(A) Generally. The following standards shall apply within the UC-HD, Urban Core Historic District Overlay in the UC, Urban Core zoning district and are intended to implement the Marshalltown Downtown Master Plan. The standards of the underlying UC, Urban Core zoning district shall apply in the case of a conflict between the standards set forth in § 156.B.005, Nonresidential and Mixed-Use District Development Standards, and the standards of this section.
(B) Applicability. The standards of this section shall apply within the UC-HD Overlay district when new construction or more than 10% of an existing building's front or street-facing side exterior is the subject of review.
(C) Features and treatment methods.
(1) Masonry. Retain and repair original masonry and mortar. When replacement of failed masonry is required, new masonry units shall match the existing in dimension, composition, color, texture, and profile.
(D) Building facade elements. The following building facade element treatments shall apply to the expansion of existing buildings:
(1) Parapet.
(a) Retain and repair existing parapets.
(b) Avoid complete removal of a parapet except in cases where it is in danger of collapse or deterioration beyond repair. A rebuilt parapet should match the original as closely as possible in height and material. A rebuilt parapet removed by a prior owner, should align with the scale and material but not create a false sense of history.
(2) Cornice. Retain and repair existing cornices.
(3) Roof.
(a) If full replacement or major repair is necessary, utilize a compatible substitute material that will not change the character of the building.
(b) Decorative features such as cupolas, cresting, dormers, chimneys, visible shingle patterning, integral gutters, and original vents shall remain.
(c) New elements such as dormers, skylights, antennas, solar panels, and mechanical equipment shall be placed in a manner that they are screened from public view.
(4) Windows.
(a) Retain and repair existing windows. Replacement windows shall be of the same exterior dimension as the original window opening.
(b) New window openings in facades that are visible from a public street or in any location that would impact a character-defining facade is not allowed.
(5) Storefronts, bulkheads, display windows.
(a) Preserve and restore original storefronts, bulkheads, and display windows when they remain in place. These building elements are usually considered to be "character-defining" and effort should be made to retain the original whenever possible.
(b) Remove cover-up siding and infill framing as part of storefront rehabilitation.
(c) Repair the original materials or, if absolutely necessary, replace with material that closely aligns with the original in appearance and durability. Deteriorated wood elements can often be replaced with matching milled pieces. Cast iron elements should be evaluated for structural stability.
(d) Maintain or restore the original size, configuration, divisions and shape of storefronts.
(6) Doors and entries.
(a) Retain original recessed entries.
(b) Repair and restore architectural details.
(7) Decorative details.
(a) Retain original wood accents and details where they remain.
(b) Remove modern materials that cover historic exterior materials.
(c) Retain original cast iron and pressed metal where it remains.
(d) Apply paint only to historically painted materials.
(8) Signs and awnings.
(a) Avoid painting over historic painted signage.
(b) Signs shall not obscure historic architectural features or disrupt the facade pattern.
(c) Storefront window signs shall not obscure the view through the storefront. Signs shall be less than 25% of the total window glass.
(d) Awnings shall be triangular in section.
(e) Awnings shall be designed to fit the storefront openings without obscuring architectural details.
(f) Awnings shall be supported structurally by the building and shall not have posts supporting them from the ground.
(Ord. 15039, passed 4-11-2022)