the next hPC meeting. Step 3: Present your application to the hPC at their regularly scheduled meeting. the hPC will be provided with everything you submitted as part of your application. the hPC reviews your application at a public meeting where members of the public can voice support or objection to your application. you and your contractor or architect are strongly advised to attend as the hPC may have questions regarding your project. Step 4: After receiving approval of your application from the hPC, you will be able to commence your project as long as you have also obtained any building or other outstanding permits from the city. the approval of your CoA is proof that your project meets the intent of the design guidelines. PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE A COA Though not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of work within the district that require a Certificate of Alteration. ▪Infill and new construction. ▪Exterior alterations to finishes. ▪Exterior alterations involving the removal or addition of siding, windows, roofs, dormers, and doors. ▪Screening or enclosing of porches, decks, and carports. ▪Additions to existing structures. ▪Pools, outbuildings, and other accessory structures. ▪New mechanical equipment, solar panels, etc. ▪Painting of previously unpainted surfaces. ▪Signs. ▪Changes to storefronts, awnings, and other exterior features of commercial buildings. ADMinistrAtive AnD exPeDiteD revieW | 19 ADMINISTRATIVE AND EXPEDITED REVIEW Certain projects in the Prattville historic District may qualify for expedited or administrative review by staff on a case-by-case basis. it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide evidence that the subject work qualifies for administrative review. Projects listed below shall meet the specific guidelines for the type of project or alteration as it is found within this document. if you are unsure if your project qualifies for administrative review, contact staff within the Planning and Development Department. the Planning and Development director ultimately determines whether a case qualifies for expedited review. though not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of projects that qualify for expedited review: 1. in-kind replacement of worn or deteriorated materials that matches the dimension, profile, and material construction of the original, and are appropriate for the building’s period of construction. 2. removal of non-historic or non-contributing materials such as asbestos, vinyl, asphalt, and aluminum. 3. replacement of non-historic or non-contributing siding with materials from the pre-approved list (following page), that meet the subject guidelines for siding materials, and are appropriate for the building’s period of construction. 4. repointing and cleaning of masonry (this excludes sandblasting and other abrasive cleaning methods). 5. repainting of already painted surfaces. 6. in kind replacement of roof drainage systems such as gutters and downspouts. new roof drainage systems will require review of a CoA by the hPC. 7. street furnishings such as planters, benches, and streetlights that meet the subject guidelines for landscaping, street furnishings, and street lighting. 8. Window signs to commercial buildings. 9. Changes to sign messaging, as long as the structure or design of the sign are not being altered. 10. removal of non-historic windows, doors, and shutters. 11. fences and gates from the pre-approved list (following page) that meet the subject guidelines for fences. 12. rear decks not visible from public right of way that meet the subject guidelines for decks. 13. utility equipment that is properly shielded from the right of way by vegetation or screening materials. Wood siding is an appropriate exterior material for many historic homes. Brick siding may be administratively approved if it matches the original material. Wrought iron fencing such as this is appropriate for the historic district. 20 | ADMinistrAtive AnD exPeDiteD revieW 14. new hvAC equipment that is not visible from the right of way and which does not damage historic materials. 15. Driveways and sidewalks that meet the subject guidelines for driveways and sidewalks. 16. Demolition of non-contributing and non-historic accessory structures such as garden sheds, garages, and barns. 17. routine maintenance of historic structures and features. 18. emergency repairs due to sudden or unexpected damage that may endanger the life of a building, business, or individual. PRE-APPROVED SIDING MATERIALS ▪Wood siding such as cedar or fir ▪engineered wood siding which mirrors the appearance of traditional wood siding ▪Composition siding that matches historical siding in size, shape, exposed lap, and material finish ▪Brick siding if the original structure had brick siding PRE-APPROVED FENCES AND GATES ▪Wrought iron ▪regular picket and capped picket ▪spindle ▪Wood lattice ▪solid wood fences in the rear or side of a structure or building Pre-Approved List for Administrative and Expedited Review resiDentiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 21 ResIDeNTIal RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES SITE DESIGN When making alterations to historic structures, be mindful of the orientation of the property and the relative position or direction of a structure and its individual parts. Pay attention to the building’s spacing, or the relative distance between structures and the relationship between structures on a given lot and with its neighbors. Avoid alterations that disrupt the orientation and spacing characteristics between structures, especially structures on the same block. Orientation and Spacing 1. Alterations to existing residential buildings shall respect the historical orientation and spacing patterns established in the historic district. 2. Building entrance, porch location, roof forms, and garage locations shall be oriented in a way to be compatible with other buildings along the block. 3. Corner lots shall respect the historic orientation of the building in relation to the property. in certain cases it may be appropriate for a corner lot to be oriented towards both streets along which it has frontage, though it shall be innapropriate to alter the orientation of a corner building if there is no historic precedent. 4. Both alterations and new construction shall follow the established setbacks and spacing patterns that are found along the block. 5. Alterations to existing historic buildings shall not be so extensive that they alter the orientation and spacing of the main structure in relation to other historic buildings along the block. Driveways and Sidewalks 1. historic driveways and sidewalks shall be retained and maintained. 2. new driveways shall not damage or destroy important landscaping features and shall be oriented to be compatible with the overall streetscape of the block. 3. new driveways shall be of a similar size and scale to what is found nearby within the historic district. 4. new driveways shall make use of existing curbcuts when possible. Avoid new curbcuts unless they are necessary for driveway access. new curbcuts shall match historic curbcuts along the street in size, profile, and configuration. This Sanborn map of Prattville shows the traditional orientation and spacing patterns of historic residential structures (yellow). 22 | resiDentiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Historic buildings along this residential street all have a porch and roof gable oriented towards the street. Each porch is connected to the street sidewalk by a narrow concrete walkway. 5. Driveways shall be located to the side of the main structure when possible. unique or unusually shaped lots may warrant a driveway in a different location, though the applicant shall make a best faith effort to incorporate a driveway that is compatible with the streetscape. 6. Driveways shall be constructed of materials typically found within the historic district such as gravel, concrete ribbons, pavers, dirt, and concrete. 7. Larger driveways may be appropriate if they are located in the rear of the lot. 8. Materials such as blacktop and asphalt were not historically found within the residential part of the historic district and are prohibited. 9. new sidewalks and walkways shall follow historical trends set by the historic district. Many residential buildings have narrow concrete walkways leading from the sidewalk to the building entrance; construction of new walkways shall follow this historical precedent. resiDentiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 23 Alleyways 1. on lots with alley access, new construction shall not detract from the spacing and alignment of buildings along the alleyway. 2. new construction along alleyways shall be compatible with the size, scale, spacing, and orientation of other buildings along the alleyway. 3. new buildings along alleyways shall follow the guidelines for new construction where applicable. 4. new garages are encouraged to be located along alleyways when feasible to avoid crowding front yards and streetscapes with vehicles. Landscaping 1. Landscaping features such as gardens, planters, and trees are important streetscaping elements that add to the historic character of a neighborhood and shall be retained and maintained. 2. Plants and other landscaping elements shall not cause damage to historic structures or important streetscaping elements such as sidewalks, driveways, lighting, and other elements that add to the character of the district. Where plants and other landscaping elements are a threat to historic resources within the district, remove them. 3. When an addition or new construction requires modification to the existing landscape of a lot, the applicant shall make a good faith effort to retain any mature trees on the lot. 4. regular maintenance and upkeep of landscaping elements and vegetation is encouraged to reinforce the integrity of the district. 5. fountains and other water features may be considered on a case by case basis, though they shall be compatible with the historic district and not damage or obscure any historic elements of the site or district. 6. Avoid invasive plant species. see the Appendix for a list of invasive plant species in Alabama. Landscaped areas at this historic home are effectively used to shield the empty space below the porch. At this historic home, landscaping would have been a more appropriate solution to shield the empty space below the porch instead of aluminum veneer. 24 | resiDentiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Streetscape 1. historic elements of the streetscape such as lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, retaining walls, and other elements which may add to the historic character of the block shall be retained and maintained. 2. Alterations to streetscape elements shall be compatible with neighboring blocks and the overall character of the historic district. 3. Alterations to the streetscape that create a false sense of history, or detract from the character of the historic district shall be prohibited. The streetscape along this block is characteristic of the residential sector of the Prattville Historic District. Sidewalks are buffered from the street by green space, a variety of mature trees are visible, and the structures share similar setbacks and spacing patterns in relation to each other and the street. ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures | 25 Fences 1. historic fences and walls shall be retained and maintained. 2. for new fences, wood and metal fencing is most appropriate for the district. 3. new fences shall not obscure or damage any defining landscaping or streetscaping elements such as historic sidewalks, lighting, and other elements that add to the character of the block. 4. Avoid erecting solid fences in the front yard or where there is street frontage. Choose instead wood or metal lattice fences, picket fences, spindle fences, and other fence types that provide some transparency. 5. All front yard and street frontage fences shall be 4 feet or less and shall not obscure historic elements of the property. 6. Privacy fences may be located in the side or rear of a lot, though they shall be setback from the front facade of the building to reduce their visual prominance. in the case of corner lots, they shall be setback from both building faces where there is street frontage. 7. fences in the side and rear of a property may be constructed of alternative materials as long as they are not highly visible from the right of way and do not detract from the character of the district. 8. rock and brick landscape retaining walls are generally appropriate for the district, though they shall be low in height and not obscure historic elements of the property. ALTERATIONS AND REHABILITATION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES Alterations and rehabilitation of existing buildings in the Prattville historic District shall follow the best practices as established by the secretary of the interior’s standards for rehabilitation of historic structures (found within the appendix). the overall goal of alterations to historic structures within the district is to enhance or preserve the integrity and character of the district. Alterations detracting from the integrity and character of the district are grounds for denial of a CoA. The wooden privacy fence and cast iron gate on this lot create a jarring juxtaposition with the neighboring white picket fence and should be avoided. Wooden picket fences such as these are characteristic of many historic neighborhoods and enhance the character of the residential district. Privacy fences such as these may be appropriate in the side or rear of a lot though they should be setback from the facade of a structure to minimize its visual impact. 26 | ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures Architectural Details and Features 1. historic architectural features shall be retained and maintained. 