DESIGN GUIDELINES

Not Recommended

• New construction (infill or addition) that conflicts or deters from the character, scale, patterns, massing or setbacks of the downtown district.

• Use of materials that are foreign within the context of the commercial downtown historic district such as vinyl siding, aluminum siding, wood siding of a residential character, cedar shake siding, Plexiglas, exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS), thin set brick or stone veneers, and reflective or mirrored glass.

Historic Structure Maintenance

General repair, maintenance, and cleaning not only preserve the longevity of buildings, but also contributes to the overall appearance of a community as welcoming and inviting. Below is a list of things you can do to maintain and improve the appearance of your building with little or no investment. For more detail see Preservation Brief 47 Maintaining the Exterior of Small and Medium Sized Historic Buildings at http://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/47-maintainingexteriors.htm.

Roof

Leaking roofs, improper flashing and missing or undersized gutters create a threat to the integrity of a building. Water infiltration should be addressed as soon as it occurs. Water issues left unattended generally become larger threats and more costly to repair, especially if the water damage moves to the building interior. Regular roof inspections are important for all types of roofs. Inspect roofs annually, spring or fall or after a heavy storm. Inspect chimneys in the fall and every five years by a mason. Inspect gutters and drainage every six months, before and after wet season and during periods of heavy rain.

• Repair improper or loose flashing and reset missing or loose shingles.

• Clean clogged gutters and downspouts. Make sure water flows freely.

• Realign sagging or misaligned gutters so water flows to drains.

• Make sure water is sufficiently directed away from the building at downspouts with splash blocks.

• Repoint joints in chimneys and parapet walls using mortar similar to the original in consistency, color and rake. Have a professional repair chimneys and chimney caps, checking for cracks and adequate venting and exhaust.

Windows

Windows are a significant architectural design feature of most buildings. Historic windows that remain should be preserved and protected whenever possible. Inspect windows seasonally to make sure they remain functional and weather tight.

• Paint steel lintels, often found in brick or stone buildings, to keep them rust free.

• Check stone or brick lintels for cracks or missing mortar joints and to make sure mortar is in good condition.

• Inspect wood window components for rot (soft spots) or peeling. paint and paint if needed.