HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
MONROE
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Guideline for Materials
In any rehabilitation work, preserving historic character should be given the highest
priority. Therefore, to protect the distinctive character of an existing historic building,
any new materials used should match as closely as possible the original materials. The
uniform identity created by the repeated use of masonry as the primary building material
is very important to retain. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that new buildings in
a Historic Downtown be constructed with facades of brick or stone. On a site specific
basis, the trim materials of existing buildings to either side of the building being designed
should be reflected in the design of the new building.
When cost or availability of a historic material makes its use prohibitive, and when a
modern material can successfully be used to simulate the appropriate historic material,
the use of a modern material should be allowed.
However, some modern materials, such as mirrored glass, rough-sawn shakes or diagonal
wood siding, may be inappropriate to use on some historic commercial buildings.
Inappropriate modern materials should be avoided.
In any rehabilitation or new construction project, the quality of finish materials varies
widely. Use the highest quality facing materials you can afford.
Guidelines on Color
Colors should relate in a positive way to the natural materials found on the facade, and
to existing elements, such as signs or awnings. Clean, with the gentlest means possible,
such as light washing with light pressure (sandblasting destroys the brick by
prematurely weathering and eroding its surface) the facade of the building. Select colors
that harmonize with and enhance the color of the natural material.
Use colors that are appropriate to the architectural style of the building. Books like A
Century of Color can help explain what schemes are appropriate to your building.
When the surface to be painted has a quantity of three-dimensional detail, use light or
mid-range color values, rather than extremely dark colors so the details are not hidden.
When in doubt on an appropriate palette, use shades of one color with one highlight
color. When choosing colors, take into account the position of the building in relation
to sunlight. Avoid the Boutique Approach for historic buildings.
Roof Forms
The majority of roofs of downtown commercial buildings are flat and hidden behind a low
vertical extension of the facade called a "parapet." The uppermost part of the parapet is often
decorated with special architectural elements that formally announce that is the top of the
building, its crown. These elements can be formed of the facade material itself, such as an
intricate brick pattern, or can be applied to the facade, such as a wood or pressed metal
cornice.
There is great architectural variety to be found in the cornices of downtown. Many of them
combine all the elements of ancient Greek architecture-entablature, dentils, frieze and
cornice. Frequently, these crowning elements include a raised central portion, or pediment,
that breaks the flat horizontality of the roof edge. Pediments provide an important visual
accent.
Guideline on Roof Forms
It is very important that cornices and pediments be preserved with an ongoing program
of maintenance. When necessary, cornices should be replaced with identical forms. In new
construction, residential-type gabled roofs should be avoided in favor of a sloped roof
hidden from view on the front facade by a parapet; decoration of the roofline by use of
special materials or decorative details should use examples of other buildings as a guide.
STOREFRONT DESIGN
Although many downtown buildings have been in use for over 100 years, the majority of
changes made to "update" storefronts and make them look "modern" has occurred since
1950. To preserve the character, it is important that the pattern of the traditional storefront
(transom, large windows, entry and doors) be maintained or restored.
While considerable discretion in storefront design is required for marketing purposes,
there are several concepts which are not appropriate. Mansard roofs, false gables, and
shake shingles are not appropriate because they break the traditional pattern of solids and
voids by covering up the large storefront opening. Historical themes like "Colonial,"
"Chalet," or "Quaint Cottage" are not appropriate because they do not reflect the dominant
architectural features in the district. Monroe is very fortunate to have been documented
with photographs that show in great detail how storefronts looked in the past. Old photographs can be the best source of appropriate ideas for your storefront. The architectural
features of the storefront that will be described in these guidelines are: the Cornice or
Lintel; Transom; Spandrel; Shop Windows and Entry Space; Doors; and Awnings and
Canopies.
STOREFRONT CORNICE OR LINTEL
At the top of the storefront and the bottom of
the second floor, there is a structural member
of steel or wood which supports the upper
facade. This lintel can be infilled with brick or
can be expressed on the exterior with a
decorative cornice. Frequently there was a
sign above, on, or below this cornice, or the
cornice was incorporated in the signboard.
Guideline for Storefront Cornice or Lintel
If the storefront lintel contains a cornice,
every effort should be made to preserve it
through repairs and repainting.
If the cornice has been removed through changes made to the storefront over time, a
horizontal division can be achieved by replacing or simulating the cornice and/or
incorporating it in the sign board.