2. historic architectural features shall remain visible and alterations to existing structures shall not obscure or damage existing architectural features. 3. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired before they are replaced. 4. Architectural features that were not historically present shall not be added unless there is evidence of them existing on the structure previously. 5. removal of non-historic architectural features may be warranted, as long as the removal does not damage the structure or detract from the character of the historic district. Awnings 1. Awnings are generally appropriate for many historic architectural styles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 2. Awnings shall not damage the existing structure or any architectural features. 3. new awnings shall not obscure architectural features of a building. 4. Awnings shall be located above window and door openings. The different architectural details on the second story of this structure are character defining elements that should be preserved in any rehabilitation or alteration work. The mid-century veneer on this Gothic Revival detracts from the overall character of the home. Alterations which have no historical basis should be avoided. The many decorative elements on this two-story Queen Anne are defining features of the historic structure and should be preserved. ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures | 27 5. Awnings shall mirror the shape of the opening where they are attached. 6. Awnings shall be constructed of canvas duck, cotton, or polyester blends. Metal awnings are generally inappropriate for residential structures constructed prior to the 1940’s, though they may be considered where there is a historic precedent. 7. When installing a new awning, the applicant shall make a best faith effort to use any existing fixtures on the structure and to avoid damaging historic materials on the existing structure. Roof 1. the shape of a building’s roof is a defining characteristic of many historic buildings and shall be maintained and retained. Alterations and renovations shall not change the shape of a building’s roof. 2. Alterations or additions to roofs shall be compatible with the form of the original roof. new additions shall be secondary to and not overshadow the defining features of a roof. 3. roof features such as chimneys, cornices, parapets, brackets, fascia boards, and other defining features shall be retained and maintained. Do not remove defining roof features when altering a building’s roof. 4. Additions such as chimneys, cornices, parapets, brackets, fascia boards, and other historical features shall not be added to a structure if they were not historically present. When being added to a structure, they should be of a simpler form as to not create a false sense of history. the public should be able to differentiate between the old and new. 5. Additions such as skylights, decks, balconies, and dormers are generally not appropriate if they were not historically found on the structure. they may be added on a case-by-case basis to the rear of a structure where they are not visible from the right of way and when they do not detract from the integrity of a building or damage historical features. 6. in the case of damage or deterioration of historic roofing, in-kind replacement of existing materials is encouraged before wholesale removal and replacement. 7. When wholesale removal and replacement of roof materials is required, the new materials shall be of a scale, color, and texture that is compatible with what is found nearby in the historic district in order to create a sense of cohesiveness. a. Wood, slate, and composition shingles mimicking the appearance of historic shingles are generally appropriate. b. Metal roofs, such as standing seam metal roofs are generally appropriate for replacing historic metal roofs. The large wraparound porch with gingerbread detailing on this gothic revival home are characteristic of the style and are important, character defining elements that enhance the residential neighborhood. This modern roof makes use of the existing building’s roof form and is compatible with the overall color scheme of the building. 28 | ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures Decks 1. Decks shall be located at the side or rear of a structure and not be visible from the right of way. 2. Deck additions shall be constructed of a compatible material to the main structure. 3. Composite materials are appropriate for new or replacement decks that are shielded from the right of way. 4. Deck additions shall be of a compatible size and scale and shall not overshadow the main structure. 5. fencing and landscaping can block visibility of a deck addition if it does not detract from the integrity of the building. Porches 1. Porches are often a defining feature of many historic structures and shall be maintained and retained. 2. Architectural elements of porches shall be maintained and retained. 3. in the case of damage or deterioration of historic porch elements, in-kind replacement of existing elements shall be taken before wholesale removal and replacement. replacement materials shall be compatible with the existing porch. 4. Alterations to porches shall not be appropriate when the alterations obscure or destroy defining features of the main structure. a. the enclosing of porches visible from the right of way is prohibited. b. Porches may be screened if the alteration makes use of minimal structure changes and maintains an open appearance. c. on a case-by-case basis, rear porches may be enclosed if they are not easily visible from the right of way, and if they do not detract from the integrity of the historic structure or damage historic materials. 5. new porches shall be oriented to be compatible with other porches along the block; in most instances porches will be oriented towards the street. 6. Porch shape, size, scale, form, and design shall be compatible with what was historically found within the structure’s architectural style. if the structure has no distinctive style, then a style compatible with the district’s character shall be used. 7. new and replacement porches shall be constructed of materials compatible with the building to which they are attached. DECK For the purpose of these guidelines, a deck is a roofless structure located along the side or rear of a building. Decks may either be attached or detached from the primary structure. They are typically raised on piers and are constructed of wood or composite materials. Modern decks trace their origins to the mid-20th century, and were not found on earlier architectural styles, though they may be considered if properly shielded from view. PORCH For the purpose of these guidelines, a porch is an open structure attached to the front or side of the main building, and serves as an entry to the building. Porches either share a roof with the main building or have their own roof that is attached to the main building. Unlike decks, porches were typically constructed at the same time as the main building and are a defining element of many historic homes. ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures | 29 This historic structure incorporates an ADA ramp that is minimally visible from the street. Landscaping has been used effectively and the wooden material of the ramp ensures that if it were to be removed in the future it could be done so easily without damaging the historic porch of the structure. Ramps 1. ramps shall be designed to be compatible with the segment of the structure to which they are attached, such as porches, decks, and other elements of the main structure a. ramps shall be constructed of similar materials, and built so that their textures, proportions, color, and scaling are compatible with the porch entryway to which they are attached. b. Alternative materials that help the ramp blend in with the surrounding environment may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 2. ramp additions shall not obscure or destroy defining characteristics of the main structure. 3. ramps shall be constructed along the side or rear of the structure. 4. ramps shall be constructed in a manner to minimize alterations to the historic structure, so that if the ramp were removed the historic structure’s integrity would remain intact. 5. fencing or landscaping can be used to block the visibility of a ramp addition if it does not negatively impact the main structure. Staircases and Fire Escapes 1. historic staircases shall be preserved and retained. 2. new staircases shall not damage or obscure architectural features or other defining characteristics of structures. 3. new exterior staircases shall not be visible from the right of way. 4. new exterior staircases may be added to the façade or entry of a structure if there is prior evidence of a staircase entry. 5. new exterior staircases and their elements shall be compatible in design and material with the entry to which they are associated with. Lighting 1. historic lighting fixtures shall be retained and maintained. 2. repair damaged or deteriorated lighting fixtures to maintain their appearance. 3. the addition of lighting fixtures may be appropriate if the addition does not detract from or obscure the historic integrity of the structure. 30 | ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures 4. When replacement of historic lighting fixtures is necessary, the replacement fixtures shall be of a compatible style, appearance, and material design to what was historically found in the subject structure’s architectural style. a. new lighting shall make use of existing mounting locations when feasible. b. new lighting shall avoid damaging the subject historic structure and its elements. Windows 1. historic windows and their frames shall be retained and maintained. 2. Damaged or deteriorated windows shall be repaired before they are replaced. 3. historic window openings shall remain visible and shall not be obscured from view through paint, wood, or other materials and methods which may alter their transparency or appearance. 4. stained glass and other decorative window elements shall be retained and maintained. Do not introduce these decorative window elements where there is no historical basis for them. 5. new and replacement windows shall be of a compatible style, configuration, and material of the historic windows found on the structure. a. Contemporary materials such as vinyl and other high gloss materials are generally discouraged. b. reflective glass windows are generally discouraged. c. When replacement windows of the same original material cannot be found, the replacement window shall be of a compatible size, type, configuration, material, appearance and form as the original windows. d. replacement windows shall match the appearance of the original window to the greatest extent possible. if the structure has no distinctive style, then window configuration and style shall be of a simple, compatible style with surrounding structures. e. replacement windows shall make use of the existing window frame, it shall not be appropriate to remove the historic framing of window openings. f. for replacement windows on tertiary building faces that are not easily visible from the right of way, materials such as vinyl and reflective glass may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 6. the addition of window openings to tertiary faces may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they do not damage or detract from the integrity of the structure. The stained glass windows on these structures are important decorative elements that should be retained. Though these windows are modern replacements, they make use of the existing window frame and have a configuration that would have been historically found in a structure of this age. Functional shutters are installed appropriately. ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures | 31 Vinyl replacement windows and non-functioning shutters which do not fit the window frame detract from the historic character of this structure. Shutters and Storm Windows 1. historic shutters shall be retained and maintained. 2. non-functional shutters shall not be added to existing structures unless they were historically present. 3. new shutters shall match the height, width, and other proportions of the window opening and shall be mounted to be operational. 4. new shutters shall not be mounted directly onto any historic exterior walls; instead, mount them directly onto window frames. 5. screen and storm windows shall be constructed of painted wood, baked-on enamel, anodized aluminum, or other materials which can be painted to match the frames mill finish construction. 6. screen and storm windows shall fit within window frames and openings. 7. security windows and metal bars shall not be permitted on primary and secondary faces of structures. 8. Window inserts and other fixtures that improve the energy efficiency of windows shall be installed on the interior of the window frame.These replacement windows mirror the apperance of historic windows and make use of the existing window frames. HISTORIC WINDOW REPLACEMENT BEST PRATICES Over time, property owners may wish to replace their historic wood windows with more energy efficient modern windows. Historic wood windows and their frames can oftentimes be repaired to be just as efficient as new windows often claim to be. Energy efficient window inserts can also be used on the interior to increase energy efficiency. However, there may be instances where replacement windows are necessary. Replacement windows need to be compatible with the size, type, configuration, material composition, and appearance of historic windows. Vinyl and other high gloss or high reflective materials are rarely appropriate for historic buildings. Materials such as wood, engineered wood, and metal are the most appropriate replacement materials which can be built to reflect the appearance of historic windows. 