San Marcos Design Manual (March 16, 2021)

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Historic District Guidelines

Article 1: Purpose of the historic district Design Guidelines

7. Relationship of materials and texture

8. Roof shapes

9. Walls of continuity

Division 1: PURPOSE

10. Scale of building

A. These guidelines and recommendations are intended to preserve and maintain the character of the historic buildings in San Marcos. They reinforce and protect the defining features of the historic districts and define those visual elements which are common to the district as well as the qualities unique to this community. B. This document should help to preserve the integrity of historic buildings and enhance the value of the Historic Districts for both the private investor, residents and owners, and the community as a whole. When addressing changes to an individual building, it must not be taken out of context. Modifications affect the block as a whole and should have the broad interest of the community in mind. C. The guidelines have no control on the use of the building or it’s interior. Only the exterior por tions, which includes new construction, additions, and rehabilitation of the building shall comply with the guidelines set for th. D. These guidelines should be applied to a building based on its original use and construction. For example, a residence may currently be used as an office, therefore it is considered a commercial business, but it is still viewed as a residential building. E. These guidelines will be used by the City of San Marcos to provide an objective basis for the decisions of the San Marcos Historic Preservation Commission and City Planning Staff. The guidelines specifically address the issues below, as outlined in Section 4.5.2.1(I) of CodeSMTX.

Division 2: GENERAL INFORMATION

Section C.1.2.1 Renovating Previously Modified Buildings

A. Buildings have a tendency to be modified and modernized over time as a way of “keeping up with the times” and through maintaining a building by replacing deteriorated materials. Replacement materials were not always compatible with the original design and altered the initial appearance.

B. The following guidelines are recommended:

1. As renovations to historic buildings take place, consider returning a building to its original appearance whenever possible. This will enhance the building and the surrounding district. 2. As renovation takes place, refer to old photographs if available. If clear evidence of previous details exist, use these clues to return the building or detail to its original appearance. If no photos are available, construct a new simplified design based on the Building Characteristics, Building Components and Materials sections of this document. Section C.1.2.2 Commercial Buildings A. If the ground floor has been recessed behind the common wall of the surrounding building, bring the storefront back to the sidewalk. B. Replace modified aluminum entries and windows with more traditional propor tions and materials.

1. Height

2. Propor tion of buildings’s front facade

C. Open blocked up windows and transoms.

3. Propor tion of openings within the facility

D. Reinstall canopies if there is evidence that they previously existed. Canopies provide a cohesive quality to the pedestrian experience. They have a longer life than fabric awnings. Most buildings in San Marcos had canopies rather than awnings.

4. Rhythm of solids to voids in front facades

5. Rhythm of spacing of buildings on streets

6. Rhythm of entrance and/or porch projection

C:2

San Marcos Design Manual Amended: March 16, 2021