TRANSOMS
The glazed panels that fill the space
above the shop window and below the
structural lintel are called the
transom. In some cases, especially
over the entry door, the transoms
were operable to allow air to circulate.
Transoms can be of plate glass or
divided into small panes of glass; in
some cases, special prisms were
installed to deflect light into the rear
of the store.
Guidelines for Transoms
Remove materials which cover the transom and repair transom glazing and frames.
When the transom is damaged or destroyed, replace with a similar frame and pattern in the
same material or an unobtrusive new material.
Do not cover the transom.
Do not infill the transom space with brick, wood or other materials. Do not paint the
glazed portions of the transom.
Do not over decorate transom with inappropriate patterns, colored glass or designs.
STOREFRONT SPANDREL
The low panels made of wood, metal or
masonry that create a wall below the
shop windows are called spandrels.
Other terms for this space include
kneewall and bulkhead. Sometimes, the
spandrel contained small windows to
let light into the basement.
Guidelines for Storefront Spandrel
Spandrels should be as low as
possible; their design should relate to
the architectural style of the building.
When the original spandrel exists and is in good condition, it should be repaired,
repainted and insulated from the interior.
If the original spandrel is in poor condition or is missing, it can be replaced with
wood, tile, or metal over masonry. A wood spandrel design should include
stiles and rails at the top, bottom and sides; a brick spandrel should match the
masonry of the building.
Do not make the spandrel higher than it was originally designed to be and as a
result infill the window opening.
Shop Windows
The traditional storefront was designed to be as
transparent as possible with large, clear, plate
glass windows that allowed shoppers to see the
merchandise inside. These large glass windows
and transoms also let in lots of natural light, an
important feature in days prior to electric lights.
The plate glass window may have been divided
into two or three panels, but in Monroe windows
would not have been divided into small 6x6 inch
"colonial" panes.
Guidelines for Shop Windows
Where original glazing and window frames exist and are in good condition,
they should be retained; frames should be caulked and painted.
When the frames are missing or deteriorated, replace with simple metal
frames which can be painted and easily maintained.
To improve energy efficiency, install interior glazing rather than replacing
windows. Replacing the original glazing with insulated glazing for energy
conservation may involve installation of new frames that may alter the appearance
of the storefront. If it is necessary to install new insulated windows, the new
frames should be unobtrusive in profile and should be painted to harmonize
with the architectural features of the building. Frames for new windows should
be divided to match original window divisions, or should be based on divisions
typical to that building type.
Equation 1
2
ENTRY SPACE
Shop doors were recessed a few feet, creating a
covered entry space with windows on either side.
This gave merchants more display windows to
show their wares and attract shoppers into the
store. Columns, often of cast iron, provided
support for the storefront entry. The columns
were frequently adorned with decorative capitals
and bases.
APPROPRIATE DESIGN:
Guidelines for Entry Space
revealed in historic photographs.
If the entry has been
changed, consult historic
photographs to determine what
it looked like and design a
compatible new entry. Existing
columns should be left intact
and included in the overall
design of framing for the
shop front. If columns are
missing, replacement columns
should replicate the originals as
If columns are missing and replication is not possible, simple cylindrical
columns can be installed as replacements without detracting from other
architectural features.
STOREFRONT DOORS
Original wooden storefront doors were tall with as much glass as possible.
Decorative brass pulls and fittings made them both substantial and inviting. Doors
were located in the recessed entry in the center or to one side of the store. A
secondary door provided access to the second floor; although more modest than the
front door, it was usually similar in size and design.
Guidelines for Storefront Doors
When the original front or secondary doors exist, they should be repaired,
refinished and refit with appropriate hardware.
If the doors will be replaced, install doors which have large glass panels and
interesting hardware appropriate to the style of the storefront. Options include
salvaged doors, new wood doors to match the original, or new aluminum doors.
Paint new aluminum doors or use an anodized finish to blend with the existing
architectural features of the storefront. Insulated glazing with an appropriate seal
system is recommended for protection from heat gain or loss.
Avoid solid doors, half-glazed doors, colonial style" doors, and highly decorative doors
that are not compatible with the historic integrity of the building.
Avoid mirrored glass and deeply tinted glass. Tinted glass with a shading coefficient
of less than 0.5 can be acceptable and offers some protection from heat gain.
