New construction should be similar in form, scale, massing, and material to those typical and traditional in downtown Zanesville. The architectural design of new buildings and additions should balance both the old and the new. New buildings should not simply be copies of old ones. However, they can look to buildings of the past for ideas on design elements such as windows, proportions, cornices, parapets, storefronts, and ornamentation. Good design can take advantage of modern technology and meet modern needs, while still remaining compatible with older buildings.
(a) Height: New construction should observe typical and traditional building heights. Sudden height variations, both higher and lower, can disrupt the continuity of the streetscape.
(b) Massing: This refers to the basic shapes of buildings and how they fit together. For most downtown Zanesville buildings, the massing is fairly simple and generally consists of plain, rectangular shapes. In designing a new structure, try to use Massing similar to the adjacent and nearby buildings.
(c) Proportion: Proportion is the relationship between a building width and height. It also refers to the relationship between the parts of a building to the whole. This varies throughout downtown Zanesville. In new building design, use proportions similar to those found in adjacent and nearby buildings.
(d) Scale: this refers to the size of a building in relation to that of a person. In downtown Zanesville, nearly every building has a pedestrian scale that is inviting to people. The same effect is encouraged in any new construction.
(e) Roof Shade: Flat roofs, with slight slopes for drainage, are common in downtown Zanesville commercial buildings. Flat roofs used in combination with parapet walls and cornices are compatible with the traditional architecture found in downtown Zanesville. Residential roof shapes such as mansard, gambrel, or gable should be avoided in non-residential construction.
(f) Materials, Textures. and Colors: New designs should reflect the predominant and traditional materials, textures, and colors found in downtown Zanesville. Materials include wood, brick, stone, stucco, and concrete. Textures include smooth painted wood, rough and smooth brick, rough and smooth concrete, and smooth stone trim. As was mentioned previously in the section on paint color, colors range from natural masonry materials to the painted trim elements found on the building facade. In new construction, consider using traditional materials with varying textures that are part of the building's overall design.
(Ord. 96-115. Passed 8-26-96.)