HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MONROE DESIGN GUIDELINES
Guideline for Materials In any rehabilitation work, preserving historic character should be given the highest priority. Therefore, to protect the distinctive character of an existing historic building, any new materials used should match as closely as possible the original materials. The uniform identity created by the repeated use of masonry as the primary building material is very important to retain. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that new buildings in a Historic Downtown be constructed with facades of brick or stone. On a site specific basis, the trim materials of existing buildings to either side of the building being designed should be reflected in the design of the new building. When cost or availability of a historic material makes its use prohibitive, and when a modern material can successfully be used to simulate the appropriate historic material, the use of a modern material should be allowed. However, some modern materials, such as mirrored glass, rough-sawn shakes or diagonal wood siding, may be inappropriate to use on some historic commercial buildings. Inappropriate modern materials should be avoided. In any rehabilitation or new construction project, the quality of finish materials varies widely. Use the highest quality facing materials you can afford. Guidelines on Color Colors should relate in a positive way to the natural materials found on the facade, and to existing elements, such as signs or awnings. Clean, with the gentlest means possible, such as light washing with light pressure (sandblasting destroys the brick by prematurely weathering and eroding its surface) the facade of the building. Select colors that harmonize with and enhance the color of the natural material. Use colors that are appropriate to the architectural style of the building. Books like A Century of Color can help explain what schemes are appropriate to your building. When the surface to be painted has a quantity of three-dimensional detail, use light or mid-range color values, rather than extremely dark colors so the details are not hidden. When in doubt on an appropriate palette, use shades of one color with one highlight color. When choosing colors, take into account the position of the building in relation to sunlight. Avoid the Boutique Approach for historic buildings. Roof Forms The majority of roofs of downtown commercial buildings are flat and hidden behind a low vertical extension of the facade called a "parapet." The uppermost part of the parapet is often decorated with special architectural elements that formally announce that is the top of the building, its crown. These elements can be formed of the facade material itself, such as an intricate brick pattern, or can be applied to the facade, such as a wood or pressed metal cornice. There is great architectural variety to be found in the cornices of downtown. Many of them combine all the elements of ancient Greek architecture-entablature, dentils, frieze and cornice. Frequently, these crowning elements include a raised central portion, or pediment, that breaks the flat horizontality of the roof edge. Pediments provide an important visual accent.
Guideline on Roof Forms It is very important that cornices and pediments be preserved with an ongoing program of maintenance. When necessary, cornices should be replaced with identical forms. In new construction, residential-type gabled roofs should be avoided in favor of a sloped roof hidden from view on the front facade by a parapet; decoration of the roofline by use of special materials or decorative details should use examples of other buildings as a guide. STOREFRONT DESIGN Although many downtown buildings have been in use for over 100 years, the majority of changes made to "update" storefronts and make them look "modern" has occurred since 1950. To preserve the character, it is important that the pattern of the traditional storefront (transom, large windows, entry and doors) be maintained or restored. While considerable discretion in storefront design is required for marketing purposes, there are several concepts which are not appropriate. Mansard roofs, false gables, and shake shingles are not appropriate because they break the traditional pattern of solids and voids by covering up the large storefront opening. Historical themes like "Colonial," "Chalet," or "Quaint Cottage" are not appropriate because they do not reflect the dominant architectural features in the district. Monroe is very fortunate to have been documented with photographs that show in great detail how storefronts looked in the past. Old photographs can be the best source of appropriate ideas for your storefront. The architectural features of the storefront that will be described in these guidelines are: the Cornice or Lintel; Transom; Spandrel; Shop Windows and Entry Space; Doors; and Awnings and Canopies.