32 | ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures Siding Materials 1. historic materials such as brick, stone, mortar, clapboard, and wood shall be retained and maintained. 2. Damaged historic materials shall be repaired and replaced in-kind before wholesale removal and replacement. When repairs are required, replacements shall be of a compatible material and mirror the appearance of the historic materials. 3. When wholesale replacement of materials is required, the replacement materials shall be of a compatible design, profile, shape, and material to what was historically found on the structure. 4. new materials may be used if they create a cohesive appearance with the existing structure. a. Materials such as vinyl, aluminum, panelized brick, and other similar materials are prohibited. b. Composition siding or engineered wood is generally appropriate though the new material shall match historical wood siding in size, exposed lap, and material finish. c. new materials shall match the original historic materials in composition and scale. 5. Materials that have no historic basis shall not be used in the alteration and rehabilitation of historic structures. Painting 1. Painting of existing painted surfaces is an important facet of maintaining the integrity of the material and is encouraged. 2. historically unpainted features and surfaces should remain unpainted. 3. in the case where a surface is mismatched or damaged, paint may be used to conceal the defect or maintain the surface. ALterAtions AnD rehABiLitAtion of existinG struCtures | 33 Entrances and Doors 1. historic doors and entryways shall be retained and maintained. 2. features such as transoms, sidelights, and molding are defining features of entrances and shall be retained and maintained. 3. replacement doors and entryway features shall replicate the original features as much as possible in appearance and design. 4. openings and entrances that were not historically present shall not be added to existing structures. 5. An entrance or doorway may be added to an existing historic structure if there is evidence of an entrance or doorway existing there historically. a. When an entrance or doorway is to be added, it shall be of a compatible material and design to the structure’s historic architectural style. if the structure has no distinctive style, then a style compatible with the district’s character shall be used. b. new exterior entries to tertiary building faces or to non-historic structures may be appropriate and shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. 6. Wood is the most appropriate material for replacement doors. a. Materials such as aluminum and metal shall not be permitted unless there is evidence of the material historically being used on the structure. b. other materials may be considered on a case-by-case basis if the entry door is not visible from the right of way and if it does not detract from the integrity of the historic structure. 7. screen and storm doors shall be compatible with the style of the structure, have a wood frame, and not block visibility of historic doors and entryways. 8. security doors shall not be added to primary and secondary building faces. Both the combination of elements such as the transom, sidelights, and paneled wood door are all characteristic of historic homes and should be preserved. 34 | ADDitions ADDITIONS over time, buildings evolve and require additional area for occupants. Additions historically have allowed a building to change functions or provide residents with additional space. Additions are encouraged, but they should be compatible with historic structures on the lot and within the surrounding historic district. Compatibility with Existing Buildings 1. Additions shall be compatible with the size, scaling, mass, and orientation of the structure to which they are attached. a. Additions shall be subordinate to the main structure and not overshadow any of its important features or detract from the character of any historic structures on the lot. b. Additions shall be located to the side or rear of the structure, or to some other non-primary building face not prominently visible from the right of way. c. Additions to the façade or other building faces highly visible from the right of way are prohibited. d. Additional stories, or pop-tops shall not be added to existing structures. e. two-story additions may be appropriate if they are located in the rear of the structure, are not visible from the right of way, and make minimal alterations to the existing structure. 2. the overall style of an addition shall be compatible with the main structure. a. styles with no historical connection to the attached structure shall be prohibited. b. Additions shall be simpler in design than the attached structure, so that the addition does not overshadow any historic elements or defining characteristics of the subject structure. 3. rooftop additions such as patios and dormers may be added if they are not visible from the right of way and if they do not detract from the integrity of the historic structure. 4. roof forms with no historical basis shall be prohibited. 5. elements such as roof form, pitch, depth, and roof materials shall be compatible with the attached structure. 6. elements such as windows, doors, and entrances shall be compatible with the main structure and shall be constructed of similar materials and to a similar size and scale as the attached structure. This historic building appropriately incorporates a lateral addition. The addition and main structure share a similar roof form and exterior materials, though they are simpler on the addition. The adjoining pathway between the addition and main structure helps to further differentiate the two structures while also ensuring that the least amount of historic material was removed from the main structure during construction. The side additions to this Greek Revival house are clearly differentiated from the main structure, though they are compatible in their use of roof form, window configuration, and subordinate size. ALterAtions to non-ContriButinG resiDentiAL BuiLDinGs | 35 7. Walkways, corridors, and other connecting elements are appropriate methods of minimally altering the historic structure to allow for an addition. 8. exterior finishes and siding shall be of compatible design, profile, shape, and material to that of the main structure. Distinction from Historic Buildings 1. Additions shall be compatible with historic structures, but the differences between the new addition and historic structure shall be easily discernable. Additions should not create a false sense of age or history. 2. historic architectural elements shall not be directly copied, but of a compatible style and nature with what is historically found in the structure’s architectural style. these new elements should be simpler than what was historically used. 3. Additions shall be subordinate to the main structure and shall not detract or obscure any of the defining characteristics of the main structure. Protection of Existing Historic Buildings 1. Additions shall be constructed so that there is minimal loss of historic fabric from the existing structure and from the district as a whole. 2. Additions that alter the historic character of the structure or site are not appropriate and shall be prohibited. 3. Character defining elements of historic structures shall be protected. Additions which may damage or obscure historic structures and their architectural elements are prohibited. 4. new additions shall be constructed so that if they were to be removed in the future, there would be a minimal loss of historic integrity to the existing structure. ALTERATIONS TO NON-CONTRIBUTING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS Guidelines for alterations to non-contributing buildings are less strict than those of contributing historic buildings. As a general rule, alterations to non-contributing buildings should be contemporary and not create a false sense of history. 1. Alterations to non-historic residential buildings shall not copy historic architecture styles. Contemporary alterations are appropriate if they do not detract from the integrity of the district. The modern second story addition to this historic home detracts from the historic character of the property. Second story additions should be avoided when possible. The rear addition to this historic home is clearly subordinate to the historic structure, yet incorporates elements such as matching siding and a similar window configurations to seamlessly blend in. 36 | neW ConstruCtion (resiDentiAL) 2. in general, alterations to non-historic buildings shall appear similar in scale, massing, and height to the main structure and other nearby residential buildings. 3. Alterations to windows, door openings, and porches shall be compatible with the rhythm established by window, door openings, and porches of nearby historic structures. 4. Alterations that detract from the overall character of the district shall be prohibited. 5. Avoid alterations that disrupt the spacing and orientation of the structure or overshadow nearby historic structures. NEW CONSTRUCTION (RESIDENTIAL) the construction of new structures on empty lots within the historic district is encouraged and is an important facet of maintaining the integrity of the historic district. Like other non-contributing structures within the historic district, new construction should fit into the character of the district, but should not try to imitate historic buildings. new buildings should draw inspiration from the surrounding architectural styles while maintaining a contemporary feeling. New Construction Design 1. new construction shall draw inspiration from historic architectural elements and styles adjacent to the new building. for example, many historic residential buildings in Prattville feature a front porch, raised foundation, and either a gable or hipped roof. a. Avoid architectural designs which have no basis in the historic district. for example, while the Mission style is a historic architectural style, it has no precedent within the historic district and shall be avoided. b. though the overall design of new residential buildings should be compatible with the architectural styles of nearby historic structures, the new buildings should be simpler. Avoid new construction that tries to mimic a historic style too closely, creating a false sense of history. 2. Building entrances shall be oriented in a way that is compatible with nearby residential structures in the historic district. typically, this is orienting the entrance towards the street. Corner lots may have a building orientation towards either street along which it has frontange. 3. established setbacks and spacing patterns shall follow what is found along the block. a. Any setback and spacing requirements shall also meet the underlying zoning district requirements. b. When a variety of setbacks are found along the block, use the median of setbacks as a guide for new construction. This modern single family home takes influence from the craftsman bungalow style but is distinguishable as a modern build. These modern structures have certain elements, like the front gable, which draw from historic styles, yet their size, scale, and massing disrupt the cohesive feeling of the district. Parking areas also take up the entire front yard of each house. neW ConstruCtion (resiDentiAL) | 37 4. new construction shall incorporate similar roof forms to nearby residential structures. the gable and hipped roof forms are the most commonly found residential forms found in the historic district. Size, Scale, Rhythm, and Massing 1. new construction shall reflect the scale and rhythm of other historic residential structures along the block by incorporating the following elements: a. similar floor-to-floor heights. b. similar foundation heights. c. similar window locations and window proportions. d. similar façade and entry elements such as porches. e. similar roof form types. 2. new construction shall be of a similar size and massing to other residential buildings located nearby in the historic district. a. one and two-story houses are the predominant residential building types found in the Prattville historic District. b. new construction shall not be so massive that it dwarfs the size of nearby residential structures. 3. When a new structure is constructed behind an existing residence on the same lot, it should be subordinate to and not overshadow the main structure. Architectural Features and Elements 1. roof forms, heights, and slope for new construction shall be similar to nearby residential structures within the district. for example, a flat roof form would not be appropriate on a block with hipped and gable roofs. 2. Windows, doors, and other openings shall be compatible in terms of size, spacing, pattern, configuration, and material construction with nearby structures in the historic district. Window and door configurations and styles which have no historical basis within the district shall be prohibited. 3. Porches shall be compatible with surrounding historic residential buildings. a. Porches shall be positioned to maintain the historic pattern of porches found along the block. This modern streetscape takes influence from the traditional setting of historic neighborhoods. Porches are oriented to the street and driveway access is located at the rear of each property. The double-hung, multi-sash windows on this new building within the historic district are of a compatible design and configuration with historic buildings nearby. The design could be improved with the addition of a compatible frame and window sill. 38 | ACCessory struCtures b. Porch elements such as steps, columns, and railings shall be of a similar style and material composition to nearby historic structures, though they should be simpler in execution. 