Page 24 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

06.28.2018 •

Contributor
A “contributing” building is one which has been determined to be historically
significant. It is so because it was present during the period of significance
for the district, possesses integrity or is capable of yielding important
information about the period.

There are some alterations that may lead a property owner to believe a
building has lost its historic integrity. These alterations include window
replacements, cornice replacement, a porch enclosure or a change/covering
of a building’s original materials, for example. These alterations can often be
modified and/or restored to improve a building’s historic integrity.

Non-Contributor

A “non-contributing” building is a more recent property (less than 50 years
old), an older building that has been substantially altered, a new building or a
building that was not listed in the original register.

Substantial alterations that may cause an older building to be non-
contributing may include a combination of the following: a significant change
in building form, the removal of a front porch or a reconfiguration of front
facade windows.

Alterations That Affect Significance

Many historic buildings experience changes over time as design tastes
change or need for additional space occurs. Some are modest alterations.
For example, a new dormer may have been added. In some cases, an owner
would construct a wing for a new bedroom, or expand the kitchen in a
residential building.

Some of these alterations now may be historically significant themselves.
An addition constructed in a manner compatible with the original building
and associated with the period of significance is an example; and it, too, may
merit preservation in its own right.

In contrast, more recent alterations usually have no historic significance and
may even detract from the character of the building and obscure significant
features. Removing such an alteration may be considered in a rehabilitation
project. Historic features that have been modified can also be restored.

This tradition of making compatible alterations will likely continue. That is
to say, alterations to historic buildings can occur. It is important, however,
that any alteration be designed in such a manner as to preserve the historic
character and integrity of the primary structure.

18 STATE COLLEGE, PA • HERITAGE STATE COLLEGE DESIGN GUIDELINES