STOREFRONT CORNICE OR LINTEL At the top of the storefront and the bottom of the second floor, there is a structural member of steel or wood which supports the upper facade. This lintel can be infilled with brick or can be expressed on the exterior with a decorative cornice. Frequently there was a sign above, on, or below this cornice, or the cornice was incorporated in the signboard. Guideline for Storefront Cornice or Lintel If the storefront lintel contains a cornice, every effort should be made to preserve it through repairs and repainting. If the cornice has been removed through changes made to the storefront over time, a horizontal division can be achieved by replacing or simulating the cornice and/or incorporating it in the sign board. TRANSOMS The glazed panels that fill the space above the shop window and below the structural lintel are called the transom. In some cases, especially over the entry door, the transoms were operable to allow air to circulate. Transoms can be of plate glass or divided into small panes of glass; in some cases, special prisms were installed to deflect light into the rear of the store. Guidelines for Transoms Remove materials which cover the transom and repair transom glazing and frames. When the transom is damaged or destroyed, replace with a similar frame and pattern in the same material or an unobtrusive new material. Do not cover the transom. Do not infill the transom space with brick, wood or other materials. Do not paint the glazed portions of the transom. Do not over decorate transom with inappropriate patterns, colored glass or designs.
STOREFRONT SPANDREL The low panels made of wood, metal or masonry that create a wall below the shop windows are called spandrels. Other terms for this space include kneewall and bulkhead. Sometimes, the spandrel contained small windows to let light into the basement. Guidelines for Storefront Spandrel Spandrels should be as low as possible; their design should relate to the architectural style of the building. When the original spandrel exists and is in good condition, it should be repaired, repainted and insulated from the interior. If the original spandrel is in poor condition or is missing, it can be replaced with wood, tile, or metal over masonry. A wood spandrel design should include stiles and rails at the top, bottom and sides; a brick spandrel should match the masonry of the building. Do not make the spandrel higher than it was originally designed to be and as a result infill the window opening. Shop Windows The traditional storefront was designed to be as transparent as possible with large, clear, plate glass windows that allowed shoppers to see the merchandise inside. These large glass windows and transoms also let in lots of natural light, an important feature in days prior to electric lights. The plate glass window may have been divided into two or three panels, but in Monroe windows would not have been divided into small 6x6 inch "colonial" panes. Guidelines for Shop Windows Where original glazing and window frames exist and are in good condition, they should be retained; frames should be caulked and painted. When the frames are missing or deteriorated, replace with simple metal frames which can be painted and easily maintained. To improve energy efficiency, install interior glazing rather than replacing windows. Replacing the original glazing with insulated glazing for energy conservation may involve installation of new frames that may alter the appearance of the storefront. If it is necessary to install new insulated windows, the new frames should be unobtrusive in profile and should be painted to harmonize with the architectural features of the building. Frames for new windows should be divided to match original window divisions, or should be based on divisions typical to that building type.
Equation 2 1 ENTRY SPACE Shop doors were recessed a few feet, creating a covered entry space with windows on either side. This gave merchants more display windows to show their wares and attract shoppers into the store. Columns, often of cast iron, provided support for the storefront entry. The columns were frequently adorned with decorative capitals and bases. APPROPRIATE DESIGN: Guidelines for Entry Space revealed in historic photographs. If the entry has been changed, consult historic photographs to determine what it looked like and design a compatible new entry. Existing columns should be left intact and included in the overall design of framing for the shop front. If columns are missing, replacement columns should replicate the originals as If columns are missing and replication is not possible, simple cylindrical columns can be installed as replacements without detracting from other architectural features.
STOREFRONT DOORS Original wooden storefront doors were tall with as much glass as possible. Decorative brass pulls and fittings made them both substantial and inviting. Doors were located in the recessed entry in the center or to one side of the store. A secondary door provided access to the second floor; although more modest than the front door, it was usually similar in size and design. Guidelines for Storefront Doors When the original front or secondary doors exist, they should be repaired, refinished and refit with appropriate hardware. If the doors will be replaced, install doors which have large glass panels and interesting hardware appropriate to the style of the storefront. Options include salvaged doors, new wood doors to match the original, or new aluminum doors. Paint new aluminum doors or use an anodized finish to blend with the existing architectural features of the storefront. Insulated glazing with an appropriate seal system is recommended for protection from heat gain or loss. Avoid solid doors, half-glazed doors, colonial style" doors, and highly decorative doors that are not compatible with the historic integrity of the building. Avoid mirrored glass and deeply tinted glass. Tinted glass with a shading coefficient of less than 0.5 can be acceptable and offers some protection from heat gain. Avoid storm doors because they make access difficult. If they are needed, they should either be authentic reproductions consistent with the style of the building, or clean-lined and unobtrusive. For security measures, consider simple metal grilles or acrylic or lexan sheet glazing; such glazing can also be installed over existing doors to add energy efficiency to the project.
