Elm Street Standards
ELM STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
DESIGN STANDARDS
Prepared by the
Historic District Commission
Office of Planning & Development
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Northampton, Massachusetts
September 2010
Prepared with funding from the Northampton Community Preservation Act
ELM STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
DESIGN STANDARDS
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 1
Prepared by the
Historic District Commission
Office of Planning & Development
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
Northampton, Massachusetts
September 2010
Prepared with funding from the Northampton Community Preservation Act
PAGE 2 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
CONTENTS
Introduction..............................................................................................................5
A Brief History of Elm Street and its Architecture..................................................6
Character of the Elm Street Historic District...........................................................8
Architectural Styles................................................................................................10
The Application Process........................................................................................17
Design Fundamentals.............................................................................................19
District Design Standards......................................................................................20
Accessibility.......................................................................................20
Additions............................................................................................20
Architectural Elements.......................................................................21
Awnings..............................................................................................22
Barns, Carriage Houses and Outbuildings.........................................22
Chimneys, Columns, Pediments and Trim.........................................23
Cornices..............................................................................................23
Demolition or Removal......................................................................23
Doors..................................................................................................24
Dormers..............................................................................................24
Fences.................................................................................................25
Fire Escapes........................................................................................25
Foundations........................................................................................26
Grading and Site Work.......................................................................26
Gutters, Downspouts, Drainage, and Water Collectors......................26
Landscaping........................................................................................27
Lighting..............................................................................................27
Mailboxes...........................................................................................28
Masonry and Stucco...........................................................................29
Materials.............................................................................................30
Modern Equipment.............................................................................30
New Construction...............................................................................30
Painting...............................................................................................34
Parking................................................................................................34
Paving………………………………………………………………..34
Porches, Entryways, Decks and Balconies………….………………...35
Roofs………………………………………………………………...36
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 3
Rooftop Additions…………………………………………………...36
Shutters.....................................................................................................37
Siding........................................................................................................37
Signs.........................................................................................................37
Skylights...................................................................................................38
Solar Panels..............................................................................................38
Steps, Stairways and Railings..................................................................38
Street Furniture.........................................................................................39
Windows...................................................................................................39
Inventory of Principal Buildings in the Elm Street Historic District......................42
Map of the Elm Street Historic District..................................................................44
Glossary of Architectural Terms.............................................................................45
Depiction of Dos and Don’ts of
Maintenance, Restoration and Rehabilitation.........................................................48
Resources for Green and Sustainable Rehabilitation..............................................60
Additional Resources..............................................................................................62
The City of Northampton Online References.........................................................64
Cover photograph courtesy of the
Local History Collection of the Forbes Library, Northampton, Massachusetts
PAGE 4 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
INTRODUCTION
An historic district is a vital part of modern life. It is an ensemble of structures with diverse
and dynamic relationships that create a sense of place and tradition over time. And just as an
historic district reflects the technology, tastes, and economics of its time, changes within a
district need to reflect their own time, but in a way that complements what is special about
the district.
In 1993, a group of Elm Street residents, seeking to preserve the distinctive architecture and
rich character of this corridor, requested that City Council appoint a study committee to
explore the possibility of creating a local historic district. The Elm Street Historic District
Study Committee surveyed property owners, reviewed inventory information on the
properties, conducted several public hearings and submitted a report to City Council. In June
of 1994, City Council approved the creation of the Elm Street Historic District.
The Historic District Commission was established at the same time to serve as a steward of
the district. The Commission’s purpose is the preservation and protection of the distinctive
characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history and architecture of the
district. This is to be accomplished through the maintenance and improvement of such
buildings and their settings, and through the encouragement of compatible design.
The following design standards are intended to provide direction for Elm Street Historic
District landowners who are intending to make improvements and/or alterations to their
properties, and to help streamline the application process for them. The standards also serve
as a tool in helping the Commission to make consistent decisions about the appropriateness
of these improvements and alterations and in finding solutions that might make the
alterations more acceptable. Furthermore, each application before the Commission is
considered on a case-by-case basis and all circumstances taken into consideration.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 5
A BRIEF HISTORY of ELM STREET and its ARCHITECTURE
Elm Street dates to the Colonial
era and the earliest days of settlement
in Northampton. Settlers came to
Northampton in the mid-1600s and
located their meetinghouse in the
center of their community (on the site
of the present day courthouse).
