Page 5 - Jackson, WY Overlay Design Guidelines

DEFINING WESTERN CHARACTER
This set of design guidelines further defines the term Western Character
to add clarity to how it is interpreted for the design of new infill buildings,
additions and other types of improvements within Area 1 and Area 2. The
language below was derived from a public outreach process tasked with
what Western Character meant to the community in regards to the built
environment.

Western Character is a broad set of characteristics that are a part of
the design traditions of the community and that appear in a variety of
earlier building types and styles. It includes building forms, materials
and details that may be combined in a variety of ways. As such, Western
Character embodies an approach to design, not a specific style.

These guidelines address the key design variables embodied in Western
Character. The intent is to convey a sense of authenticity and not require
using historical styles. The purpose is to avoid confusing the genuine
history of the community with imitations of historic styles.

Historic Precedents of Western Character

Historic photographs document precedents for Western Character
in downtown Jackson. They show a range of buildings that vary in
form, materials and detail, yet all were part of the town’s heritage
and contributed to its character. Each early building had a sense of
Traditional design precedents in these relatedness with others. It exhibited a sense of authenticity, with practical
images include: responses to functional needs, the availability of craftsmen and materials,
and climatic influences. This resulted in these features:
• flat roof with decorative cornice
• wood framing with stamped metal • Building forms were simple and functional. Some had false fronts
panels
• more ground level transparency with with stepped parapets that followed the gable roof line hidden
divided window panes behind. Others had exposed gabled or similar sloping roofs that were
key parts of their basic building forms. Details and ornamentation
Top image were used sparingly.
• upper level double-hung window • Designs responded to environmental conditions: Awnings and
pattern with divided window panes canopies sheltered walkways and sloping roofs directed snow away
with lintels
• storefront (although difficult to see the from entrances.
first floor is highly transparent) • Buildings conveyed a sense of community: They were oriented to
the street and scaled for walking.
Bottom image • Natural materials were used: These were muted, with matte finishes,
often even rustic. Many were locally sourced.
• flat roof with -simple cornice
• wood lap siding • Buildings connected to the street: Storefronts and porches signaled
• simple wood trim links to the public realm.
• upper level double-hung window • Buildings had a sense of human scale: Building forms and design
pattern with divided window panes features were of sizes that relate to human scale. The repetition
with lintels
• decorative use of antlers appears of storefronts, canopies and other openings along the street is an
across the street on simple timber example.
fence

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