Page 7 - San Marcos, TX Design Manual

A APPENDIX Design Guidelines

Section A.1.3.2 Design Traditions
In addition to the individual components of a single building,
A. Overview. Many dimensional standards requirements for the continuity among buildings along a block and within the
Character District – 5 Downtown (CD-5D) stem from the Downtown Historic District is clear. Storefront widths vary only
traditional buildings of the Downtown Historic District. The slightly and establish a clear rhythm along the block. Similar
building components shared among historic buildings provide first floor heights are expressed through the mid-belt molding,
clues to what components are needed and what standards the height of which is fairly consistent along a street front. The
are appropriate for new development. For instance, traditional rhythm of upper story windows and their spacing creates visual
downtown building facades often include a kickplate with a consistency along the block. Finally, the cornice that caps each
large display window above, a mid-belt molding that caps building varies only slightly in its height, defining the floors and
the window transom, and vertically proportioned upper story aligning the buildings along a block. The repetition of a series
windows. These windows are inset to create depth and shadow of design components on traditional buildings in the Downtown
on the façade. Awnings and canopies are used to provide Historic District, and throughout downtown San Marcos,
shade and shelter the sidewalk, and buildings are constructed provides precedent for the design of new buildings downtown.
of masonry materials (such as stone, brick, and detailed Many of these features are noted in Figure 1.2 - Figure 1.5.
stucco) to create a sense of scale.

Figure 1.2

Figure 1.3

A:8 San Marcos Design Manual