Colonial laws required that all homes
be built within one-half mile of the
meetinghouse, and early maps of
Northampton reflect this pattern, with
house lots extending along Elm Street
westward for about one-half mile. A
small number of homes, including the
Jonathan Hunt House at 109 Elm
The Georgian style house located at 109 Elm Street is one
of the oldest remaining houses in the Elm Street Historic
Street, ca. 1700, the Benjamin S.
District. Photo courtesy of the Forbes Library.
Lyman House at 84 Elm Street, ca.
1750, and the Ebenezar Clark House at 197 Elm Street, ca. 1730, stand from the Colonial
period, and the general layout of Elm Street dates to this early settlement period.
The 19th century spurred a large
manufacturing industry in
Northampton, with several factories
operating along the Mill River. The
economy prospered, resulting in the
construction of new homes, many of
which were built along Elm Street. In
the early 1800s, several Federal and
Greek Revival style homes were added
to Elm Street, such as the Federal style
Aaron Breck House at 206 Elm Street
of ca. 1820, and the Greek Revival
Sidney Clark House at 187 Elm Street
of 1849. As the century progressed,
more high-style Victorian homes were
built on “outer” Elm Street, several of
The Kingsley, Maltby and Look houses were built along
which included stables or carriage
the west side of Elm Street during the 19th century. Photo
tfthFbLib houses. These reflected an array of
mid-to-late 1800s styles, including Gothic Revival, Italianate, Stick, and Queen Anne styles.
PAGE 6 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Northampton architect William Fenno Pratt and his son, William F. Pratt, Jr. designed
several homes along Elm Street, including the Italianate houses at 219 Elm Street (1861) and
333 Elm Street (1866-1868). In 1871, Smith College was established at the eastern end of
Elm Street, and in its first decades, constructed several institutional-sized Gothic Revival
style buildings.
Manufacturing continued to fuel
Northampton’s economy into the 20th
century, with educational institutions
providing an additional source of jobs.
While much of Elm Street had been
developed by the end of the 19th
century, several homes and Smith
College buildings were added between
1890 and 1920 that reflect this
continued prosperity. Included was an
array of early 1900s styles, including
the Italian Renaissance Hugh
Smith College, established in 1871, began its campus on
McConnell house at 345 Elm Street
Elm Street with High Victorian Gothic buildings. Photo
courtesy of the Forbes Library.
(1915-1922) and the Earle Apartments
built at 310 Elm Street 1911-13.
Smith College added several institutionally-scaled buildings designed in the Victorian styles
of the period.
By 1930, education had become a more prominent contributor to the local economy, and
the majority of the larger Elm Street homes began to be converted into multi-family rental
properties. Since the 1950s, Smith College has constructed several new buildings that have
added a contemporary element to Elm
Street. Significant among these are the
American International Style
dormitory at 79 Elm Street built in
1957, and the Campus Center building,
located on the south side of Elm Street
across from #79, completed in 2006.
Today, Elm Street retains many of its
19th century features, including deep
setbacks from the street, plantings of
shade trees, and a collection of homes
and institutional buildings with diverse
architectural styles spanning three
Smith College constructed the American International
centuries. These buildings and their
Style dormitory on the north side of Elm Street.
settings help tell the story of
Northampton’s 350-year-old past.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 7
CHARACTER of the ELM STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
As noted in the history, the Elm Street Historic District is defined by a mix of institutional
and residential buildings and their settings, dating from the early 18th century through the
present, and representing an array of architectural styles. Specific elements of this character
include:
Composition. The District is largely composed of two elements: institutional
buildings owned by Smith College and private homes of the Elm Street residential
area. Several churches and commercial buildings add to the mix. Together, the
elements form a stately entryway to downtown Northampton from the west.
Setting. Due to Elm Street’s wide right-of-way, the buildings in the District are set
far back from the street. This allows the buildings to be easily viewed from the street.
It also provides a continuous expanse of green space between the street and buildings
that includes lawns, street trees, and sidewalks along both the north and south sides of
Elm Street.
Styles. The District
includes an eclectic mix of
architectural styles spanning
more than three centuries.