4. Decorative elements such as dormers, brackets, columns, skirting, and other architectural features are appropriate, but they should not mimic the more grandiose elements found on some historic structures. simpler, less detailed architectural elements are appropriate and help to differentiate new structures from historic ones. Materials 1. Materials for new construction shall be of a similar design, profile, shape, style, and composition to what was used with nearby structures. a. siding such as wood, engineered wood, and composition board siding are appropriate as long as they are of a similar appearance, size, and shape to what is found on nearby historic structures. b. Masonry, brick, and stone shall remain unpainted. 2. new construction shall avoid using a wide variety of different materials unless nearby historic structures have a similar composition. 3. roof materials shall be of a similar construction type, style, and material to what is found on nearby structures. ACCESSORY STRUCTURES Existing Accessory Structures 1. existing historic accessory structures shall be retained and maintained. 2. Where a historic accessory structure is present, alterations to the accessory structure shall follow the guidelines for alterations to existing historic structures. New Accessory Structures 1. new accessory structures that are visible from the right of way shall be compatible with the style of the main structure. 2. new accessory structures shall be subordinate to the main structure. 3. new accessory structures shall be constructed of materials similar in pattern, texture, and appearance to the main structure. The accessory structure at this location shares visual similarities with the primary building. MisCeLLAneous | 39 4. Pre-fabricated accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds may be appropriate if they are shielded from the right of way. 5. storm shelters shall not be visible from the right of way, or shall be made to have a style that is compatible with the style of the main structure. 6. on properties with alleyway access, locate new garages along the alleyway when feasible. MISCELLANEOUS Solar Panels 1. solar panels shall be located on areas of the roof not easily visible from the right of way. 2. solar panels may be located on accessory structures if they do not detract from the integrity or character of the primary structure. Mechanical Equipment 1. Mechanical equipment shall be located at the rear or side of a structure where feasible. 2. Mechanical equipment that is visible from the right of way may be shielded with landscaping or fencing as long as these elements do not obscure of detract from the historic character of the district. Pools 1. Pools shall be located at the rear or side of a structure and shall be properly shielded from view of the right of way by fencing or landscaping. Flag Poles 1. freestanding flag poles shall comply with any underlying zoning and building ordinances and shall not damage or obscure any historic materials or elements of the site. 2. Attached flag poles and their mounting fixtures shall be minimally invasive to any historic materials or features. it shall be innapropriate to remove any historic elements of a structure when installing flag mounting fixtures. 40 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines C OmmeRCIal COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES SITE DESIGN Commercial lots within the Prattville historic District tend to be longer than they are wide. Given the narrow width of many lots, historic commercial structures were often built directly adjacent to the sidewalk and share side walls with their neighbors. this construction pattern creates a wall of business and a building form that we associate with many historic downtowns. Many of Prattville’s commercial structures were built before the proliferation of the automobile and have a direct relationship with areas of pedestrian activity. this interaction between the building and the public is a character defining element of the downtown and should be maintained and preserved during any alteration or renovation project. The brick detailing on the façade of this commercial structure is character defining and should not be obscured or damaged. CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 41 Many of the historic commercial buildings in the Prattville Historic District are defined by their shared walls and a building façade directly adjacent to the sidewalk. Orientation and Spacing 1. Maintain the orientation of commercial structures towards the street. a. for commercial buildings with frontage on more than one street, maintain the primary orientation established by the building. b. Alterations which activate a secondary elevation may be considered on a case-by-case basis if the alteration does not damage or detract from the integrity of the structure. 2. Commercial buildings in the Prattville historic District typically share a wall, creating a row of businesses along the street. this spacing pattern shall be maintained, no alterations or renovations shall break the continuity of the established spacing pattern. Setbacks 1. Alterations that disrupt the pattern of building setbacks relative to the street shall be prohibited. 2. Commercial structures in downtown Prattville are typically set directly adjacent to the front lot line and sidewalks, this relationship between structures and the public realm shall be maintained. 42 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Size, Scale, Massing, and Form 1. Alterations shall maintain the traditional building form of commercial structures. rectangular forms are most prominent type, and they are typically deeper than they are wide. 2. Alterations that create monolithic or monumental building faces are discouraged along the primary and secondary elevations of commercial structures or where there is a pedestrian connection to the building. More intensive alterations may be made to the rear of structures. 3. Alterations shall maintain the existing pattern of height, scale, and massing in relation to other nearby commercial buildings. Avoid alterations which disrupt the pattern of building faces along the block. 4. Maintain the distinction between separate floors on historic structures. historic commercial buildings typically differentiate between the pedestrian oriented first floor and any upper levels. this distinction shall be maintained when alterations are made to historic structures. Landscaping 1. Landscaping features such as gardens, planters, and trees are important streetscaping elements that add to the historic character of downtown and shall be retained and maintained. 2. Plants and other landscaping elements shall not cause damage to historic structures or important streetscaping elements such as sidewalks, driveways, lighting, and other installations that add to the character of the district. Where plants and other landscaping elements are a threat to historic resources within the district, remove them. 3. When an addition or new construction requires modification to the existing landscape of a lot, the applicant shall make a good faith effort to retain any mature trees on the lot. 4. use shade trees along pedestrian pathways, near outdoor seating areas, and as buffers between parking lots and streets. 5. Landscaping areas should be clustered when feasible, incorporating both trees, shrubbery, flowers, and other vegetation. 6. Avoid landscaping which may disrupt or block views of commercial storefronts and signage. 7. flowers and other seasonal vegetation may be used as long as they do not remove or damage historic, mature vegetation. 8. regular maintenance and upkeep of landscaping elements and vegetation is encouraged to reinforce the integrity of the district. The variety of building heights is characteristic for both one and two-story commercial buildings within the historic district. Landscaping is an appropriate tool for buffering parking lots from public spaces. CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 43 Sidewalks and Street Furnishings 1. Pedestrian sidewalks and the streetscape around them make Prattville an attractive destination. street furnishings should add to the pedestrian friendly environment. 2. new street furnishings should be of a compatible design with the historic district. 3. Avoid furnishings that disrupt or block access to areas of downtown. 4. Brick pavers, stone walkways, and landscaping elements are encouraged if they do not disrupt access and are compatible with the character of the district. 5. Planters are encouraged in areas of pedestrian activity if they do not disrupt pedestrian access. 6. fountains and other water features may be considered on a case by case basis, though they shall be compatible with the historic district and not damage or obscure any historic elements of the site or district. 7. All street furnishings shall be of quality materials; vinyl and plastic are prohibited. Public Art 1. Public art is encouraged as long as it does not obscure, damage, or destroy any historic architectural elements or materials. 2. temporary public art on changeable surfaces, banners, and vacant storefront windows is encouraged. 3. More permanent public art may be displayed non-historic surfaces if it does not disrupt the cohesiveness of the historic district or detract from its character. 4. Permanent public art shall be prohibited on unpainted masonry surfaces. 5. Public art shall not disrupt pedestrian and vehicular traffic and shall not obscure storefronts and signage. 6. Permanent public art with added lighting, moving images, or video screens shall be prohibited. Parking Lots and Structures 1. it is prohibited to demolish historic buildings to build parking lots or new parking structures. 2. shared parking lots between businesses are encouraged. 3. When parking areas are integrated into existing lots, they shall be located on the side or rear of existing structures. 4. new parking structures shall be of a compatible design with nearby buildings. Public art is encouraged, though it should not obscure historic architectural details or be installed on unpainted masonry surfaces. 44 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines 5. Where a new parking structure is adjacent to the public realm, such as along a sidewalk or pathway, the design of the structure shall minimize its visual impact by not creating the appearance of a solid wall. instead, a low open style fence or retaining wall with screening elements and landscaping shall be used. 6. Architectural elements, decorative shielding elements, or landscaping compatible with the historic district shall be incorporated into new parking structures and parking lots. 7. Public art may be used to shield parking lots and parking structures from view. 8. Access to new parking lots shall be through alleyways or side streets and not off major downtown thoroughfares. Fencing and Walls 1. visible privacy fences and walls are discouraged in downtown Prattville; open fences of transparent materials such as metal and cast iron are encouraged as an alternative. 2. Privacy fences or walls may be appropriate in the side or rear of buildings where they are not visible from the right of way. The combination of placards, landscaping, and street features make Heritage Park in downtown Prattville an attractive location for pedestrians. CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 45 Street Lighting 1. historic street lighting shall be retained and maintained. 2. historic light fixtures shall be repaired and maintained before they are replaced. 3. new lighting fixtures shall be of a compatible design with what was historically found in downtown Prattville. 4. Avoid lighting that spills over into adjacent lots, residential areas, or into the sky. 5. Changing color lights, stream lights, and other motion lights are prohibited for street lighting. 6. Lighting with a low luminescence or a luminescence that mimics natural daylight is preferred. Street lighting with a historic apperance is appropriate for the district and provides space to advertise community events. 46 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines ALTERATIONS AND REHABILITATION (COMMERCIAL) the commercial downtown of the Prattville historic District is largely defined by the physical design of structures, the composition of architectural elements, and each building’s interaction with the public realm. facades often feature the most architectural detail and are the first thing many people see as they walk through downtown Prattville. early 20th century storefronts usually have large display glasses, a slightly recessed entry, and decorative tiled entryways. upper stories on commercial buildings typically are adorned with decorative cornice lines, brick window surrounds, narrow windows, and a variety of parapet heights. the combination of first floor and upper story elements combine to create a unique architectural composition in downtown Prattville. Architectural Details and Features 1. historic architectural details shall be retained and maintained. Do not remove historic architectural details from structures. 2. historic architectural details shall be repaired before they are replaced. a. When replacement is necessary, only the damaged portion of the detail should be removed and replaced. b. original replacement materials should be utilized if possible. Alternative materials may be used if the original material cannot be found. 3. When architectural details need to be fully replaced, the replacement shall be designed to match the missing details as much as possible. a. When the details cannot be replicated, a simplified version of the original detail shall be used instead. b. When full scale replacement is necessary, the replacement materials shall match the original as much as possible. Alternative materials may be used if the original material cannot be found. 4. historic architecture details shall not be obscured from public view when rehabilitating a historic structure. 5. When removing non-historic siding and other similar materials, the applicant shall make a best faith effort to preserve and restore existing historic elements and any details that may be uncovered during the restoration process. 