HomeMy WebLinkAbout+Design Guideline Worksheet WHO District
City of Twin Falls
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WAREHOUSE HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN STANDARDS
GENERAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
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PRIMARY FACADES
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Many of the Warehouse Historic District’s buildings possess components traditionally seen on industrial buildings. The
repetition of these standard elements creates a visual unity at the street that should be preserved.
3.1 For a warehouse building, a rehabilitation project
should preserve these character-defining elements:
Man-door: A small door for use by people
entering the building. These can be similar in
character to a storefront on a retail building.
They often include a transom.
Windows: Windows located at the street level.
These often are larger and display a similar
pattern to the upper story windows.
Upper-story windows: Windows located above
the street level. These usually have a vertical
orientation.
Cornice molding: A decorative band at the top
of the building.
Cultural and civic structures are allowed to have
‘pride of place’ with setbacks and form
differences, while maintaining compatible
human scale. elements at street level.
Loading dock: A raised landing for handling
goods; some project from the facade while
others are inset behind the building plane.
Loading bay doorway: A large opening at the
landing dock. Typically, these are rectangular,
although sometimes arched. Rolling overhead
or horizontal sliding doors were used in these
openings. Singular and multiple openings were
found on walls.
Canopy: A metal structure usually sheltering the
loading dock. Some were horizontal and others
were sloped. They were supported on metal
and heavy timber supports that were wall
mounted.
3.2 Preserve the historic character of the building facade.
Preserve loading docks, loading bay openings,
windows and door frames.
If the glass is intact, it should be preserved.
3.3 If the facade is altered, restoring it to the original
design is preferred.
If evidence of an original design component is
missing, use a simplified interpretation of
similar components in the area.
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PRIMARY FACADES
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Historic photographs of Twin Falls and its industrial buildings are available and should be used when determining the original
character of the facade.
3.4 Alternative designs that are contemporary
interpretations of traditional industrial buildings may be
considered where the historic façade is missing and no
evidence of it exists.
Where the original is missing and no evidence
of its character exists, a new design that uses
the traditional elements may be considered.
However, the new design should continue to
convey the character of typical facades in the
area, including the repetitive window patterns
and openings seen along the building fronts.
3.5 Preserve the character of the cornice line.
Most historic commercial buildings have
cornices to cap their facades. Their repetition
along the street contributes to the visual
continuity on the block.
Many cornices are made of sheet metal, which
is fairly lightweight and easy to repair. Areas
that have rusted through can be patched with
pieces of new metal.
3.6 Reconstruct a missing cornice when historic
evidence is available.
Use historic photographs to determine design
details of the original cornice.
Replacement elements should match the
original in every detail, especially in overall size
and profile. Keep sheet metal ornamentation
well painted.
The substitution of a new cornice for the
original may be considered, provided that the
substitute is similar to the original.
3.7 A simplified interpretation is also
appropriate for a replacement cornice if
evidence of the original is missing.
Appropriate materials include stone, brick and
stamped metal.
3.8 Retain the original shape of the transom glass in
existing openings
Transoms, the upper glass band on door
openings, introduced light and air circulation
into the depths of the building, saving on light
and cooling costs. These bands should not be
removed or enclosed.
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The shape of the transom is important to the
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proportion of the opening, and it should be
preserved in its historic configuration
If the transom must be blocked out, be certain
to retain the original proportions. One option
might be to use it as a sign panel or decorative
band.
3.9 A parapet wall should not be altered, especially those
on primary elevations or highly visible walls.
When a parapet wall becomes deteriorated,
there is sometimes a temptation to lower or
remove it. Avoid doing this because the flashing
for the roof is often tied into the parapet, and
disturbing it can cause moisture problems
Inspect parapets on a regular basis. They are
exposed to the weather more than other parts
of the building, so watch for deterioration such
as missing mortar or excessive moisture
retention.
Avoid waterproofing treatments which can
interfere with the parapet’s natural ability to
dry out quickly when it gets wet.
