Page 18 - San Marcos, TX Design Manual

A

Design Guidelines APPENDIX

2. The use of a contemporary storefront design is
encouraged in commercial settings.
E. Traditional development patterns create a rhythm along the
street by the repetition of similar building widths and vertical 3. Arrange windows to reflect the traditional rhythm and
proportions. Variations in massing and building articulation general alignment of windows in the area.
should be expressed throughout a new structure, resulting in
a composition of building modules that relate to the scale of (Previous Section A.1.4.7) Building Scale
traditional buildings. I. A new building within CD-5D and CD-5 should convey a sense

1. Provide horizontal expression at lower floor heights to of human scale through its design features.
establish a sense of scale. Section A.1.4.5 Views

2. Provide vertical articulation in a larger building mass to A. Overview. Views within CD-5D from the public right of way
establish a sense of scale. to notable buildings throughout downtown – such as the

3. Maintain established development patterns created by the Downtown Historic District, Courthouse, historic landmarks
repetition of similar building widths along the street. and churches – and to areas adjacent to downtown – such
as the University – are important and should be retained. The
(Previous Section A.1.4.5) Canopies and Awnings. location of a building on a site, in addition to its scale, height
and massing, can significantly impact views from the public
F. Specific to CD-5D. Canopies and awnings are noteworthy right of way – including streets, sidewalks, intersections and
features on many buildings in the CD-5D, and their continued public spaces – to the important building.
use is encouraged. Traditionally, these features were simple in
detail, and reflected the character of the building to which they B. Guidelines. The following guidelines should be implemented
were attached. An awning or canopy should be in character when considering views:
with the building and streetscape.
1. Provide a diversity of view experiences:
G. General to All. The use of canopies and awnings is
encouraged to provide shade on the sidewalk when shade trees a. These types of views may be considered:
are not utilized. When awnings and canopies are placed near • View corridor: a long view along a street or through
trees, the tree habit and mature canopy size shall be taken into an open space
consideration to ensure canopies and awnings do not inhibit
the tree’s growth. • Framed view: a long view defined by buildings or
rows of trees
(Previous Section A.1.4.6) Window Design.
• View over a lower portion of a building
H. Specific to CD-5D. The manner in which windows are used
to articulate a building wall is an important consideration in • Atrium view: a view through a building with a high
establishing a sense of scale and visual continuity. In traditional degree of transparency
commercial buildings, a storefront system was installed on the
ground floor and upper story windows most often appeared as • Panoramic view from a public overlook
punched openings. Window design and placement should help b. View targets to consider include, but are not limited
to establish a sense of scale and provide pedestrian interest. to:

1. Provide a high level of ground floor transparency on a • Hays County Courthouse
building in an area traditionally defined by commercial
storefronts. • Old Main at Texas State University

• First United Methodist Church

San Marcos Design Manual A:19