6. Architectural details shall not be added to existing historic commercial buildings, unless there is evidence that the detail existed there previously. if there is evidence of missing architectural details, restore the missing elements as long as the alteration does not damage or obscure any other historic features of the structure. a. new architectural elements shall be constructed of a similar material to what was historically found on the building. b. Alternative materials that mirror the appearance of historic materials may be used if the original materials cannot be found. CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 47 Canopies and Awnings 1. Canopies and awnings shall be preserved through regular cleaning and replacement of materials and fixtures when necessary. 2. When new canopies and awnings are installed on a building, they shall not damage the historic structure or any existing architectural features. visibility of architectural features should be maintained when installing a new canopy or awning. 3. When adding a new canopy or awning, make use of any existing fixtures. When no fixtures exist, install them in ways that are minimally invasive to the existing structure. 4. When an awning is for a window, it shall mirror the shape of the window opening to which it is attached. Canopies shall align with horizontal elements of the facade such as the cornice or roof lines. 5. Awnings shall be constructed of canvas duck, cotton, or polyester blends. Metal and wood is the most appropriate material for canopies. 6. Canopy and awning colors shall accent that of the main structure and should not be garishly colored. 7. Canopies and awnings shall not be internally lit. Light fixtures shall be shielded so as to not cause the appearance of internal illumination. The combination of pilasters, windows, cornice lines, and decorative arches create a composition that defines the façade of this historic commercial building. Simple canvas awnings such as these provide shade to storefronts and the interior of buildings. Awnings were historically found on many commercial structures before the proliferation of air conditioning in the 40’s and 50’s. 48 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Doors, Entrances, and Storefronts 1. storefronts and their elements such as display windows, transoms, doors, pillars, pilasters, and bulkheads shall be retained and maintained. 2. elements of the storefront shall be visible and not obscured from view by alterations. 3. When removing non-historic elements from storefronts, the applicant shall make a best faith effort to preserve and restore any existing historic elements or those that may be recovered during the renovation. 4. Deteriorated or damaged storefronts and their elements shall be repaired before they are replaced. a. When replacement is necessary, only the damaged portion of the detail should be removed and replaced. b. original replacement materials should be utilized if they are available, though alternative materials may be used if the original material cannot be found. 5. When storefronts or their elements need to be fully replaced, the replacement shall be designed to match the original as much as possible. a. When the details cannot be replicated, a simplified version of the original shall be used instead. b. When full scale replacement is necessary, the replacement materials shall match the original as much as possible. Alternative materials may be used if the original material cannot be found. 6. for storefront doors, the historic appearance of existing doors shall be retained and maintained. When replacement is necessary, the new door shall be of a similar style and material to what was historically found on historic commercial structures such as clear glass, single light, and wooden doors with or without paneling. 7. Do not use highly reflective glass on storefronts. new or replacement glass to storefronts shall be clear and transparent. 8. storefronts, doors, and entrances shall not be added to historic structures where none was previously present. if there is evidence of a historic storefront or entrance, then the added feature shall be of a compatible style and material to the building’s architectural style. CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 49 Roofs 1. historic roofs and roof forms shall be maintained and retained. their associated elements such as parapet walls, cornices, and chimneys shall be maintained and retained; any alterations to roof elements shall follow the guidelines for Architectural Details and features. 2. new roof elements that have no historical basis shall not be introduced to buildings. 3. replacement roofs shall be of durable and long-lasting materials. synthetic materials may be used if they are not easily visible from the right of way. 4. replacement roofs shall not obscure historic elements or other characteristics of the structure. 5. historic elements shall be protected from damage when a roof must be replaced. 6. Added roof elements that make a roof an active area, such as screening or shade structures, shall be setback from the façade of the structure to decrease visibility from the street as much as possible. 7. Mechanical equipment, solar panels, and other auxiliary roof equipment shall be setback from the façade and not visible from the right of way. The flat roof form is the most common roof form of commercial buildings in the historic district. 50 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Windows 1. historic windows and their openings shall be retained and maintained. 2. Damaged or deteriorated windows shall be repaired before they are replaced. 3. historic window openings shall remain visible and shall not be obscured by paint, wood, or other materials and methods that alter their transparency or appearance. 4. stained glass and other decorative window elements shall be retained and maintained. it shall not be appropriate to introduce these decorative window elements where there is not a historic basis for them. 5. new and replacement windows shall be of a compatible style, configuration, and material of the historic windows found on the structure. a. Materials such as vinyl are generally discouraged. b. the greatest scrutiny shall be directed towards first floor windows which are easily visible from the right of way. c. Metal clad wood and other similar window materials may be used on the first floor if they match the profile of historic windows. d. for second story or higher, windows of alternative materials such as metal or fiberglass may be used if they match the profile of historic windows. e. replacement windows shall match the appearance of the original window the greatest extent possible; if the structure has no distinctive style, then window configuration and style shall be of a simple, compatible style with surrounding structures. f. replacement windows shall make use of the existing window frame. Do not remove the historic framing of window openings. g. for replacement windows on tertiary building faces, materials such as vinyl may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 6. Do not add window designs or configurations with no historical basis. 7. Do not add window openings where none were previously present on primary or secondary faces of historic structures. 8. the addition of window openings may be considered on a case-by-case basis to tertiary faces if they do not damage or detract from the integrity of the structure. Highly reflective windows with a modern composition and profile such as these should be avoided on historic buildings. Mullions and muntins define the seperate units of many historic windows. (Photo courtesy of Main Street Alabama) CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 51 Shutters and Storm Windows 1. historic shutters shall be retained and maintained. 2. non-functional shutters shall not be added to existing structures unless they were historically present. 3. new shutters shall match the height, width, and other proportions of the window opening and shall be operational. Do not mount them directly onto any historic exterior walls. 4. new shutters shall not be mounted directly onto any historic exterior walls; instead, mount them directly onto window frames. 5. screen and storm windows shall be constructed of painted wood, baked-on enamel, anodized aluminum, or painted to match the frames mill finish construction. 6. screen and storm windows shall fit within window frames and openings. 7. security windows and metal bars shall not be permitted on primary and secondary faces of structures. 8. Window inserts and other fixtures that improve the energy efficiency of windows shall be installed on the interior of the window frame and shall not be visible from the exterior. 52 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Siding Materials 1. historic materials such as brick, stone, mortar, clapboard, and wood shall be retained and maintained. 2. ribbons, patterned bricks and stonework, dividing lines, and other decorative siding elements shall be retained and maintained. Do not introduce these decorative elements onto historic structures where none were historically present. 3. Damaged historic materials shall be repaired and replaced in-kind before wholesale removal and replacement. When repairs are required, materials shall be of a compatible material and mirror the appearance of the historic materials. 4. When wholesale replacement of materials is required, the replacement materials shall be of a compatible design, profile, shape, and material to what was historically found on the structure. 5. new materials may be used if they create a cohesive appearance with the existing structure. a. Do not use materials such as vinyl, aluminum, panelized brick, and other synthetic materials. b. Composition siding or engineered wood may be used if it matches historical wood siding in size, exposed lap, and material finish. c. new materials shall match the original historic materials in composition and scale. 6. Materials with no historic basis shall not be used in the alteration and rehabilitation of structures. The aluminum siding on this historic structure is in stark contrast to its brick neighbors. rePLACeMent MAteriALs | 53 REPLACEMENT MATERIALS Though this is not a comprehensive list, the following are examples of acceptable and unacceptable replacement materials for the rehabilitation and renovation of historic commercial structures in the Prattville Historic District. Replacement materials should strive to match the appearance and physical properties (such as texture and profile) of historic materials as closely as possible. Replacement materials should also be long-lasting and durable. Ultimately, it is the applicant’s obligation to prove that the replacement materials are an acceptable substitute for the historic materials. ACCEPTABLE REPLACEMENT MATERIALS ▪Wood, engineered wood, and composition board that mirrors the appearance of wood. ▪fiberglass for replacement cornices, columns, and other architectural elements. ▪Aluminum storefronts with wood cladding for storefront windows. ▪Cast iron for metal details. UNACCEPTABLE REPLACEMENT MATERIALS ▪vinyl windows, siding, and architectural elements. ▪Aluminum siding and windows. ▪eifs and other synthetic materials which are used as replacements for stone or stucco. 54 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Painting 1. Painting of existing painted surfaces is an important facet of maintaining the integrity of the material and is encouraged. 2. Building features that were historically painted such as cornices, pilasters, bulkheads, wooden doors, and wood and metal trim should be repainted regularly to maintain their appearance. 3. historically unpainted features and surfaces shall remain unpainted. 4. When a surface is mismatched or damaged, paint may conceal the defect or be used to maintain the surface. Lighting 1. historic light fixtures shall be retained and maintained. 2. repair deteriorated or damaged light fixtures before replacing them. When a light fixture requires replacement, choose a new light fixture that is compatible with the building. 3. new light fixtures shall not damage or obscure any historic elements of the main structure. 4. new light fixtures shall make use of existing brackets and mounting fixtures. When adding a new mounting fixture, do not damage historic siding, materials, or architectural elements. 5. new light fixtures shall be unobtrusive, shielded, and not cause light spillover to adjacent buildings or to the street. 6. Do not use changing color lights, stream lights, and other motion lights. 7. Lighting with a low luminescence or a luminescence that mimics natural daylight is preferred. 8. neon lighting may be considered on a case-by-case basis for historic structures where neon lighting was regularly used such as Art Deco and Art Moderne buildings. Staircases and Fire Escapes 1. Locate fire escapes and staircases on the side or rear elevations of structures where they are not visible from the right of way. 2. new fire escapes and staircases shall not damage historic siding, materials, or architectural elements. 3. Make new exterior staircases, such as those leading to a second story or roof, as unobtrusive as possible. 4. Construct fire escapes and exterior staircases of wood or metal. 