A parapet wall should not be altered, especially
those on primary elevations or highly visible
walls.
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ARCHETECTURAL DETAILS
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Architectural details contribute to the character of a structure. Specific types of details are associated with specific
architectural styles. Select an appropriate treatment that will provide for proper preservation of significant features. The
method that requires the least intervention is preferred. See Chapter II for information on identifying key features of specific
styles, and for determining appropriate treatment strategies for them.
3.10 Preserve significant stylistic and architectural
features.
Doors, windows, cornices, loading docks,
loading bay doorways, and canopies are
examples of architectural features that should
be preserved.
Employ preventive maintenance measures such
as rust removal, caulking and repainting.
Do not remove or alter architectural details that
are in good condition or that can be repaired.
3.11 Repair deteriorated features.
Patch, piece-in, splice, consolidate or otherwise
upgrade existing materials, using recognized
preservation methods
Isolated areas of damage may be stabilized or
fixed using consolidates. Epoxies and resins may
be considered for wood repair.
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ARCHETECTURAL DETAILS
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Removing a damaged feature that can be
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CERTIFICATE OF APPRORIATENESS ACTION SHEET Preservation
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repaired is not appropriate.
Protect significant features that are adjacent to
the area being worked on.
3.12 When disassembly of a historic element is necessary
for its repair, use methods that minimize damage to it.
When removing a historic feature, document its
location so it may be repositioned accurately.
3.13 Use technical procedures for cleaning, refinishing
and repairing an architectural detail that will maintain
the original finish.
Use the gentlest means possible that will
achieve the desired results
Employ treatments such as rust removal,
caulking, limited paint removal and
reapplication of paint or stain where
appropriate.
3.14 When reconstructing an element is impossible,
develop a new design that is a compatible interpretation
of it.
The new element should be similar to
comparable features in general size, shape,
texture, material and finish.
3.15 Replace an architectural element accurately.
The design should be substantiated by physical
or pictorial evidence to avoid creating a
misrepresentation of the building’s history.
The design should be substantiated by physical
or pictorial evidence to avoid creating a
misrepresentation of the building’s history.
Use the same kind of material as the original
when feasible. However, a substitute material
may be acceptable if the size, shape, texture
and finish conveys the visual appearance of the
original. Alternative materials are usually more
acceptable in locations that are remote from
view or direct contact.
Restore altered window openings on primary
walls to their original configuration, when
feasible.
3.16 Avoid adding details that were not part of the
original building.
For example, decorative millwork should not be
added to a building if it was not an original
feature. Doing so would convey a false history
and would not be appropriate for the
traditionally simple character of most
warehouse buildings.
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MATERIALS & FINISHES
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Primary historic building materials should be preserved in place whenever feasible. If the material is damaged, then limited
replacement which matches the original should be considered. These materials should never be covered or subjected to harsh
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cleaning treatments. Preserving original building materials and limiting replacement to only pieces which are deteriorated
beyond repair reduces the demand for, and environmental impacts from, the production of new materials and thus is sound
sustainability policy. Primary historic building materials found in Twin Falls include wood, stone, brick, metal, stucco, plaster
and concrete. These guidelines apply to all such materials:
3.17 Preserve original building materials.
Avoid removing original materials that are in
good condition.
Remove only those materials which are
deteriorated, and must be replaced.
Masonry features that define the overall
historic character, such as walls, cornices,
pediments, steps and foundations, should be
preserved.
Avoid rebuilding a major portion of exterior
masonry walls that could be repaired.
3.18 Repair deteriorated primary building materials.
Repair by patching, piecing-in, consolidating or
otherwise reinforcing the material.
3.19 When replacing materials on primary surfaces,
match the original material in composition, scale and
finish.
If the original material is wood clapboard, for
example, then the replacement material should
be wood as well. It should match the original in
size, the amount of exposed lap and in finish.