Smith College buildings date
predominantly to the late-19th
century and represent the
Gothic and Romanesque
Revival styles, but they also
include an American
International Style dormitory of
1957, as well as Contemporary
style Fine Arts Center and
Campus Center. In the
The Italianate style house at 219 Elm Street was
residential area, homes were
designed in 1861 by local architect William Fenno Pratt.
built between the early 18th to
mid-20th centuries, and represent a mix of architectural styles, with the prevailing
styles coming under the general heading of Late Victorian. The earliest homes date to
the early 1700s and were built in the Georgian style, while the newer homes, built in
the 1930s to 1950s are largely in the Colonial Revival style with a few Italian
Renaissance examples as well.
PAGE 8 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Scale. Most of the institutional and commercial buildings are relatively small in
scale, while many of the residential buildings are large in scale. As a result, the
buildings blend harmoniously together. Most of the buildings – institutional,
commercial, and residential – were designed to dominate the street corridor.
The following are brief descriptions of the architectural styles represented in the Elm Street
Historic District. For more detail, consult the resources found in the Additional Resources
section of these standards.
Georgian (1700-1780)
The Georgian house is usually one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half stories under a gabled roof,
two rooms deep, with doors and windows in strict symmetry. High style versions have
gambrel roofs and can include a paneled centered front door sheltered by a column-supported
portico, or framed by pilasters supporting an entablature in high relief which is often capped
with a pediment and enclosing a transom of small rectangular panes of glass. Windows
generally
have double-hung sashes, typically with nine or twelve small panes per sash.
Examples: 84 Elm Street, 109 Elm Street, 197 Elm Street.
Jonathan Hunt House, 109 Elm Street, ca.
Federal
(1776-1820)
The Federal
style follows
the same form
as the
Georgian style
with a gable
roof, taller doors and windows, and two interior
chimneys. Decorative details, however, are less
robust, more refined, and in lower relief.
Federal houses often have a semi-circular or
Timothy Jewett House, 153 Elm Street, ca.
elliptical fanlight over the door; a door surround
SEQ
with decorative moldings; and double-hung sash
TimothyJewettHouse153ElmStreetc
windows with six panes per sash separated by
narrow wood muntins. Examples: 206 Elm Street, 153 Elm Street, 45 Elm Street (mansard
roof added later).
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 9
Greek Revival (1825-1860)
The Greek Revival house has a gabled or hipped
roof of low pitch; a frieze under the cornice that
creates a temple-like pediment in the gable ends;
porches supported by prominent square or
rounded columns (typically Doric); front door
surrounded by narrow sidelights and a
rectangular line of transom lights above the
door; and a door surround that often is made up
of pilasters supporting a full entablature.
Examples: 187 Elm Street, 210 Elm Street, 218
Elm Street.
Sidney Clark House, 187 Elm Street, 1849
Gothic Revival (1840-1880)
The Gothic Revival house (or building) has a
steeply pitched roof, usually with steep cross
gables that are commonly decorated with
vergeboards; frequently has pointed-arch
(lancet) windows; and often has board-and-
batten siding.
Examples: 112 Elm Street, 313 Elm Street, 319
Elm Street, 354 Elm Street.
A. H. Lyman House, 319 Elm Street, 1870
Italianate (1840-1885)
The Italianate house is typically two or three
stories in height; has a low-pitched roof with
widely overhanging eaves supported by paired
decorative brackets; has tall, narrow windows
that often are arched, and sometimes paired;
PAGE 10 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
often has a square cupola or tower to suggest an Italian villa.
Examples: 95 Elm Street, 96 Elm Street, 137 Elm Street, 196 Elm Street, 219 Elm Street, 309
Elm Street, 333 Elm Street.
C. H. Clark House, 309 Elm Street, ca. 1870
Stick Style (1860-ca. 1890)
The Stick Style house has a gabled roof,
usually steeply pitched with cross gables;
gables commonly show decorative trusses at
the apex; overhanging eaves, wooden wall
cladding ornamented with patterns of
horizontal, vertical, or diagonal boards;
porches with diagonal or curved braces.
The aim of the Stick Style was to suggest
studs, braces, plates and sills on the exterior
of the building.
Examples: 138 Elm Street, 146 Elm Street,
150 Elm Street.
J. C. Ward House, 138 Elm Street, ca. 1870
French Second Empire (1855-1885)
French Second Empire houses are distinguished
by mansard (dual-pitched hipped) roofs
decoratively covered in polychrome slate, often
with dormer windows inset into their steep
lower slopes; and eaves with decorative
brackets; segmentally arched, round arched,
and paired windows.
Examples: 105 Elm Street, 156 Elm Street, 289
Elm Street.