5. When removing a fire escape or staircase, make a best faith effort to not damage historic siding, materials, or architectural elements. Exterior staircases such as these should be located at the rear of commercial buildings. CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 55 ADDITIONS Due to the small, narrow size of many historic commercial lots, commercial additions are less common than their residential counterparts. in many cases, the interior of a commercial building can be remodeled to accommodate new uses or the need for more space. exterior additions should only be constructed when there is no interior space to accommodate them, and they should not overwhelm or obscure the historic structure. usually, that means building them in the rear of commercial structures, though rooftop or lateral additions may be used if special care is taken to protect the integrity of the attached historic structure. rooftop additions should be setback from the façade so they are minimally visible from the right of way. Generally, commercial additions shall be simpler in design and subordinate to the main structure. Compatibility with Existing Buildings 1. Design additions so they are compatible with the size, scaling, mass, and orientation of the structure to which they are attached. a. Additions shall be subordinate to the main structure. they should not overshadow any important features of the attached structure or detract from the integrity of the structure or historic district. b. Locate additions to the side, rear, or other non-primary building faces of the attached structure that are not prominently visible from the right of way. c. Do not construct additions on the façade or other primary building faces that are highly visible from the right of way. 2. ensure that the overall style of an addition is compatible with the attached structure. a. Additions shall be compatible with the attached structure, but their design should be simpler so they do not overshadow any historic elements or defining characteristics of the subject property. b. styles with no historical connection to the attached structure shall be prohibited. c. new elements such as windows, doors, and dividing lines shall be compatible with the established rhythm of those historic elements of the attached structure. 3. the addition’s roof form, pitch, depth, and roof materials shall be compatible with the attached structure. 4. elements such as windows, doors, and entrances shall match the established pattern of the main structure and be constructed of similar materials, size, and scale to the attached structure. 5. exterior finishes and siding shall be of compatible design, profile, shape, and material to what is found on the attached structure. The lateral addition to the Steiner Bank in Birmingham has design elements reflective of the historic bank. (Photo courtesy of Main Street Alabama) 56 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines Distinction from Historic Buildings 1. Additions shall be compatible with historic structures, but the new and old shall be easily discernable. Additions should not create a false sense of age or history. 2. When designing an addition, do not directly copy historic architectural elements; instead, these new elements shall be simpler than what was historically used. 3. Additions shall be subordinate to the main structure and shall not detract or obscure any of the defining characteristics of the main structure. 4. Additions that are visible from public view shall be setback from the façade and other primary building faces to differentiate the new addition from the attached structure. Protection of Existing Historic Buildings 1. When constructing an addition, strive to ensure there is no loss or minimal loss of historic fabric from the existing structure and from the district as a whole. 2. Additions may not alter the historic character of the structure or site. 3. Character defining elements of historic structures shall be protected. Additions may not damage or obscure historic structures and their architectural elements. 4. Build new additions so that if they are removed in the future, there would be a minimal loss of historic integrity to the existing structure. Roof Additions 1. roof additions shall use a similar roof form for the building to which they are attached. 2. roof additions shall be setback from the roof and minimally visible from the right of way. 3. roof additions shall be distinguishable from the historic structure to which they are attached. The side addition to this historic building is setback from the facade to ensure that the historic building remains dominant. (Photo courtesy of Main Street Alabama) CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 57 ALTERATIONS TO NON-CONTRIBUTING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS since non-contributing buildings do not add to the integrity of the historic district, the guidelines for alterations are less strict than those of a contributing historic structure. Generally, alterations to non-contributing buildings should be contemporary so they do not create a false sense of history. 1. Alterations to non-historic commercial buildings shall not copy historic architecture styles. Contemporary alterations shall not detract from the integrity of the district. 2. in general, alterations to non-historic buildings shall appear similar in scale, massing, and height to the main structure and other nearby commercial buildings. 3. Alterations to windows, door openings, and storefronts shall be compatible with the rhythm established by windows, door openings, and storefronts of nearby historic structures. 4. Alterations that detract from the overall character of the district shall be prohibited. 5. Avoid alterations that create large areas of voided space or a monolithic or monumental appearance. Do not make alterations that overshadow nearby historic structures. NEW CONSTRUCTION (COMMERCIAL) the construction of new buildings downtown is an important facet of maintaining the integrity of the Prattville historic District. new construction should match the surrounding context, respecting the established pattern of historic buildings. new buildings should be compatible with surrounding historic structures, though they should not be so similar that they create a false sense of history or try to directly emulate historic styles. New Construction Design 1. the overall design of new commercial buildings shall be compatible with the architectural styles of nearby historic structures, though simpler. Avoid new construction that copies or creates a false sense of history. 2. new construction shall draw inspiration from historic architectural forms adjacent to the new building. Many historic commercial buildings in the Prattville historic District are defined the two-block commercial form where there is a clear differentiation between the pedestrian oriented first floor, the second or upper stories, and the building cap. 3. Avoid architectural designs with no basis in the historic district. for instance, the Mission style has no precedent within the historic district and shall be avoided. 4. new buildings shall be oriented towards the street and areas of pedestrian activity. Corner lots may have a building orientation towards either street along which it has frontange. Most commercial buildings in downtown Prattville follow a historical building hierarchy with a base, body, and top. New construction should reflect established building forms such as these.(Photo courtesy of Main Street Alabama) 58 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines R TyRyR 5. Parking for new buildings shall be located in the rear of the lot. Alternative locations such as the side may be considered on a case-by-case basis when the circumstances of the lot do not allow for a rear parking lot. 6. new buildings shall follow the established setbacks of other commercial buildings along the block. 7. new construction shall maintain the human scale of buildings historically found in downtown Prattville. Avoid new construction that detracts from or disrupts the human scale of the historic district. 8. new construction shall incorporate a variety of roof heights. flat roofs are the most common roof form in the historic district, though adjacent buildings often feature differing heights to differentiate each building from its neighbor. Size, Scale, Rhythm, and Massing 1. new construction shall reflect the scale and rhythm of other historic commercial structures along the block by incorporating the following elements: a. similar floor-to-floor heights. b. similar foundation heights. c. similar window locations and window proportions. d. similar façade and entry elements such as storefronts. e. similar roof forms. 2. Avoid new construction that creates large, voided, and blank areas or is monolithic or monumental in appearance. 3. With multi-story new construction that is significantly taller than adjacent buildings, setback the top floors from the main façade so the building does overwhelm nearby structures. Infill designs of a significantly different height than adjacent buildings break the continuity and pattern of building facades and should be avoided in new construction. New infill buildings should follow the rhythm of elements of adjacent historic structures and be influenced by the “expression lines” of their facades. (Photo courtesy of Main Street Alabama) CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines | 59 Architectural Features and Elements 1. roof forms, heights, and slope for new construction should be similar to other commercial buildings in the district. in Prattville, the flat roof form is the most common, though gable roofs are also found. new construction should use nearby buildings for reference. 2. Windows, doors, and other openings shall be compatible in size, spacing, pattern, configuration, and material construction with nearby structures in the historic district. Do not choose window and door configurations and styles with no historical basis in the district. 3. storefronts and entries shall be compatible with surrounding commercial buildings and shall be of a compatible style with the new construction. 4. new construction shall incorporate traditional building elements such as open storefronts, cornices, and recessed entries. Materials 1. new construction shall make use of similar exterior materials to what is typically found on other commercial buldings in the district. Brick, masonry, and stone are the most common materials. 2. use wood, engineered wood, and composition board sparingly. these shall not be the primary exterior material for new construction. 3. Metal may be appropriate for storefronts, entrances, and windows but otherwise use it sparingly. 4. Do not use vinyl for exterior materials. SIGNAGE historic commercial buildings typically included multiple sign types for a single business including signs located above the storefront on the façade, projecting wall signs, and window signs. Multi-story structures also commonly had signs painted onto the exterior of the building towards the cap. today, these are often “ghost” signs, which have gained historical significance as they have faded over time. new signs should not be painted directly onto the exterior of historic buildings, but ghost signs should be preserved and repaired if needed. Historic Commercial Buildings 1. historic signs shall be retained and maintained. Avoid new construction which creates large voided areas of space or blank walls. 60 | CoMMerCiAL DesiGn GuiDeLines 2. historic “ghost” signs on the exterior cladding of commercial structures shall be retained and maintained. Ghost signs can be repainted to their original appearance, though adding new painted signs onto the sides of unpainted historic structures shall be prohibited. 3. Construct new signs with materials that mirror the appearance of historic sign materials such as wood, copper, or bronze. vinyl signs are prohibited. 4. new signs shall be installed in locations historically used for signs such as awnings, above storefronts in the façade, storefront windows, and projecting wall signs on the façade. new signs shall not damage or obscure any architectural features of the main structure. 5. signs anchored onto the building shall make use of existing fixtures; when new fixtures need to be added, mount them into mortar and other parts of the exterior so the sign does not damage or destroy the exterior of the main structure. 6. new signs shall be proportioned appropriately to their storefront. 7. Where ample ambient lighting is present, external signage shall not introduce new lighting fixtures. 8. signs with lighting shall be externally lit, concealed, and shielded to avoid “spilling” over to adjacent storefronts, lots, and into pedestrian pathways. 9. neon signage can be used when it is compatible with the architectural style of the existing structure. for example, neon lighting was utilized on modern movement commercial structures from about 1920 to 1960. 10. Any lighting equipment such as breaker boxes, wires, and outlets shall be obscured from view or concealed. Non-Historic Commercial Buildings 1. for non-historic commercial buildings, the general guidelines established for historic commercial buildings above shall be followed by the applicant. 2. signage on non-historic commercial buildings shall be compatible with historic commercial signage within the historic district. 3. for commercial buildings with non-historic siding, brackets and other sign fixtures can be installed directly onto the non-historic siding. Hanging signs such as these are appropriate for attracting foot traffic. Ghost signs such as these tell a story of a building’s past life. MisCeLLAneous | 61 MISCELLANEOUS Mechanical and Utility Equipment 1. Mechanical and utility equipment should be shielded from view when possible. 2. Public artwork may be used as a way of integrating mechanical or utility equipment into pedestrian environments where there is no alternative to their placement. Solar Panels 1. solar panels shall be located on areas of the roof not easily visible from the street. 2. solar panels may be located on accessory structures if they do not detract from the integrity or character of the primary structure. Flag Poles 1. freestanding flag poles shall comply with any underlying zoning and building ordinances and shall not damage or obscure any historic materials or elements of the site. 2. Attached flag poles and their mounting fixtures shall be minimally invase to any historic siding materials. it shall be innapropriate to remove any historic elements of a structure when installing flag mounting fixtures. Accessory Structures and Storm Shelters 1. existing historic accessory structures shall be retained and maintained. 