Replace only the amount required. If a few
boards are damaged beyond repair, then only
they should be replaced, not the entire wall
If a wood porch or deck floor needs
replacement because of significant
deterioration, a substitute material may be
considered in this case. Recycled materials may
be an appropriate replacement material to
consider.
3.20 Do not use synthetic materials, such as aluminum,
vinyl or panelized brick, as replacements for primary
building materials.
Primary building materials, such as wood siding
and masonry, should not be replaced with
synthetic materials.
Modular materials should not be used as
replacement materials. Synthetic stucco and
panelized brick, for example, are inappropriate.
In some instances, substitute materials may be
used for replacing architectural details. If a new
material is used, its style and detail should
match the historic model.
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MATERIALS & FINISHES
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City of Twin Falls
Historic
CERTIFICATE OF APPRORIATENESS ACTION SHEET Preservation
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Green building materials, such as those made
with renewable and local resources, may be
considered for replacement materials where
they are compatible with the historic building
and context.
3.21 Covering original building materials with new
materials is inappropriate.
Vinyl siding, aluminum siding and new stucco
are generally inappropriate on historic
buildings. Other imitation materials that are
designed to look like wood or masonry siding,
fabricated from other materials, are also
inappropriate.
If a property already has a non-historic building
material covering the original, it is not
appropriate to add another layer of new
material, which would further obscure the
original.
3.22 Consider removing later covering materials that
have not achieved historic significance.
Once the non-historic siding is removed, repair
the original, underlying material.
If a structure has a stucco finish, removing the
covering may be difficult, and may not be
desirable. Test the stucco to assure that the
original material underneath will not be
damaged.
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PAINT
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Historically, most wood surfaces on the exterior of a building were painted to protect them from weathering. Concrete and
stucco structures also were sometimes painted.
3.30 Plan repainting carefully.
Always prepare a good substrate. Prior to
painting, remove damaged or deteriorated
paint only to the next intact layer, using the
gentlest means possible.
Use compatible paints. Some latex paints will
not bond well to earlier oil-based paints without
a primer coat.
3.31 Using the historic color scheme is encouraged.
Paint scrapping in shaded areas result in
accurate historic color samples.
If the historic scheme is not known, then an
interpretation of schemes on similar historic
buildings is appropriate.
Generally, one muted color is used as a
background, which unifies the composition
One or two other colors are usually used for
accent to highlight details and trim.
Brilliant luminescent and day-glow colors are
inappropriate.
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High gloss paints and finishes are inappropriate.
TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUAL BUILDING FEATURES
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DOORS
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The character-defining features of a historic door and its distinct materials and placement should be preserved. This includes
both a man-door and a loading bay door. When a new door is needed, it should be in character with the building. This is
especially important on primary facades.
3.32 Preserve the decorative and functional features of a
primary entrance.
These include the door, door frame, threshold,
glass panes, paneling, hardware, detailing,
transoms and flanking sidelights.
Avoid changing the position of an original front
door.
3.33 Preserve a loading bay door.
Avoid changing the position of an original
loading bay door.
3.33 Preserve a loading bay door.
Avoid changing the position of an original
loading bay door.
Where replacement is needed, the design
should have an appearance similar to the
original, and be in character with the building
Maintain the proportions of the original
opening and door(s).
3.34 Maintain the original proportions of a historically
significant door.
Altering the original size and shape of a historic
door is inappropriate.
3.35 When a historic door is damaged, repair it and
maintain its general historic appearance.
3.36 When replacing a door, use materials that appear
similar to that of the original.
3.37 When replacing a door, use a design that has an
appearance similar to the original door, or a door
associated with the building style or type.
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WINDOWS
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The character-defining features of a historic window, its distinct materials and its location should be preserved. When
necessary, a replacement window should be in character with the historic building.
3.38 Preserve the functional and decorative features of a
historic window.
