2401 January 25 HPC
102 West Main Street \ Prattville, AL 36067 \ 334. 595.0500 \ prattvilleal.gov
BILL GILLESPIE, JR.
MAYOR
J. SCOTT STEPHENS, AICP DIRECTOR
CITY OF PRATTVILLE
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA January 25, 2024 4:30 p.m. Call to Order: Roll Call: Chairman Miller, Vice-Chairman Stewart, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Fritz, and Ms. Rollins.
Minutes: December 14, 2023
Committee Reports:
Old Business: None
New Business: 1. COA2401-01 Certificate of Appropriateness Alterations - Paint, Driveway, Fence, Shutters, et al 342 S Northington Street Taylor Harmon & Kayleigh Powers, Petitioners
Public Hearing
2. COA2401-02 Certificate of Appropriateness Alterations to rear of building (Awning/Carport) 136 W Main Street Michael Thompson, Petitioner
Public Hearing
3. COA2401-03 Certificate of Appropriateness Alterations to Front Façade 138 W Main Street Michael Thompson, Petitioner
Public Hearing
Miscellaneous: Expedited Approvals:
Adjourn:
Approved 2/22/2024
Prattville Historic Preservation Commission January 25, 2024 Minutes Page 1 of 3
CITY OF PRATTVILLE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES January 25, 2024 Call to order: The Chairman called the regular meeting of the Prattville Historic Preservation Commission to order on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Roll Call: The secretary called the roll. Chairman Tom Miller, Vice-Chair Taylor Stewart, Mrs. Jean Davis, Mr. Scott Ferguson, and Ms. Kristi Rollins were present. Mrs. Precious Fritz was absent.
Quorum present
Also present were Mr. Scott Stephens, City Planner; Mr. Joshua McKinney, Planner; Ms. Bria Hudson, Planner; and Ms. Alisa Morgan, Secretary. Minutes: Mrs. Davis moved to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2023 special meeting. Ms. Rollins seconded the motion. The motion to approve passed unanimously. Committee Reports: The staff provided draft resolutions at the Commission’s request as additional guides to review cases. The Commission discussed holding a work session to further review the draft resolutions. Old Business: There was no old business to discuss. New Business: Certificate of Appropriateness Alterations - Paint, Driveway, Fence, Shutters, et al 342 S Northington Street Taylor Harmon & Kayleigh Powers, Petitioners
Ms. Hudson provided the staff report for the Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations on property located at 342 S Northington Street. She stated that the alterations include six requests; fence, driveway, window replacement, shutters, exterior paint on brick, and front door replacement. The proposed fence will meet the guidelines. The proposed circular driveway, as consulted with the City Engineer, will be located properly. The petitioner proposes to replace 16 existing 2/2, horizontal pane windows with 9/9 colonial style window treatment. This is a noncontributing structure and the multi-pane proposed windows will be similar to nearby houses. The proposed shutters material will be wood and will install two shutters on five windows. There are no existing shutters. The petitioner is requesting to paint the exterior by white washing the brick. The petitioner is requesting to replace the front door with a mahogany stained door. Some of the alterations have already been completed prior to applying for Certificate of Appropriateness.
Taylor Harmon, petitioner, presented the request for the Certificate of Appropriateness to make alterations on property located at 342 S Northington Street. He explained the alterations to be made and discussed the details of the items that completed prior to COA approval.
Chairman Miller opened the floor for public comments. There were none. the public hearing was closed.
Approved 2/22/2024
Prattville Historic Preservation Commission January 25, 2024 Minutes Page 2 of 3
Mr. Ferguson moved to approve the six items as requested. The motion failed for the lack of a second. Ms. Stewart moved to separate the items for individual discussion and vote. Mrs. Davis seconded the motion. The motion to separate the items passed unanimously. Item #1: Fence Ms. Stewart moved to approve the fence as submitted. Ms. Rollins seconded the motion. The motion to approved passed unanimously. Item #2: (Circular) Driveway Ms. Rollins moved to approve the driveway as submitted. Mr. Ferguson seconded the motion. The motion to approved passed by 3/2 vote as recorded. Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Rollins, and Chairman Miller. Oppose: Ms. Stewart and Mrs. Davis.
