Page 88 - Waxahachie, TX Residential Design Guidelines

TreaTmenT of His Toric resources

b u i l d i n g f o u n d a t i o n s

A building’s base, or foundation, gives the building a sense of
strength and solidity, and visually ties the structure to the ground.
Building foundations contribute to the character, structure and
ventilation of historic buildings. Waxahachie’s residential historic
structures show a range of foundations, both in materials used
and the amount the foundation raises the house off the ground. A
historic foundation should be preserved and repaired.
Preserve the original piers,
foundation and foundation infill 4.38 Preserve the original piers, foundations and
whenever possible. foundation infill wherever possible.
a. Retain original materials where possible.
b. Locate landscape plantings far enough from the home
to avoid future maintenance problems regarding the
foundation.

4.39 Maintain gutters and downspouts in working order to
carry water away from the foundation wall.
a. Connect a downspout to an underground drain, or onto
Retain original materials where
splash blocks which carry the water away from the
possible.
foundation wall.
b. The soil or pavement next to the foundation wall shall
slope away from the wall. This will keep the water from
soaking down into the wall and surrounding soil.

4.40 Repair and, when necessary, replace foundations and
foundation infill to reflect historic character.
a. Maintain the original rhythm of a foundation.
b. Do not secure lattice to the face of the building.
Avoid covering or enclosing historic c. If used, hang lattice below the skirts board or siding
foundations. between piers and frame with trim.
d. Recess new foundation screening from the front of the
foundation piers.
e. Use a construction method that results in screening that
respects the historic character of the building.

4.41 Avoid covering or enclosing historic foundations.
a. Where a masonry foundation is present, avoid covering
it with a “brick” veneer or cementitious covering. These
diminish the character of the structure and may hold
moisture in the foundation wall that causes damage to the
structure.
b. Where a foundation with piers and lattice is used, avoid
enclosing the space between historic piers as this can
impact the ability of air to circulate.

80 Waxahac hie Residential design guidelines