AWNINGS AND CANOPIES Over the last 100 years several types of awnings and canopies have been utilized in Monroe and still are appropriate: 1. Retractable fabric awnings which roll or fold back toward the facade. 2. Stationary fabric awnings on a fixed pipe system. 3. Fixed canopies with sloping roofs. 4. Fixed canopies with flat roofs and railings-like small balconies. As old photos of Monroe reveal, awnings were used only where needed to protect shop interiors from the sun, mostly on the north side of the street. Flatroofed fixed canopies which also served as balconies were used on both sides of the street at different historical times; frequently these were accessed through long second-floor windows. Awnings and canopies provide shelter from the sun, rain and snow. Awnings can be decorative as well as functional, and are available in many materials, colors and patterns. Today and in the past, their greatest value is energy conservation-protecting shops from unwanted heat gain. Guidelines on Awnings and Canopies Awnings should fit within the storefront space: do not cover the side piers, or install above the lintel of the storefront. Awnings should be made of weather-resistant canvas or vinyl fabric. The color of awnings should complement facade colors; solid colors or stripes are historically appropriate. Signs on awnings should reflect historic precedents in placement. Awnings should project no more than 4 to 7 feet. Avoid awnings with a curved profile, as these are not historically appropriate. Lighting of awnings from behind is not acceptable because this detracts from the overall character of the facade. Permanent sloped canopies of aluminum, shakes or shingles are not appropriate unless they can be documented in old photographs.
UPPER FACADES: ORNAMENT & WINDOWS As described earlier, the upper facades have distinctive proportions, rhythms and patterns which contribute to the historic integrity of the Historic District. Window openings-especially the shape of the arch (flat, segmental, or half-round)-and brick, cast metal, stone or wood window hoods are significant elements. Some upper facades have projecting oriel windows or corner towers which are embellished with patterned sheathing, like pressed metal siding or fancy cut shingles, and decorative windows with colored or patterned glass. Ornamental cornices and pediments top many historic buildings. Pilaster piers at the sides, embellished with stone or terra cotta capitals, enframe the whole front. All of these architectural features contribute to the integrity of the Historic District. Loss of these architectural features results in the loss of architectural character. Removing outdated signs, unused conduit and extraneous mounts that have been added to the facade over the years can enhance it and refocus visual attention to the building's important architectural features. Features vary depending upon the architectural style of the individual building. However, many architectural features are common to the majority of Monroe s downtown buildings; the drawing above illustrates them.
CORNICES AND PEDIMENTS An elaborate masonry, wood, or metal cornice, sometimes topped with a masonry or metal pediment, is a distinctive architectural feature of many of Monroe s commercial buildings. Cornices and pediments should be preserved. When the cornice and pediment exist and are in reasonable condition, repairs can be made and an ongoing program of maintenance can insure their preservation. If these elements are missing, they can be replaced in wood, metal, brick, or in modern materials like fiberglass and lightweight cements. Entablatures are composed of three parts: the architrave, frieze and cornice. The cornice and gutter are sometimes the same element. When deteriorated, this feature can usually be replicated in wood or metal. The frieze and architrave below are made of metal, wood, or brick. These elements can also be repaired as can metal or wood dentils, consoles or brackets which are important architectural features of Italianate and Renaissance commercial architecture. Guidelines for Cornices and Pediments Preserve, through ongoing maintenance, original cornices and pediments. If cornice and/or pediment is missing, replace in wood, metal or brick, or in compatible modern materials like fiberglass, using historic photographs as a guide. Repair and replace damaged or missing dentils and brackets when necessary.