Features important to the character of a
window include its frame, sash, muntins,
mullions, glazing, sills, heads, jambs, moldings,
operation and groupings of windows. See the
diagrams for an illustration of window features.
Repair frames and sashes rather than replacing
them, whenever possible.
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Window awnings may be used and should be
compatible with the building.
3.39 Preserve the position, number and arrangement of
historic windows in a building wall.
On primary facades, enclosing a historic window
opening is inappropriate, as is adding a new
window opening.
3.40 Preserve the historic ratio of window openings to
solid wall on a primary facade.
Significantly increasing the amount of glass on a
character-defining facade will negatively affect
the integrity of the structure.
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WINDOWS
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3.41 Preserve the size and proportion of a historic
window opening.
Reducing an original opening to accommodate a
smaller window or increasing it to receive a
larger window is inappropriate.
3.42 Match a replacement window to the original in its
design.
If the original is double-hung, then the
replacement window should also be double-
hung or appear to be so. Match the
replacement also in the number and position of
glass panes
Matching the original design is particularly
important on key character-defining walls.
3.43 In a replacement window, use materials that appear
similar to the original.
New glazing should convey the visual
appearance of historic glazing.
Using the same material as the original is
preferred, especially on character-defining
walls. However, a substitute material may be
considered if the appearance of the window
components will match those of the original in
dimension, profile and finish.
Transparent low-e type glass is appropriate
Vinyl and unfinished metals are inappropriate
window materials.
3.44 Match, as closely as possible, the profile of the sash
and its components to that of the original window.
A historic wood window usually has a complex
profile. Within the window’s casing, the sash
steps back to the plane of the glazing (glass) in
several increments. These are important details.
3.45 Convey as closely as possible the character of
historic sash divisions in a new window.
Muntin’s that divide a window into smaller
panes of glass should be genuine on key walls
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and other highly visible places.
Strips of material located between panes of
glass to simulate muntins are inappropriate.
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ROOFS
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The character of a historic roof should be preserved, including its form and materials, whenever feasible.
3.47 Preserve the original roof form of a historic
structure.
Avoid altering the angle of a historic roof.
Instead, maintain the perceived line and
orientation of the roof as seen from the street.
3.48 Preserve the original eave depth of a roof.
The shadows created by traditional overhangs
contribute to one’s perception of the building’s
historic scale and therefore, these overhangs
should be preserved. Cutting back roof rafters
and soffits or in other ways altering the
traditional roof overhang is inappropriate.
3.49 Preserve original roof materials.
Avoid removing historic roofing material that is
in good condition.
Also preserve decorative elements, including
crests and chimneys.
Retain and repair roof detailing, including
gutters and downspouts.
3.50 New roof materials should convey a scale and
texture similar to those used traditionally.
When choosing a roof replacement material,
the architectural style of the structure should
be considered.
Composition shingle roofs are generally
appropriate replacements for wood shingles.
They should have a color similar to the original,
or of the material in weathered condition.
Shingles that contain embedded photovoltaic
systems are also appropriate in dark colors.
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ROOFS
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Specialty materials such as tiles should be
replaced with a matching material.
3.51 If metal roof materials are to be used, they should
be applied and de tailed in a manner compatible with
the historic character.
Metal roof materials should have a matte, non-
reflective finish.
Seams should be of a low profile
The edges of the roofing material should be
finished similar to those seen historically.
3.52 Avoid using conjectural features on a roof.
Adding a widow’s walk (an ornate railing around
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the roof ridge) on a house where there is no
evidence one existed creates a false impression
of the home’s original appearance, and is
inappropriate.
3.53 Minimize the visual impacts of skylights and other
rooftop devices.
A skylight that is flush with the roof plane
may be considered where it remains visually
subordinate.
Skylights should not interrupt the plane of
the historic roof, and should be located below
the ridgeline.
Locate electronic data transmission and
receiving devices to minimize impacts to the
extent feasible.
See page 85 for guidance related to roof-
mounted solar panels.
