Page 60 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

06.28.2018 •

General Guidelines for New

Construction

New buildings should relate to the fundamental characteristics of the
historic houses on a block while also conveying the stylistic trends of today.
This can occur by drawing upon the basic elements of historic buildings in
the district. Such features include the way in which a building is located on its
site, the manner in which it relates to the street and its basic mass, form and
materials. When these design variables are arranged in a new building to be
similar to those seen traditionally, visual compatibility results.

These basic design relationships are more fundamental than the details of
individual architectural styles and, therefore, it is possible to be compatible
with the historic context while also producing a design that is contemporary.
The sections below discuss considerations for new residential construction
in historic districts in greater detail.

Compatibility

New residential construction should be compatible with adjacent historic
buildings in scale, massing, materials and overall design. Elements of
compatibility include siting, orientation, landscaping and distance between
adjacent buildings. A successful compatible design will also consider the
distinctive architectural character of the street, the neighborhood and the
district.

Contemporary designs should be compatible with the historic district in massing, scale, siting and
overall design. (Fort Collins, CO)

54 STATE COLLEGE, PA • HERITAGE STATE COLLEGE DESIGN GUIDELINES