WINDOWS Windows are a major visual feature of the upper storefront facade. Whether simple and unadorned, or round-topped with ornamental hoods, windows were designed to fill their openings in the wall. Great efforts should be made to retain original windows: replace broken glass and missing putty; repair the wood frames and sash; and keep all wood and metal surfaces caulked and painted. Materials which match the original should be used. Matching the pattern of sash division in original windows, such as 2-over-2, or 1-over-1 sash, is also important. As mentioned earlier, the proportion of the windows should not be changed by installing smaller windows and infilling around them. Nor should the windows be enlarged: such changes destroy the existing pattern of openings which is important to the historic integrity of Stoughton. Windows and Energy Before assuming that old windows are useless from an energy standpoint and making a significant investment in new, "energy efficient" windows, consider other sources of heat loss. Most of the heat loss in 19th century commercial buildings occurs through the ceiling and roof; the front and back walls lose the next largest amount of heat. The side walls lose very little heat because they are adjacent to other buildings. Front and back walls and roof should be properly insulated as a first step to energy efficiency. Note that front and rear walls can be insulated from the interior more effectively than from the exterior, as adding insulation and vapor barrier on the inside will not damage the significant architectural features on the exterior of the building. Comparatively little heat is lost through windows as long as simple steps are taken to maintain them so they seal properly. Additional energy savings can be achieved with existing windows as follows: 1. Install exterior storm windows the same size and pattern as existing windows. 2. Replace channels for double hung windows with energy-efficient channels.
WINDOW HOODS Made of brick, cast iron, sheet metal, wood, or stone, these highly decorative elements are actually designed to keep water away from the windows themselves. It is very important to maintain and preserve these distinctive elements. Window hoods are among the most important visual elements of commercial buildings: they are like eyebrows on a face. Guideline on Window Hoods Repair existing window hoods. Replace any missing parts in the same material as the original. Old photographs are excellent sources for finding the missing elements. When missing, the window hoods can be replicated in sheet metal, fiberglass, or wood. If the hood cannot be replaced, at least the shape of the window opening should be retained and expressed in brickwork. There are excellent examples of masonry detailing which can be used as precedents when window hoods are missing.
SIGNS Businesses must be identified so customers, clients and potential customers can easily find them. Signs serve this identification function, and can also serve to create a business image; taken as a group, they create an overall image of the Downtown area. It is important that signs achieve both goals: identify an individual business and contribute to a positive Downtown image as well. In Monroe, a municipal ordinance exists to regulate the size, scale, location and lighting of signs on Historic buildings. Presently, Downtown Monroe s business owners utilize a variety of signs: Signboards hanging over the sidewalk, perpendicular to the building facade; Signs as a part of awnings; Flush signs applied to the building facade, whether illuminated or not; Objects as signs; Freestanding "sandwich board" signs, placed on the sidewalk and taken in at night. It is important in Historic Downtown Momroe that signs retain the pedestrian scale that most of them possess today. Signs should be placed in locations that have historic precedents, such as in the lintel crossing the top of the storefront, or on the edge or "flap" of an awning. Perhaps an object can serve as the sign. Consider researching historic photographs that show what signs were like in Monroe's past. Consider the impact the sign will have on the building: will it dominate the facade or hide existing architectural features? Every effort should be made to ensure that signs complement, rather than obscure, the details and design of the building.
Guideline for Sign Location Signs should be placed at the top of the storefront; painted on the window itself; hanging over the sidewalk; or on the edge of an awning. Coordinate the placement of signage on adjacent storefronts to avoid visual confusion. Avoid large hanging plastic signs and oversized signs; these are not appropriate to historic buildings. Any sign placed over features on the second story facade is not appropriate. Guideline for Lettering and Color Select clear, simple lettering styles for easy readability. Some lettering styles evoke different time eras; consider the date and style of the building when selecting type faces. Consider the color of the building and of neighboring buildings when determining sign color. Select sign colors that provide contrast between letters and background: a dark background with lighter colored letters is most easily perceived by the human eye. Guideline on Quality Consider the cost of the sign a business investment, and order the finest quality possible. Select a sign maker who will provide a quality product. Do not use premade or generic signs. Signs should reflect an individual business message rather than advertise a nationally-franchised product. Consider the entire storefront as a business card: the appearance of the building is more subtle than a word sign, but it does convey the image of the business, perhaps even more than the sign itself.