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AWNINGS
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Traditionally, fabric awnings were noteworthy features on residential, commercial and industrial buildings in the district, and
their continued use is encouraged. These were simple in detail, and reflected the character of the building to which they were
attached. Operable awnings helped to moderate building temperatures and light conditions. Continue the use of awnings
within the district. They should be compatible with the building type and style, and be located appropriately on the building.
3.54 A fabric awning is encouraged.
Historically, fabric awnings were most
commonly found on commercial buildings.
Operable awnings are encouraged, but rigid
frame types may also be considered.
Installing an operable awning is preferred
because it can be an energy efficient
mechanism for managing interior light and air.
(See the illustration at the right.)
3.55 An awning should be in character with the
building.
Mount an awning to accentuate character-
defining features. In most cases, the awning
should fit within the opening of the window or
door.
Use colors that are compatible with the overall
color scheme of the facade. Solid colors are
encouraged
Simple shed shapes are appropriate for
rectangular openings. Odd shapes, bullnose
awnings and bubble awnings are inappropriate
Internal illumination of an awning is
inappropriate
An awning should remain a subordinate feature
on the facade.
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COLOR
Traditionally in the Warehouse Historic District materials were left exposed, and color schemes were relatively muted. A single
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base color was applied to the primary wall plane. Then, one or two accent colors were used to highlight ornamental features,
as well as trim around doors and windows. Since many of the structures were brick, the natural color of the masonry became
the background color. Sometimes a contrasting masonry was used for window sills and moldings. As a result, the contrast
between the base color and trim was relatively subtle. These traditions of using exposed materials, limited numbers of colors,
and muted ones, should be continued. These guidelines do not specify which colors should be selected, but rather how they
should be used.
4.37 The facade should “read” as a single composition.
Employ color schemes that are simple in
character.
Using one base color for the building walls and
another for the roof is preferred.
Using one to three accent colors for trim
elements is also preferred.
4.38 Base or background colors should be
muted.
Building features should be muted, while trim
accents can be either a contrasting color or a
harmonizing color.
An accent color should not contrast so strongly
as to not read as part of the composition.
Bright high-intensity colors are not permitted.
Use matte or low luster finishes instead of
glossy ones.
Generally, non-reflective, muted finishes on all
features is preferred.
4.39 Building elements should be finished in a manner
similar to that seen traditionally. The following are
recommended treatments:
Brick and stone: unpainted, natural color
Window frames and sash, doors and frame and
storefronts: painted wood; anodized metal or
baked color.
Wood siding: painted
In most cases, highly reflective materials,
weathered wood and clear finishes are
inappropriate on large surfaces. A clear finish is
appropriate on a wood entry door.
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BUILDING LIGHTING
The character and level of lighting that is used on a building is of special concern. Traditionally, exterior lights were simple in
character and were used to highlight signs, entrances, and first floor details. Most fixtures had incandescent lamps that cast a
color similar to daylight, were relatively low intensity and were shielded with simple shade devices. Although new lamp types
may be considered, the overall effect of modest, focused, building light should be continued. When installing architectural
lighting on a historic building, use existing documentation as a basis for the new design. If no documentation exists, use a
contemporary light fixture. Building lighting should be installed in a manner so as not to damage the historic fabric of the
building and should be reversible. Most historic lighting was subdued and directed at signs, entrances and building features.
4.43 Use lighting to accent:
Building entrances
Signs
4.44 Minimize the visual impacts of architectural lighting.
Use exterior light sources with a low level of
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luminescence
Use white lights that cast a similar color to
daylight.
Do not wash an entire building facade in light.
Use lighting fixtures that are appropriate to the
building and its surroundings in terms of style,
scale and intensity of illumination.
4.45 Use shielded and focused light sources to prevent
glare.
Provide shielded and focused light sources that
direct light downward.
Do not use high intensity light sources or cast
light directly upward.
Shield lighting associated with services areas,
parking lots and parking structures.