Item #3: Window Replacement Mr. Ferguson moved to approve the windows contingent with 1/1 grid pattern. Ms. Rollins seconded the motion. Ms. Stewart stated that although the structure is non-contributing, it is over 50 years old and some of the windows
could probably be repaired. The vote was called. The motion to approved passed unanimously. Item #4: Shutters Ms. Stewart stated that it is common for ranch style homes to have inoperable shutters, but they are typically painted and secured to the window frames. Mr. Ferguson moved to approve the shutters as submitted. Chairman Miller seconded the motion. Ms. Stewart move to amend the motion to approve contingent that the shutters (as style recommended) are secured to the window frame with a stained finish. Ms. Rollins seconded the motion. The motion to amend passed unanimously. After no further discussion, the amended motion to approve passed unanimously. Item #5: Exterior Paint (Brick) The petitioner clarified that the existing color is limewashed and would be removed if approval to paint the brick is granted. Mr. Ferguson stated that the request will not detract from the historic nature of the district and would probably tie in with approvals granted thus far. He moved to approve the request to paint the brick structure as submitted. Chairman Miller seconded the motion. Ms. Stewart stated that the Commission recently denied approval
for painting a non-contributing brick structure. The vote was called. The motion to approve failed by 1/4 vote as recorded. Favor: Mr. Ferguson. Oppose: Ms. Rollins, Ms. Stewart, Mrs. Davis, and Chairman Miller.
Item #6: Door (front) In their discussion, the Commission addressed that the previous door that was replaced was not period appropriate as well as the existing is not, but the existing is more appropriate in material. Mrs. Davis moved to approve the replacement of the front door. Ms. Rollins seconded the motion. The motion to approve passed by 4/1 vote as recorded. Favor: Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Rollins, Mrs. Davis, and Chairman Miller. Oppose: Ms. Stewart.
Certificate of Appropriateness
Alterations to rear of building (Awning/Carport) 136 W Main Street Michael Thompson, Petitioner Mr. McKinney introduced the Certificate of Appropriateness request for a metal canopy to extend back 20’ on property located at 136 W Main Street.
Mickey Thompson, petitioner, presented the request for the Certificate of Appropriateness to place a canopy cover for a food truck on property located at 136 W Main Street.
Chairman Miller opened the floor for public comments. Jon Lee Finnegan, 211 Deer Trace, asked for clarification on the proposed location of the canopy. After no further comments, the public hearing was closed.
Mrs. Davis moved to approve the request as proposed in writing. Ms. Stewart seconded the motion. The motion to approved passed unanimously.
Approved 2/22/2024
Prattville Historic Preservation Commission January 25, 2024 Minutes Page 3 of 3
Certificate of Appropriateness Alterations to Front Façade
138 W Main Street
Michael Thompson, Petitioner Mr. McKinney introduced the Certificate of Appropriateness request for changes to the front façade on property located at 138 W Main Street. He stated that the proposed plans are to remove the existing store front plate glass windows and push the entrance 12 ft back, move the existing old wood, install knee wall back (12’) and install smaller glass windows, trimmed in wood, use antique wood entrance door, cover exterior floor with stone, and install
antique iron railing & gate where existing window is now. Mickey Thompson, petitioner, presented the request for the Certificate of Appropriateness to make changes to the
front façade on property located at 138 W Main Street. He stated that the changes will allow for outdoor seating. Chairman Miller opened the floor for public comments. There were none. The public hearing was closed.
Ms. Stewart moved to approve the request contingent that the knee wall remains, remove plate glass windows and door, and keep store front intact. Ms. Rollins seconded the motion. Mr. Thompson stated that anything that is existing old wood will remain and the knee wall will extend over to the other side with the walk thru where the existing door is located. Ms. Rollins move to amend the motion to leave the vertical elements or not. Mr. Ferguson seconded the motion. The motion to amend passed unanimously. The amended motion to approved passed unanimously. Miscellaneous: Expedited Review-none.
Bylaws Review: The Bylaws were reviewed.