2. new accessory structures that are visible from the right of way shall be compatible with the style of the main structure. 3. new accessory structures shall be subordinate to the main structure. 4. new accessory structures shall be constructed of materials similar in pattern, texture, and appearance to the main structure. 5. storm shelters shall not be visible from the right of way, or shall be made to have a style that is compatible with the style of the main structure. 62 | DeMoLition AnD reLoCAtion of BuiLDinGs R TyRyR DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION OF BUILDINGS Because demolition within the Prattville historic District is an irreversible process, the demolition of historic structures, sites, objects, and historic landscaping features is strongly discouraged. Attempt rehabilitation and renovation of existing structures before considering demolition. Chapter 113 of the Prattville Code of ordinances states that the demolition of a structure within the Prattville historic District shall require an approved CoA before demolition can commence. the process for demolition requires a demolition supplement form to be submitted with the CoA application. the hPC may require the applicant of a demolition permit to consider alternatives to demolition before granting a permit. the following guidelines apply to both residential and commercial structures and sites. Demolition Guidelines 1. the demolition of contributing historic structures within the Prattville historic District is strongly discouraged and should only be pursued as a last resort. 2. the demolition of non-contributing structures within the historic district may be appropriate, though the applicant should provide information on future plans for the property to avoid vacant, empty lots within the historic district. 3. for contributing historic structures, the applicant shall explore other possibilities such as selling the structure, incorporating the structure into a new build, or relocating the structure to another lot within the historic district. 4. the applicant is encouraged to work with the hPC to explore other alternatives. 5. in the event of the demolition of a historic structure, the applicant shall record historic structures on site either through photographs or architectural drawings to be kept with the City of Prattville. 6. in the event of a demolition, the applicant shall make the following efforts in coordination with the hPC and City staff: a. reuse of salvageable materials and architectural materials or features. b. Preserve any historic vegetation or landscaping on site for future use and development, unless the removal of such features is unavoidable or their retention presents a hazard. c. ensure the safety of adjacent structures during the demolition process. DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION DeMoLition AnD reLoCAtion of BuiLDinGs | 63 R TyRyR RELOCATION OF BUILDINGS the relocation of structures applies to those structures moving out and those moving into the Prattville historic District. the removal of a contributing structure from the Prattville historic District may not be as extreme as demolition, but it still results in a loss of historic integrity for the district. relocation is the preferred alternative to demolition and should be used as a last resort. the following guidelines apply to both residential and commercial structures and sites. Relocation Guidelines 1. Before removing a contributing historic structure from the historic district, the applicant shall record all structures on site through photographs or architectural drawings to be kept with the City of Prattville. 2. the applicant shall be required to meet all other applicable requirements for the moving of structures such as coordinating with the utility department. Contact the City of Prattville’s Development and Planning Department for more information. 3. When relocating a structure, the applicant shall be required to avoid damaging any historic landscaping or vegetation, unless the removal of such features is unavoidable or their retention presents a hazard. 4. relocating a contributing historic structure to another location within the historic district is preferred to moving the building outside of the district. the placement of the building shall respect the orientation and spacing requirements of nearby historic structures. refer to the guidelines on orientation and spacing for further details. 5. relocating a non-contributing structure from one location in the district to another location in the district is strongly discouraged. 6. relocating a building from outside the historic district into the historic district shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. the relocation of non-historic structures into the district is strongly discouraged. a. When a structure is moved into the district, City staff and the hPC shall determine whether the building is contributing or non-contributing to the district. b. When a building is moved into the district, it shall follow the design guidelines for residential or commercial structures depending on the use of the property. 64 | Best PrACtiCes BEST PRACTICES ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES 1. repair deteriorated or damaged architectural elements using methods that allow them to retain their historic appearance. 2. Avoid abrasive cleaning methods that may damage architectural elements. Water, detergents, and brushes are generally acceptable for cleaning architectural elements. 3. for wood elements, epoxy may strengthen damaged areas and to fill in small openings. Where larger repair is necessary, the removal and replacement of damaged pieces is appropriate. 4. for metal elements, hand scraping, chipping, or removal using a wire brush are appropriate methods to remove rust and damaged paint. for more abrasive methods, first test the technique on a small area to ensure that irreversible damage does not occur to historic architectural elements. MATERIALS 1. Wood: Conduct regular maintenance to maintain the integrity and appearance of exterior wood features. the gentlest cleaning methods should be used. in most cases, low pressure water from a garden hose is appropriate for cleaning exterior wood surfaces. natural bristle brushes are recommended for more intensive cleaning. A mild phosphate-free detergent may be used but it should be tested in an inconspicuous area before more intensive cleaning is taken. Avoid abrasive methods such as mechanical scrapers and high-pressure cleaners with additives such as crystals, natural soda, or sand. Where painted siding has deteriorated, the old paint should be scraped, sanded, primed, and repainted to preserve the siding’s integrity. 2. Masonry: Like wood siding, low-pressure water and gentle cleaners are the best methods for cleaning stained masonry. repoint masonry in areas with loose mortar. Joints should be raked out using hand tools; avoid rotary saws, drills, and other abrasive methods. repointed mortar should match the historic mortar in terms of width, depth, color, profile, composition, and texture. Portland cement is not recommended as it can have detrimental effects upon historic masonry. if the original mortar composition is unknown, use a historic mortar of one part lime and two parts sand. Where bricks have deteriorated, try removing them, turning them around, and mortaring them back into place. When replacement is necessary, the replacement masonry should match the historic brick as closely as possible. 3. Metal and Vinyl: While metal and vinyl siding are uncommon elements on historic homes, many historic commercial buildings made use of metal storefronts. elements commonly constructed from metal include flashings, cornices, window hoods, metal roofs, and wrought iron detailing. even if these elements are not original to the building, they may have gained significance as a product of their time. for both vinyl and metal, a liquid biodegradable dishwashing detergent and hot water is usually enough to clean most surfaces. nylon-bristled scrub brushes can be used where more abrasive cleaning is required. When stripping a surfaces, a soy- or citrus-based cleaner is and environmentally appropriate cleaner that will not damage the metal elements. Avoid using methylene chloride cleaners as they can cause pits in historic metal surfaces. MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP Best PrACtiCes | 65 R TyRyR SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR’S STANDARDS the secretary of the interior’s standards for rehabilitation were adopted in 1977 by the national Park service. the guidelines were originally established as guidelines for federal tax incentive programs for historic structures, though they have since been adopted by many state and local municipalities around the us for their preservation programs and guidelines. for more information visit the nPs website at: https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm 1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment. 2. the historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. the removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. 3. each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken. 4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved. 5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved. 6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. 7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. the surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. 8. significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. if such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken. 9. new additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. the new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. 10. new additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. APPENDIX 66 | CoDe of ALABAMA 1975, § 11-68-6 R TyRyRCODE OF ALABAMA 1975, § 11-68-6 Alabama code 1975, § 11-68-6 establishes the criteria for which historic districts can be designated by local governments. (a) on recommendation of the historic preservation commission, a municipality enacting an ordinance, pursuant to this chapter, may designate historic properties and historic districts within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality. (b) the commission shall not recommend designation of an historic property or historic district unless such recommendation is based on a finding of a survey of such property or district conducted by or for the commission in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Alabama historical Commission. (c) the commission shall not recommend designation of an historic property or historic district unless it finds that the building, structure, site, or district is identified with or represents a significant aspect of the cultural, political, economic, military, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation or has had a significant relationship with the life of a historic person or event, representing a major aspect of the history of the locality, region, state, or nation, or if a part of the historic, architectural, archaeological, or aesthetic heritage of the locality, region, state, or nation. in the case of an individual building or structure, the commission may recommend designation as an historic property if the commission finds that the building or structure is an example of an architectural style, or combination of architectural styles, which is representative of the municipality creating the commission or which is unique to that municipality. in the case of a district, the commission may recommend designation as an historic district if the commission finds that the district contains vernacular structures which contribute to an overall character and sense of place which is representative of the municipality creating the commission. FURTHER INFORMATION Federal 20% Tax Credit A 20% income tax credit is available for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings that are determined by the secretary of the interior, through the national Park service. in most cases, this would only apply to structures within the commercial area of the Prattville historic District; residential properties may not apply. for the 20% tax credit, both the state preservation office and the nPs review the work to ensure that it meets the secretary of the interior’s standards for rehabilitation. for more information, visit the tax credit website at: https://www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm Alabama 25% Tax Credit the Alabama historic rehabilitation tax Credit is a 25% refundable tax credit available for private homeowners and owners of commercial properties who substantially rehabilitate historic properties that are listed in or eligible for the national register of historic Places and are 60 years old or older. rehabilitation work must follow the secretary of the interior’s standards for rehabilitation and eligible costs must exceed 50 percent of the owners original purchase price or $25,000, whichever is greater. the Alabama 25% tax credit applies to both residential and commercial properties, though they must be listed either individually on the national register of historic Places or be included in the Daniel Pratt national historic District. further inforMAtion | 67 R TyRyR for more information, visit the Alabama historical Commission Website: https://ahc.alabama.gov/alabamarehabtaxcredits Wallace Property Relief the state of Alabama allows property owners to take a fifty percent (50%) property tax reduction on qualified income producing properties. Qualified properties are defined as those that are individually listed on the national register of historic Places or certified as a “contributing” building in a national register historic District. this includes buildings