Conference/Public Meeting Agendas/Documents — Packet

It should be emphasized that a good design solution strives for maximum effect with minimum expenditure. It also creates and sustains the long-term value of a building. b. Basic Elements. The Valley and Main Street areas have inherited more vintage buildings than any other area. This legacy contains untold wealth in the form of generous spaces and graceful details, much of which cannot be reproduced at any price. This treasure is there for people who are aware of it. It can be cultivated by understanding the basic elements of this architecture and applying them in any type of redevelopment. These elements are simple, straightforward ideas that are easy to use. By understanding these basic elements, an owner or tenant is better prepared to produce a well-designated, integrated building renovation. New construction requires the same understanding and insight to assure a building that respects its older neighbors and enhances the small-scale, intimate ambiance of Main Street. What follows is a discussion of these features. c. Massing. The term massing refers to two (2) things. One is the visual weight relationships of the various components of a building. The second refers to the relationship of the visual volume of one (1) building to its neighbors. Main Street buildings are for the most part perceived more in terms of their facade than they are as three dimensional solids. So when massing is referred to, the term means the potential visual relationship of one (1) building's front to another. Main Street buildings are typically two (2) story structures with an occasional three (3) story building and some one (1) story buildings. The width of the building is generally twenty-five (25) feet with some multiples of twenty-five (25) feet. Continuity and the need for visual balance requires the careful use of mass that does not inappropriately interrupt the Main Street facades with the mass of a building. A recommendation of this guideline is that the height limitation never exceed thirty-five (35) feet on Main Street frontage. If an amended height ordinance allows selected variance, a setback should be required from Main Street. This would allow taller buildings to stand one-quarter (1/4) to one-half (1/2) block away from the Main Street

inance allows selected variance, a setback should be required from Main Street. This would allow taller buildings to stand one-quarter (1/4) to one-half (1/2) block away from the Main Street massing plane. d. Proportion. Proportion is the ratio or relative size of dimensions within a building. It can refer to specific details such as height to width of a window or a door, or the relationship between the height and width of the entire facade. Generally speaking, proportions should be varied and suitably contrasted for greater design interest. The use of the ratio 1:1 virtually never occurs in the historic type architecture of the Valley and Main Street areas. When proportions are carefully studied, new construction can easily be made to relate to the remaining original architecture. Good proportions cost no more than bad and are therefore one of the designer's most effective tools. e. Scale. Scale is another form of proportion—expressed as the relationship of the "apparent" size of a building or element upon the building as it relates to the size of a human being. Large scale buildings and building elements look impressive and imposing. A smaller scale is more suitable to the people atmosphere of Main Street and the Valley areas. Scale should suit a business and be conscious of its effect on people. Human scaled buildings are comfortable and create a friendly atmosphere. f. Apparent Scale. It is important to note the use of the word apparent when speaking of scale, because buildings can be made to seem larger or smaller, depending upon the proportional relationships of the elements that make up the building front. g. Bigger or Better. A building can be said to have good scale if the building does not look "too big for its size". Giant two (2) story Grecian columns would be inappropriate for a small shop 67