ORD-2021-16 Design Manual

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A PP E ND I X

Design Guidelines

Section A.1.3.2 Design Traditions

In addition to the individual components of a single building, the continuity among buildings along a block and within the Downtown Historic District is clear. Storefront widths vary only slightly and establish a clear rhythm along the block. Similar first floor heights are expressed through the mid-belt molding, the height of which is fairly consistent along a street front. The rhythm of upper story windows and their spacing creates visual consistency along the block. Finally, the cornice that caps each building varies only slightly in its height, defining the floors and aligning the buildings along a block. The repetition of a series of design components on traditional buildings in the Downtown Historic District, and throughout downtown San Marcos, provides precedent for the design of new buildings downtown. Many of these features are noted in Figure 1.2 - Figure 1.5.

A. Overview. Many dimensional standards requirements for Character District – 5 Downtown (CD-5D) stem from the traditional buildings of the Downtown Historic District. The building components shared among historic buildings provide clues to what components are needed and what standards are appropriate for new development. For instance, traditional downtown building facades often include a kickplate with a large display window above, a mid-belt molding that caps the window transom, and ver tically propor tioned upper story windows. These windows are inset to create depth and shadow on the façade. Awnings and canopies are used to provide shade and shelter the sidewalk, and buildings are constructed of masonry materials (such as stone, brick, and detailed stucco) to create a sense of scale.

Figure 1.2

Figure 1.3

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San Marcos Design Manual