listed within the Daniel Pratt national historic District. for more information, visit the Alabama historical Commission Website: https://ahc.alabama.gov/alabamarehabtaxcredits Main Street Alabama Main street Alabama is a state non-profit organization that helps to promote historic downtowns by strengthening public-private partnerships, community engagement, and promoting tourism. Main street Alabama provides training and resources to both municipalities and individuals using historic preservation as a tool for revitalization. Main street is a subsidiary of the national trust for historic Preservation, the largest federal non-profit for historic preservation in the us. for more information on the Main street Program, visit: https://www.mainstreetalabama.org/ Other Alabama Specific Resources the state historic Preservation office provides a number of resources for historic preservation specific to the state of Alabama including training resources, grant funding, and educational programs. for more information, visit the Alabama historical Commission website on resources and grant funding at: https://ahc.alabama.gov/resources/grants.aspx Historic Paint Colors though the Prattville historic District does not regulate paint colors, there are a number of sources that exist for period appropriate paint colors to historic homes. https://historicipswich.org/colors/ Invasive Plant Species in Alabama the Alabama forestry Commission lists the following plant species as invasive in Alabama: Autumn olive, Bamboo, Chinese Privet, Cogongrass, Japanese Climbing fern, Japanese Privet, Kudzu, Princess tree, sacred Bamboo, silktree Mimosa, tal-lowtree, tropical soda Apple, and Wisteria. https://forestry.alabama.gov/Pages/fire/invasive_species.aspx 68 | terMs AnD Definitions TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Addition: new construction added to an existing building or structure. Alteration: Work that impacts any exterior architectural feature including construction, reconstruction, or removal of any building or building element. Arch: A curved construction of wedge-shaped stones or bricks that spans an opening and supports the weight above it including flat arch, jack arch, segmental arch, and semi-circular arch. Awning: A sheet of canvas or other material stretched on a frame and affixed to a building directly above a doorway or windows. Bay: the portion of a facade between columns or piers providing regular divisions and usually marked by windows. Bay window: A projecting window that forms an extension to the floor space of the internal rooms; it usually extends to the ground level. Bond: the pattern in which brick (or stone) is laid, such as “common bond’ or “flemish bond.” Bracket: A projecting element of wood, stone, or metal that spans between horizontal and vertical surfaces such as eaves, shelves, overhangs; it lends decorative support. Bulkhead: the structural panels just below display windows on storefronts. Bulkheads can be both supportive and decorative. nineteenth century bulkheads are often wooden with rectangular raised panels. twentieth century bulkheads may be of wood, brick, tile, or marble. Bulkheads are also referred to as kickplates. Bungalow: Common house form of the early twentieth century distinguished by horizontal emphasis, wide eaves, large porches, and multi-light doors and windows. Canopy: A rigid open-sided overhead structure located on buildings to provide protection from the elements. Cladding: Any material covering the exterior of a building, including wood, brick, stone, vinyl, and composite materials. Clapboards: horizontal wooden boards, thinner at the top edge, that are overlapped to provide a weather-proof exterior wall surface. Classical order: Derived from Greek and roman architecture, a column with its base, shaft, capital, and entablature having standardized details and proportions, according to one of the five canonized modes: Doric, tuscan, ionic, Corinthian, or Composite. Cohesive: A set of buildings with a similar or complimentary design and aesthetic. terMs AnD Definitions | 69 Colonial Revival: house style of the early twentieth century based on interpretations of architectural forms of the American colonies prior to the revolution. Column: A circular or square vertical structural member. Contributing Structure: A building from the historic district’s period of significance that has enough of its original features and character intact to retain integrity. Cornice: the uppermost, projecting part of an entablature, or a feature resembling it. Any projecting ornamental molding along the top of a wall, building, etc. Cross-gable: A secondary gable roof that meets the primary roof at right angles. Cupula: A dome-shaped ornamental structure placed on a roof or dome. Dormer Window: A window that projects from a roof. Double-hung Window: A window with two sashes, one sliding vertically over the other. Eave: the edge of a roof that projects beyond the face of a wall. Elevation: Any of the external faces of a building. Ell: the rear wing of a house, generally one room wide and running perpendicular to the principal building. Façade: the primary elevation of a building. typically, this is the front of the structure oriented towards the street, though corner and unusual lots may have a façade oriented in other ways. Fascia: A projecting flat horizontal member or molding that forms the trim of a flat roof or a pitched roof; also part of a classical entablature. Flashing: thin metal sheets used to prevent moisture infiltration at joints of roof planes and between the roof and vertical surfaces. Foundation: the lowest exposed portion of the building wall that supports the structure above. Gable: the triangular section of a wall that carries a pitched roof. Gable Roof: A pitched roof with one downward slope on either side of a central, horizontal ridge. Ghost (signs): outlines or profiles of missing signs, these outlines may be visible through stains, paint, weathering, or other residue on a building’s facade. 70 | terMs AnD Definitions Gingerbread: Detailed, decorative trim and other ornamental touches such as scrolled brackets and latticework used by some victorian builders. Gothic Arch: A pointed arch popular in Gothic and Gothic revival architecture. Hipped Roof: A roof with uniform slopes on all sides. Infill: new construction where there had been an opening before, such as a new building between two older structures; or block infill between porch piers or in an original window opening. Integrity: Architectural elements that maintain the appearance, materials, design, and quality of the historic structure. Lattice: An openwork grill of interlacing wood strips used as screening. Mature Vegetation: fully grown trees, shrubs, and other types of vegetation that have grown over considerable time. Masonry: exterior wall construction of brick, stone, or adobe laid up in small units. Massing: the way in which the seperate parts of a building and its components are arranged and the relationship between surfaces and openings along building faces. elements such as porches, dormers, and roof projections all contribute to the massing of a building. Monolithic Appearance: the use of color, decoration, and architectural elements to create a uniform or repetitive structure. the goal may be to make it appear the entire building was carved from one piece of rock or cast in one pour of concrete. Monolithic Building Face: A façade that appears to be one, i.e., that it may have been carved from a single piece of rock or cast in a single pour of concrete. Monumental Appearance: A structure that appears to be created for public or communal use rather than for private residences usually by being built larger than human scale. Mortar: A mixture of sand, lime, cement, and water used as a binding agent in masonry construction. Multi-light Window: A window sash composed of more than one pane of glass. Non-contributing Structure: Any structure in a historic district that is either outside the district’s period of significance or that no longer retains enough of its original features and character to retain integrity. terMs AnD Definitions | 71 Orientation: the direction a building faces. Most historic buildings are oriented towards the street. Corner buildings may be oriented towards both streets. Paired Gables: A façade with two front-facing cross gables; most commonly found in Gothic and Gothic revival architecture. Paneled Door: A door composed of solid panels (either raised or recessed) held within a framework of rails and stiles. Parapet: A low horizontal wall at the edge of a roof. Pediment: A triangular crowning element forming the gable of a roof; any similar triangular element used over windows, doors, etc. Pilaster: A square pillar attached to but projecting from a wall so it resembles a classical column. Pitch: the degree of the slope of a roof. Portland Cement: A strong, inflexible hydraulic cement used to bind mortar. Mortar or patching materials with a high Portland cement content should not be used on old buildings. Portland cement is harder than masonry, thereby causing serious damage over annual freeze-thaw cycles. Preservation: the act of maintaining the form and character of a building as it presently exists. Preservation stops deterioration and stabilizes the structure. Primary: the public facing side of a structure or an important architectural element of the façade. Reconstruction: the accurate recreation of a vanished, or irreplaceably damaged structure, or part thereof; the new construction recreates the building’s exact form and detail as they appeared at some point in history. Rehabilitation: the act of returning a building to usable condition through repair, alteration, and/or preservation of its features. Relocation: Moving a structure from one location to another. Restoration: the process of accurately taking a building’s appearance back to a specific era by removing later work and by replacing missing features to match the original. Retaining Wall: A wall built to hold back soil and prevent erosion or collapse. Rhythm: the recurring pattern and spacing of lines and shapes on both an individual building, adjacent buildings, and the streetscape. 72 | terMs AnD Definitions Ribbon: A continuous architectural design that appears to flow across a space or landscape. Ribbon Window: A continuous band of individual windows set together with no divisions; traditionally, these were set horizontally, but they may also be vertical. Ridge: the top horizontal member of a roof where the sloping surfaces meet. Right of Way: Any public thoroughfare such as streets, alleys, pedestrian paths, and sidewalks that is accessible to anyone. Scale: the apparent dimensional relationship between seperate entities such as the relationship between a building and the streetscape, a building and an addition, or a building and a person. scale can also refer to the dimensional relationship between seperate entities on a building, such as the relationship between doors, windows, and other features of the building. Secondary: sections of the building visible from the right of way but does not have the structure’s primary entrance or is away from the main thoroughfare. Setback: the minimum distance between a structure and its lot line. Shutter: A solid or slatted window covering (usually one of a pair) that hinges at the side of the window and may be closed to block light or other weather. Side Gabled Roof: A simple, symmetrical roof with matching gables occurring on the sides of the structure. the roof slopes to the front and the back. Sidelight: A vertical area of fixed glass on either side of a door or window. Siding: the exterior wall covering or sheathing of a structure. Single Light: A window or door with one pane of glass. Skirting: A strip of material (usually wood, tile, vinyl, or plastic) that covers the lowest portion of a wall, masking the joint between the wall and the floor and protecting the wall from damage, i.e., a baseboard. Skylight: A glazed opening on the roof, also sometimes known as a rooflight. Spacing: the distance between architectural elements or between buildings. terMs AnD Definitions | 73 Spacing Pattern: the distance between buildings. in historic districts, contributing structures often have a rhythm to the spacing pattern that planners and residents should seek to emulate and maintain. Spindles: slender, elaborately turned wood dowels or rods often used in screens and porch trim. Street Furnishings/Furniture: Amenities for pedestrians, including benches, bicycle racks, public art, signage, planters, lighting, and trashcans. Streetscape: the general appearance and configuration of the many buildings that define the street. Stucco: An exterior finish, usually textured, composed of Portland cement, lime, sand and water.* Surround: An encircling border or decorative frame, usually at windows or doors. Tertiary: Building face that is not prominently visible from the right of way and the public realm. Tracery Window: A decorative framework system often made of stone, wood, or iron that supports a series of windows. it is; most commonly associated with Gothic and Gothic revival architecture. Transom: A horizontal opening (or bar) over a door or window; also known as an overlight. Trim: the decorative framing of openings and other features on a facade. Tudor Arch: A low, wide elliptical arch with a pointed apex; most commonly associated with tudor and tudor revival architecture. Veneer Skirting: A baseboard covered in a veneer that matches the flooring. Vergeboard: the vertical face board following and set under the roof edge of a gable, sometimes decorated by carving. Vernacular: A regional form or adaptation of an architectural style. Voided Area: the space created after a demolition. Window Hood: A bracket or carving around a window or door. often, a hood only covers the top third of an opening, but it may encompass all of it. some are merely decorative. others provide shade or direct water away from the opening.