Election of Officers: Ms. Rollins moved to keep the current officers. Mr. Ferguson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Tom Miller was reelected as Chairman and Taylor Stewart was reelected as Vice-Chairman. Adjourn: With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alisa Morgan, Secretary
Historic Preservation Commission
Page 1 of 10
Historic Preservation Commission
Staff Report
CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS
342 S Northington Street – COA 2401-01
DATE
January 25, 2024
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Petitioner: Taylor Harmon & Kayleigh Powers
Property Owner: Taylor Harmon & Kayleigh Powers
Location: 342 S Northington Street
Review Status and History
Previous Approvals: N/A
1984/2007/2023
Historic Properties
Inventory Details
N/A
Proposed Alteration, Renovation or Addition
The following alterations have been requested by the applicant.
1. Fence
2. Circular Driveway
3. Window Replacement
4. Shutters
5. Exterior Paint (Brick)
6. Front Door
Page 2 of 10
PLANNING STAFF EVALUATION:
Reviewed by: Bria Hudson, City Planner
Site Visits Conducted: January 2024
Evaluation:
1. Fence
2. Circular Driveway
3. Window Replacement
4. Shutters
5. Exterior Paint (Brick)
6. Front Door
Historic District Design Guidelines referenced:
ALTERATIONS TO NON-CONTRIBUTING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS (p35)
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.
Page 3 of 10
1. Fence
Fences (p25)
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 prominence.
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.
Staff Comments/Evaluation:
The petitioner is proposing fence located on 1st street and the materials will be pressure treated pine french
gothic spaced picket fence with a gate(painted white). The proposal will meet the guidelines.
2. Driveways and Sidewalks
Driveways and Sidewalks (p21/22)
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.
Page 4 of 10
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.
Staff Comments/Evaluation:
The petitioner is proposing a circular driveway located on S Northington Street. The petitioner is requesting to
remove the sidewalk to the house and install concrete pavers to the circular driveway on South Northington
Street. The proposed driveway materials will be gray gravel . Please note that the petitioner has consulted with
the City Engineer to confirm the driveway will be located properly.
3. Windows
Windows (p30)
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.
Page 5 of 10
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.
Staff Comments/Evaluation:
The petitioner is requesting to replace 16 existing 2:2, horizontal pane windows with 9:9 colonial style window
treatment. This is a noncontributing structure and the multi-pane proposed windows will be simliar to nearby
houses.
4. Shutters and Storm Windows
Shutters and Storm Windows (p31)
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.
Staff Comments/Evaluation:
The petitioner is requesting that the material of the proposed shutters to be wood and to install two shutters on
five windows. There are no existing shutters.
Page 6 of 10
5. Painting Exterior Brick
Alterations to Non-Contributing Residential Buildings (pp35-36):
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. 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); Materials (p38):
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.
Staff Comments/Evaluation:
The petitioner is requesting to paint the exterior by white washing the brick. This is a c1968 structure that is
noncontributing to the Historic District. Please note that the alterations have already been completed prior to
applying for Certificate of Appropriateness.
Note: Vinyl siding was mentioned on application to paint sometime in future to “freshen up”—not necessary for
CoA review for that proposal
6. Entrances and Doors (page 33)
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.
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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.
Staff Comments/Evaluation:
The petitioner is requesting to replace the front door with a mahogany stained door. Please note that the
alterations have already been completed prior to applying for Certificate of Appropriateness.
Page 8 of 10
View from South Northington Street:
Page 9 of 10
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Page 1 of 6
Historic Preservation Commission
Staff Report
CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS
136 W Main Street – COA2401-02
DATE
January 25, 2024
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Petitioner: M.A. Thompson
Property Owner: M.A. Thompson
Location: 136 W Main Street
Review Status and History
Previous Approvals: 07/2008 – Removal of aluminum façade and removal of canopy. Install of
new canopy
4/2013 – Enclose existing patio with antique doors and windows
1984/2007/2023
Historic Properties
Inventory Details
138 – 142 West Main Street, Spigner-Grouby Building, Now 136 and 138 West
Main Street
a) 1984: contributing. “c. 1895 (west half 1910); one story, brick, paneled brick
parapet. Erected as two distinct units, now functions as one. Originally housed
Spigener furniture and undertaking establishment. Older three-bay east unit
retains cast-iron storefront stamped ‘Chattanooga Roofing and Foundry Co.’”
b) 2007: c. 1895 and 1910, non-contributing. “These two units were
constructed separately, though they now function as one building. The older,
Eastern unit retains its original three-bay cast-iron storefront stamped
‘Chattanooga Roofing and Foundry Co.’”