Avoid storm doors because they make access difficult. If they are needed, they
should either be authentic reproductions consistent with the style of the building, or
clean-lined and unobtrusive. For security measures, consider simple metal grilles or
acrylic or lexan sheet glazing; such glazing can also be installed over existing doors
to add energy efficiency to the project.
AWNINGS AND CANOPIES
Over the last 100 years several types
of awnings and canopies have been
utilized in Monroe and still are
appropriate:
1. Retractable fabric awnings
which roll or fold back toward the
facade. 2. Stationary fabric
awnings on a fixed pipe system.
3. Fixed canopies with sloping roofs.
4. Fixed canopies with flat roofs and
railings-like small balconies.
As old photos of Monroe reveal, awnings were used only where needed to
protect shop interiors from the sun, mostly on the north side of the street. Flatroofed fixed canopies which also served as balconies were used on both sides of
the street at different historical times; frequently these were accessed through
long second-floor windows.
Awnings and canopies provide shelter from the sun, rain and snow. Awnings
can be decorative as well as functional, and are available in many materials,
colors and patterns. Today and in the past, their greatest value is energy
conservation-protecting shops
from unwanted heat gain.
Guidelines on Awnings and
Canopies
Awnings should fit within the
storefront space: do not cover the
side piers, or install above the
lintel of the storefront.
Awnings should be made of
weather-resistant canvas or vinyl
fabric.
The color of awnings should complement facade colors; solid colors or stripes
are historically appropriate.
Signs on awnings should reflect historic precedents in placement. Awnings
should project no more than 4 to 7 feet. Avoid awnings with a curved
profile, as these are not historically appropriate.
Lighting of awnings from behind is not acceptable because this detracts from
the overall character of the facade. Permanent sloped canopies of aluminum,
shakes or shingles are not appropriate unless they can be documented in old
photographs.
UPPER FACADES: ORNAMENT & WINDOWS
As described earlier, the upper facades have distinctive proportions, rhythms and
patterns which contribute to the historic integrity of the Historic District. Window
openings-especially the shape of the arch (flat, segmental, or half-round)-and brick,
cast metal, stone or wood window hoods are significant elements. Some upper
facades have projecting oriel windows or corner towers which are embellished with
patterned sheathing, like pressed metal siding or fancy cut shingles, and decorative
windows with colored or patterned glass. Ornamental cornices and pediments top
many historic buildings. Pilaster piers at the sides, embellished with stone or terra
cotta capitals, enframe the whole front.
All of these architectural features contribute to the integrity of the Historic District.
Loss of these architectural features results in the loss of architectural character.
Removing outdated signs, unused conduit and extraneous mounts that have been
added to the facade over the years can enhance it and refocus visual attention to the
building's important architectural features.
Features vary depending upon the architectural style of the individual building.
However, many architectural features are common to the majority of Monroe’s
downtown buildings; the drawing above illustrates them.
CORNICES AND PEDIMENTS
An elaborate masonry, wood, or metal cornice, sometimes topped with a masonry
or metal pediment, is a distinctive architectural feature of many of Monroe’s
commercial buildings. Cornices and pediments should be preserved. When the
cornice and pediment exist and are in reasonable condition, repairs can be made
and an ongoing program of maintenance can insure their preservation. If these
elements are missing, they can be replaced in wood, metal, brick, or in modern
materials like fiberglass and lightweight cements.
Entablatures are composed of three parts: the architrave, frieze and cornice. The
cornice and gutter are sometimes the same element. When deteriorated, this
feature can usually be replicated in wood or metal. The frieze and architrave below
are made of metal, wood, or brick. These elements can also be repaired as can
metal or wood dentils, consoles or brackets which are important architectural
features of Italianate and Renaissance commercial architecture.
Guidelines for Cornices and Pediments
Preserve, through ongoing maintenance, original cornices and pediments.
If cornice and/or pediment is missing, replace in wood, metal or brick, or in
compatible modern materials like fiberglass, using historic photographs as a
guide.
Repair and replace damaged or missing dentils and brackets when
necessary.
WINDOWS
Windows are a major visual feature
of the upper storefront facade.
Whether simple and unadorned, or
round-topped with ornamental hoods,
windows were designed to fill their
openings in the wall. Great efforts
should be made to retain original
windows: replace broken glass and
missing putty; repair the wood frames
and sash; and keep all wood and
metal surfaces caulked and painted.
