In addition to the development criteria set forth in this subchapter, all applicants in the District shall be subject to the supplemental design criteria outlined in this section.
(A) Purpose. The principles and criteria set forth below are intended to achieve, among others, the following purposes:
(1) To strengthen, protect, enhance, and improve the existing visual and aesthetic character of the District;
(2) To guide development and/or redevelopment of the District, thereby preserving the historic and architectural resources in the core area and in the remaining area of the District;
(3) To ensure that the particular existing design features which contribute to the unique character of the District are retained and recreated in a manner that ensures the village will retain and enhance its sense of community;
(4) To ensure that new development and/or redevelopment respects the village’s historic qualities and resources through compatible design;
(5) To protect and enhance property values;
(6) To provide standards for property owners, architects, and contractors to aid in the preparation of appropriate plans; and
(7) To provide the basis for consistency and objective decision making by the Board when evaluating proposed alteration or change.
(B) Aspirational aesthetic principles. The buildings in the District define the core business hub which represents the essence of the village. In order to enhance the quality and compatibility of these buildings and thereby protect the character of the area, all proposed rehabilitation, restoration, and new construction projects shall incorporate the common aesthetic principles that are reflected in the village. These principles include:
(1) Proportion. The relationship of the dimensions of building details such as windows or doors, or entire facades from one building to the next shall create a desired harmony of buildings within the District;
(2) Scale. The size of buildings and building elements with respect to each other as well as the human form shall be consistent with the prevailing scale of the buildings within the District;
(3) Rhythm. The repetition of design in building details, such as the number and spacing of windows and doors, and backgrounds, such as walls, shall maintain the architectural rhythm of the existing facades; and
(4) Variety and unity. Projects shall blend both variety and unity in building design through varying levels of distinction in combining building elements in order to maintain a compatible built environment that is characterized by unifying qualities of proportion, scale, and rhythm.
(C) Augmented criteria. The criteria listed below have been established in order to protect, maintain, and foster unity of architectural style and visual compatibility of the District, in conjunction with the aesthetic principles identified in this subchapter. All criteria, aspirational or otherwise, shall apply to these portions of structures readily visible from a public street or highway. The rear portions of structures located on both sides of Front Street are excluded from this subchapter. It is anticipated that, in the future, appropriate modifications of this subchapter will be made to apply to the special aspects of the excluded portions currently exempted of structures.
(1) General criteria applicable to all proposals in the District. In the District, each proposal shall:
(a) Compliment the height, width, and general proportions of adjacent buildings so that an overall harmonious appearance is created;
(b) Include architectural features that are appropriate and compatible with the design of existing buildings and structures, including the patterns of windows and doors, roof pitch, cornice lines, shutters, dormers, eaves, and other decorative detail;
(c) Enhance the continuity along each block by encouraging the use of complimentary landscaping, street furniture, brick paving, and other similar items;
(d) Maintain or compliment existing building materials wherever possible; and
(e) Construct or renovate signs in compliance with such criteria as may hereafter be promulgated. Until then, signs shall conform to the existing requirements contained in the zoning code.
(2) District specific supplemental criteria. Each application submitted by an applicant shall:
(a) Preserve or restore original building facades to the extent practicable, including the removal of any applied facades that have original building details preserved beneath;
(b) Fill in open spaces between buildings of existing block facades, either through the development of a building, landscape features, or a combination of both, to preserve or create a unified street wall;
(c) Maintain the repetitive window modules and storefront widths along established block facades;
(d) Preserve and/or develop, whenever possible, the distinguishing architectural styles from the turn-of-the-century reflected in many of the facade details, such as pressed metal or corbelled cornices. If major facade components are badly deteriorated or missing (and replicas are not feasible), great care should be taken to replace them with creative designs that reflect the proportions, scale, and details of the original;
(e) Maintain the design, scale, and proportion of existing building windows:
1. Preserve the original proportions of window openings during interior alterations;
2. Maintain the original arrangement of glass panes whenever possible or duplicate similar configurations found along the square;
3. Retain or duplicate the original materials of such window elements as sashes, frames, sills, jambs, and lintels; and
4. Maintain widths of single and double module windows that reflect the architectural lines of the upper part of the facade;
(f) Maintain the colors, textures, and bonding patterns of brick found in existing historic structures;
(g) Utilize compatible color schemes that may be part of maintenance, remodeling, or new construction, limiting strong accent colors for special effects only. It is the purpose of this section to require any applicant subject to this subchapter to have the prior approval of the Board for any color change;
(h) Maintain compatible materials and design of public entrance door(s) and door hardware; and
(i) Enhance individual building design through pre-approved plantings or other building accents.
(D) Federal regulations. Any exterior alteration or change proposed in the District shall also be subject to the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which are incorporated herein and outlined in § 151.008. Copies of the complete Standards are available in the Municipal Offices.
(Ord. 1362, passed 5-2-2006)