Page 2 of 6
c) 2023: c. 1895 and 1910, non-contributing. These two units were constructed
separately, once functioned as one building, and are now function separately
again. Originally housed Spigener furniture and undertaking establishment.
136 West Main Street has been restored over the years, with its brick façade
visible and a 3 bay storefront with recessed (but incompatible) entry. 138
West Main has a stuccoed lower façade and a corrugated metal facing on the
upper façade.
Proposed Alteration, Renovation or Addition
The following alterations have been requested by the applicant.
1. Extend existing metal canopy 20’ for food truck cover. Wrap existing and new metal cover wood to match existing rear entrance to Uncle mick’s
PLANNING STAFF EVALUATION:
Reviewed by: Joshua McKinney, Planner
Site Visits Conducted: January 2024
Evaluation:
MISCELLANEOUS (pg. 61)
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.
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.
Page 3 of 6
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.
Canopies and Awnings (pg. 47) 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.
Page 4 of 6
Evaluation: The current canopy is located behind Uncle Mick’s restaurant. It is not in public view from W
Main St. The canopy is in public view from Tichnor St. Extending the current canopy, for food truck, will
not alter the historical building. Canopy colors should accent that of the main structure and should not be
garishly colored. Canopy is made of metal. Applicant is proposing to clad existing with metal awning
siding with wooden siding similar to the rear of the Uncle Mick’s building.
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Page 1 of 10
Historic Preservation Commission
Staff Report
CERTIFICATE OF
APPROPRIATENESS
138 W Main Street – COA2401-03
DATE
January 25, 2024
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Petitioner: M.A. Thompson
Property Owner: M.A. Thompson
Agent:
Location: 138 W Main Street
Review Status and History
Previous Approvals: None found
1984/2007/2023
Historic Properties
Inventory Details
138 – 142 West Main Street, Spigner-Grouby Building, Now 136 and 138 West
Main Street
a) 1984: contributing. “c. 1895 (west half 1910); one story, brick, paneled brick
parapet. Erected as two distinct units, now functions as one. Originally housed
Spigener furniture and undertaking establishment. Older three-bay east unit
retains cast-iron storefront stamped ‘Chattanooga Roofing and Foundry Co.’”
b) 2007: c. 1895 and 1910, non-contributing. “These two units were
constructed separately, though they now function as one building. The older,
Eastern unit retains its original three-bay cast-iron storefront stamped
‘Chattanooga Roofing and Foundry Co.’”
Page 2 of 10
c) 2023: c. 1895 and 1910, non-contributing. These two units were constructed
separately, once functioned as one building, and are now function separately
again. Originally housed Spigener furniture and undertaking establishment.
136 West Main Street has been restored over the years, with its brick façade
visible and a 3 bay storefront with recessed (but incompatible) entry. 138
West Main has a stuccoed lower façade and a corrugated metal facing on the
upper façade.
Proposed Alteration, Renovation or Addition
The following alterations have been requested by the applicant.
1. Remove existing store front plate glass windows and push the entrance 12 ft back
2. Move existing old wood. Install knee wall back (12’) and install smaller glass windows, trimmed in wood
3. Use antique wood entrance door
4. Cover exterior floor with stone
5. Install antique iron railing & gate where existing window is now
PLANNING STAFF EVALUATION:
Reviewed by: Joshua McKinney, Planner
Site Visits Conducted: January 2024
Evaluation:
COMMERCIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES (pg. 40)
ALTERATIONS AND REHABILITATION (COMMERCIAL) (pg. 46) 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
Page 3 of 10
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 (pg. 46) 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. Doors, Entrances, and Storefronts (pg. 48) 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.
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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.
Windows (pg. 50) 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.
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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.
Evaluation: Storefronts and their elements should be retained and maintained according to the Historic
District Guidelines. Removing current historical store front entrance/elements and adding proposed
features will not be a compatible style and material to the buildings and downtown historical buildings’
architectural style.
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PICTURES
CURRENT
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Photos of building – Circa 1980s
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