Lori Bee on historic preservation

I happened to check over at Lori's occasionally updated blog (link on my sidebar) this week & stumbled across an recent post on the new historic guidelines that are currently in the works by the town powers that be. (I've referred to town efforts to protect its historic structures for better or worse here, here, and here.)

The main idea in her words:

I DO totally agree that the new proposed ordinances/laws regulating the appearance of structures within Historic Waxhaw, is totally an infringement of private property rights.

During these turbulent economic times, adding additional costs to esthetically improve the appearance of structures, while not necessarily being energy effiicent or most effectively maintain structural integrity (classic example is windows), is ludicrious. To add this financial burden to home and property owners, is not wise, and I do understand their desperation to get everyone to understand their plight. It's asking a whole lot more of them than to just preserve history. It's asking them to potentially give up the financial ability to even own & maintain their homes, some of which have for generations.

But read the whole thing.

The available documents from the town can be found at the following link, but the draft guidelines (PDF) are located here.

Here's the the most significant info ripped from the PDF document for those interested:

Recommended Practices

1. Retain existing porches, windows and doors. The original materials and construction contain design features that are important to the overall look of these elements on a building.

2. Repair deteriorating elements using acceptable methods that will preserve the original materials and detailing. See list of resource information for discussion of some common repair methods.

3. If materials must be replaced, replace with materials that are of like kind with the same detailing. Carefully look at the design, proportions and detailing of the element to be replaced. Match the existing material; if it cannot be matched, look for similar detailing. Remember, the design details and proportions make a difference!

4. If a window or door must be replaced, do not enlarge or fill in openings. The dimensions and profile detailing of an existing window or door contribute to the overall look of the building and the feature itself. Match sizes of these features, as well as replicate trim profiles, sash dimensions and glazing patterns.

5. Add decoration to porches, window and doors only where there is photographic evidence that it existed originally. Simple elements like shutters, sidelights or decorative trim may not be appropriate to the architectural style of your particular building.

6. Substitute materials may be considered, but only if they truly match the characteristics, design profi le, size and confi guration, texture, planar relationships, durability, etc. New building technologies may offer alternatives; however, the detailing and durability is extremely important.

7. Remove inappropriate design treatments where applicable and restore features where they can be documented with pictures or expert advice from an architectural historian. Ensure that these treatments have not acquired significance over time; in some instances, modifications that have been in place for many years are important to the history of the building.

8. Place any window air conditioning units on the sides or rear of a building, rather than the front elevation. This preserves the main facade which is most visible to the public.

9. Repair or replace porch columns and balustrades using elements that match the original. Replicate the dimensions, profiles, spacing and attachment to the flooring, columns, stairs, etc.

10. Small tips that make a difference:

* Always use covered risers when adding or replacing stairs to porches and building entrances. Install porch lattice appropriately.

* Historically, lattice work was painted and displayed horizontal and vertical features, rather than diagonal.

* Appropriately attach balusters to top and bottom railings rather than directly to the floor framing or skirting; this may be appropriate for more modern residential decks, but it detracts from porches and stairs in historic settings.