These guidelines are derived largely from the Design Guidelines chapter found in 2002 Downtown Toledo Master Plan, as adopted by Ordinance 280-02.
A. Rehabilitation of existing structures. Wherever possible, examples of the City's traditional commercial, civic and residential architecture should be preserved, renovated and where appropriate, adaptively reused. Specifically:
1. Where removed a cornice or fascia should be restored to reemphasize the original design intent of the structure and should be designed in proportion to the overall mass of the building.
2. The building's original wall surface and detailing should be restored whenever possible and all exposed mechanical equipment, unused electrical apparatus or sign supports should be removed.
3. Special attention should be given to the removal of storefront surface materials that will extend onto the piers and walls of the upper facade.
4. If new materials are to be used for buildings that are architecturally undistinguished, they should be selected to coordinate with neighboring structures and to complement the design of the storefront.
5. The proportions of restored windows and the rhythm of the window pattern should replicate the original facade design as closely as possible.
6. Display windows of a storefront should never be filled or covered except where there are residential uses abutting the sidewalk on the ground floor.
7. On traditional buildings, recessed entrances are encouraged and where entrances are flush with display windows, awnings can be used to give greater definition to the storefront and provide overhead protection. Awnings should be attached directly to the building without requiring a support column on the sidewalk, have a minimum clearance of eight feet and a maximum clearance of 12 feet above the sidewalk.
8. Loading and service entrances should be located at the rear and side of the building.
9. Trash containers, service and storage areas should be screened and maintained. In larger developments, trash collection, service and loading areas should be separated from main circulation and parking areas.
B. New Development Infill.
1. The front setback of new development should replicate the setback of existing buildings to create a consistently developed edge, reinforce the City center's urban development pattern and enhance pedestrian orientation.
2. There should be no spacing between buildings except a mid-block pedestrian walkway would be allowed.
3. Building height and massing should be compatible with existing development. The building mass should be broken into increments that correspond to the scale and massing of existing buildings through the use of such devices as setbacks and variable roof heights.
4. The location and articulation of building entrances should complement those of existing buildings and should be oriented to street frontages.
5. Street facades of new infill development should be organized into:
a. ground-level pedestrian presentation; and
b. the upper architecture, with strong horizontal elements separating the two.
C. Major New Development Over 25,000 Square Feet. The principal challenge in designing major new downtown development projects is the successful incorporation of large-scale and/or high-rise structures into the existing context of smaller- scale buildings.
1. Unarticulated forms and masses should be avoided in new larger-scale development. Instead, the building should be broken into increments that relate to the human scale by using such devices as fenestration, architectural detailing, variable setbacks and rooflines to define a sequence of bays and provide transitions in height and scale. Multi-block mega-structures that erase the street grid and weaken the basic urban block structure are discouraged.
2. Blank wall areas at sidewalk edge may not extend for more than 25 horizontal feet without articulation such as a window, glass-covered display area, entryway or recessed area.
3. To counter high-rise impacts the use of reflective glass at ground level should be avoided so that the building base meets the ground in a manner that is more inviting to the public. Controls designed to preserve solar access to streets and public spaces and measures that help minimize wind tunnel and down draft effects may also be considered.
4. Maintain pedestrian connections and view corridors along traditional street rights of way when a project spans several blocks (mega-structures) providing for a sequence of public spaces and walkways that are linked to the street grid.
D. Facade Materials and Colors. See Section 1109.0500
for building facade material and color standards.
E. Streetscape.
1. Street trees to the satisfaction of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, light standards, street signs, etc., should be placed so that the trees are between the street lanes and any pedestrian walkway. Moveable seating is preferred to seating that is permanently anchored to the sidewalk.
2. Trees should be spaced at distances so that each tree can attain the appropriate form and shape at maturity. This could range between 30 and 40 foot spacing for large trees and 15 to 25 feet for smaller trees. Do not plant trees directly in front of entrances or other significant architectural features.
3. Any walkway or public spaces specifically designed to enhance pedestrian movement should not use plain asphaltic pavements for the walking surface or use tiles or similar surfaces that can become slippery when wet.
4. Existing and future transit stop locations should have ample space for patron amenities and waiting.
F. Building Identification Signs. Signage shall comply with Part 13, Title 9, Chapter 1387, Signs Permitted in Zoning Districts, and the following regulations:
1. Each building within the -DOD is limited to one (1) Building Identification Sign per building façade, with a maximum of two (2) Building Identification Signs.
2. Additional building signs, including projecting, marquee, fascia or monument, shall be limited to tenants and/or occupants located in the building Such signs shall be located between the top of the first floor door or window lintel and the second floor windowsill. Unless architectural treatments and/or features preclude the installation of such signs, which then shall be reviewed and approved by the Plan Director.
3. No sign or part of a sign shall be located above the parapet of any facade. Roof mounted signs are prohibited.
4. Projecting signs are not allowed as Building Identification Signs.
G. Exemptions. The Plan Commission may modify and/or waive all or parts of the design standards in this section for site when, in the opinion of the Plan Commission, the design constitutes a unique, one of a kind building that meets the intent of these design standards. The Plan Commission may request the City Historic District Commission to review and comment.
(Ord. 355-19. Passed 7-23-19; Ord. 558-19. Passed 11-26-19.)