Page 46 - Waxahachie, TX Residential Design Guidelines

Pl annin g a Preservation Project

c . p l a n n i n g a p R e s e R v a t i o n

p R o j e c t

When planning a preservation project, it is important to determine
the significance of the property and the degree to which it retains
its integrity as a historic resource. Then, a specific approach to
the overall treatment of the property should be established. This
may include keeping the building in its current character, while
making appropriate repairs, or also incorporating new, compatible
changes. It is then important to determine how surviving character-
defining features will be treated. Preserve those features that
remain intact, repair those that are deteriorated, and replace
others. These steps in planning a preservation project are
presented in this section.

s t e p 1 : d e t e R m i n e b u i l d i n g

s i g n i f i c a n c e

Understanding the history of a building is important to any
preservation project. If the property is designated as an individual
resource or is a contributor to a historic district, survey information
should be consulted to help identify the building’s key features and
its period of significance. This will help determine to what degree
the property should be preserved as it is, or where there may
be opportunities for compatible alterations to occur. See Historic
Residential Architectural Styles beginning on page 44 for more
information.

s t e p 2 : d e t e R m i n e b u i l d i n g

i n t e g R i t y

A building’s character-defining features contribute to the overall
significance of the building. A building with historic integrity retains
a sufficient percentage of key character-defining features from its
period of significance. These key elements allow a building to be
recognized as a product of its time.

s t e p 3 : d e f i n e p R o g R a m

R e q u i R e m e n t s

The program requirements of the project should be defined. If
functional improvements are necessary, compatible alterations
and/or additions should be considered.

38 Waxahac hie Residential design guidelines