Materials which match the original
should be used. Matching the pattern
of sash division in original windows,
such as 2-over-2, or 1-over-1 sash, is
also important.
As mentioned earlier, the proportion
of the windows should not be changed by installing smaller windows and infilling
around them. Nor should the windows be enlarged: such changes destroy the
existing pattern of openings which is important to the historic integrity of
Stoughton.
Windows and Energy
Before assuming that old windows are useless from an energy standpoint and
making a significant investment in new, "energy efficient" windows, consider other
sources of heat loss. Most of the heat loss in 19th century commercial buildings
occurs through the ceiling and roof; the front and back walls lose the next largest
amount of heat. The side walls lose very little heat because they are adjacent to
other buildings. Front and back walls and roof should be properly insulated as a
first step to energy efficiency. Note that front and rear walls can be insulated from
the interior more effectively than from the exterior, as adding insulation and vapor
barrier on the inside will not damage the significant architectural features on the
exterior of the building.
Comparatively little heat is lost through windows as long as simple steps are
taken to maintain them so they seal properly. Additional energy savings can be
achieved with existing windows as follows:
1. Install exterior storm windows the same size and pattern as existing
windows.
2. Replace channels for double hung windows with energy-efficient channels.
WINDOW HOODS
Made of brick, cast iron, sheet metal, wood, or stone, these highly decorative
elements are actually designed to keep water away from the windows themselves. It
is very important to maintain and preserve these distinctive elements. Window hoods
are among the most important visual elements of commercial buildings: they are like
eyebrows on a face.
Guideline on Window Hoods
Repair existing window hoods.
Replace any missing parts in the same material as the original. Old
photographs are excellent sources for finding the missing elements.
When missing, the window hoods can be replicated in sheet metal,
fiberglass, or wood.
If the hood cannot be replaced, at least the shape of the window opening should
be retained and expressed in
brickwork. There are excellent
examples of masonry detailing which
can be used as precedents when
window hoods are missing.
SIGNS
Businesses must be identified
so customers, clients and
potential customers can easily
find them. Signs serve this
identification function, and can
also serve to create a business
image; taken as a group, they
create an overall image of the
Downtown area. It is important
that signs achieve both goals:
identify an individual business
and contribute to a positive
Downtown image as well.
In Monroe, a municipal ordinance exists to regulate the size, scale, location and
lighting of signs on Historic buildings.
Presently, Downtown Monroe’s business owners utilize a variety of signs:
• Signboards hanging over the sidewalk, perpendicular to the building facade;
• Signs as a part of awnings;
• Flush signs applied to the building facade, whether illuminated or not;
• Objects as signs;
• Freestanding "sandwich board"
signs, placed on the sidewalk
and taken in at night.
It is important in Historic
Downtown Momroe that signs
retain the pedestrian scale that
most of them possess today.
Signs should be placed in
locations that have historic
precedents, such as in the lintel
crossing the top of the
storefront, or on the edge or
"flap" of an awning. Perhaps an
object can serve as the sign.
Consider researching historic photographs that show what signs were like in
Monroe's past.
Consider the impact the sign will have on the building: will it dominate the facade or
hide existing architectural features? Every effort should be made to ensure that
signs complement, rather than obscure, the details and design of the building.
Guideline for Sign Location
Signs should be placed at the top of the storefront;
painted on the window itself; hanging over the sidewalk;
or on the edge of an awning.
Coordinate the placement of signage on adjacent
storefronts to avoid visual confusion.
Avoid large hanging plastic signs and oversized
signs; these are not appropriate to historic
buildings.
Any sign placed over features on the second story facade
is not appropriate.
Guideline for Lettering and Color
Select clear, simple lettering styles for easy readability. Some lettering styles
evoke different time eras; consider the date and style of the building when
selecting type faces.
Consider the color of the building and of neighboring buildings when
determining sign color.
Select sign colors that provide contrast between letters and background: a dark
background with lighter colored letters is most easily perceived by the human
eye.
Guideline on Quality
Consider the cost of the sign a business investment, and order the finest
quality possible.
Select a sign maker who will provide a quality product. Do not use premade or
generic signs. Signs should reflect an individual business message rather
than advertise a nationally-franchised product.
Consider the entire storefront as a business card: the appearance of the building is
more subtle than a word sign, but it does convey the image of the business, perhaps
even more than the sign itself.