Page 39 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

• 06.28.2018

LOCATING FACADE IMPROVEMENTS
LOCATING FACADE
For most historic resources, the front wall is the most important to preserve IMPROVEMENTS ON A
intact. Alterations are rarely appropriate. Many side walls are also important
to preserve where they are highly visible from the street. By contrast, RESIDENTIAL FACADE
portions of a side wall that are not as visible may be less sensitive to change. Primary Facade
The rear wall is usually the least important and alterations can occur more
easily without causing negative effects to the historic significance of the
property. This concept of evaluating the different faces of a building to locate
the appropriate places for alterations is illustrated to the right.

Also important to note is that Ordinance 2104 states that reviewable actions
are defined as “any alteration that can be seen from the front yard(s) and
also includes 50% of the building facing the side yard(s) measured from the
building front to the 50% mark on the side of the building.” Therefore, while
the facade treatments described below and illustrated to the right are still
preferred, the reviewable action as defined above will determine what parts Secondary Wall
of each facade will be reviewed.

Location A: Primary Facade

• Preservation and repair of features in place is the priority.
• This is especially important at the street level and in locations
where the feature is highly visible.

Location B: Highly Visible Secondary Wall

• Preservation and repair in place is the priority.
Rear Wall
• The first 50% of the building facing the side yard(s) is subject
to review, therefore this part of the secondary wall will be
reviewed.

Location C: Not Highly Visible Secondary Wall
• Preservation is still preferred.

• A compatible replacement or alteration is acceptable.
• More flexibility in treatment may be considered.

Location D: Not Highly Visible Rear Wall Site Plan
• A compatible replacement or alteration may be acceptable when
it is not visible to the public.
• More flexibility in treatment may be considered.

Street

CHAPTER 2 • HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND PROJECT PLANNING • INFORMATIONAL 33