W. T. Clement House, 289 Elm Street,
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 11
Queen Anne (1880-1910)
The Queen Anne house exhibits a steeply pitched
roof of irregular shape, often with a dominant front-
facing gable; three-sided bay windows;
asymmetrical elevations; partial or full-width
porches on the principal façade that are usually one
story high and often wrap around two sides of the
building. The surface of the building frequently uses
several different materials such as patterned
shingles and clapboards. Brick Queen Anne
buildings are often referred to as “Panel Brick”
style.
E. Southwick House,
Examples: Queen Anne: 76 Elm Street, 149 Elm Street, 222Elm Street, 225 Elm Street, 229
Elm Street, 231 Elm Street, 240 Elm Street, 275 Elm Street, 292 Elm Street, 293 Elm Street,
296 Elm Street, 300 Elm Street, 320 Elm Street. Panel Brick: 211 Elm Street, 275 Elm Street.
Colonial Revival (1875-present)
The Colonial Revival house re-interprets the Georgian and Federal houses of the 18th and 19th centuries,
but generally at a larger scale. The façade normally shows symmetrically balanced windows and a center
door with a surround that often has a decorative pediment or fanlight, supported by pilasters; or a porch
supported on Doric columns. Windows with double-hung sashes, but there are also single-pane windows
with stained glass transoms.
Examples: 47 Elm Street, 115 Elm Street, 123 Elm Street, 169 Elm Street, 179 Elm Street, 186 Elm Street,
234 Elm Street, 259 Elm Street, 264 Elm Street, 276 Elm Street, 280 Elm Street, 281 Elm Street, 302 Elm
Street, 330 Elm Street, 336 Elm Street, 337 Elm Street.
M. & A. 205 ,Copeland House .H .F
Warner House,
1922 ,Elm Street
280282Elm
Romanesque Revival (1880-1900)
PAGE 12 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
The Romanesque Revival style took its inspiration primarily from medieval European
churches, incorporating their rusticated masonry construction, large arches, deeply recessed
window openings, and squat columns on high pedestals with Byzantine-derived, geometric
capitals and ornament. Example: 48 Elm Street.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Elm
Street1893
Classical Revival (1895-1950)
Classical Revival buildings have facades
dominated by full-height porches with roofs
supported by classical columns; columns with
Ionic or Corinthian capitals; facades with
symmetrically balanced windows and center
doors.
Example: John M. Green Hall, 60 Elm Street, 33
Elm Street.
Smith College Alumnae House, 33 Elm
Street,SEQ
Italian Renaissance (1890-1935)
Italian Renaissance houses feature low-pitched
hipped roofs with widely overhanging eaves,
typically covered by ceramic tiles; smaller and
less elaborate upper-story windows; arches above
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 13
doors, first-story windows, or porches; entrance areas accented by small classical columns or
pilasters; façades commonly symmetrical.
Examples: 345 Elm Street, 310 Elm Street.
H. McConnell House, 345 Elm Street, ca.
International Style (1925-Present)
International Style buildings feature flat roofs,
usually without ledge at the roofline; windows set
flush with the outer walls; smooth, unornamented
wall surfaces without decorative detailing at doors
or windows; asymmetrical façades. The
American International Style uses mixed materials
rather than all-white exteriors, and places the
building in a landscaped setting rather than
isolating it.
Cutter-Ziskind Houses, 79 Elm Street, 1956-
57
Contemporary Style (1940-present)
Architecture from mid-20th century to the present has developed in a number of directions
that are based on the past. One current of architectural thought, the Contemporary Style, has
picked up elements from the International Style emphasizing geometric forms while
enriching its range of building materials, improving the comfort of interiors, and responding
to the context of surrounding buildings. Examples: 90 Elm Street, Elm Street-Smith College
Fine Arts Center.
PAGE 14 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
SHAPE \* MERGEFORMAT
Elm Street, Smith College Fine
Arts Center, 1972 & 2003
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 15
APPLICATION PROCESS
No building or structure within the Elm Street Historic District shall be constructed,
altered, or demolished in any way that affects exterior architectural features visible
from a public way, except those activities exempted in Section 195-5 of the Elm
Street Historic District Ordinance, without the proper certificate (permit) from the
Historic District Commission.
All projects fall under one of the following three categories:
1.Exempt: Projects that can be undertaken without any review. (Building permit
requirements still apply.)
2.Potentially Exempt and requiring a Certificate of Non-Applicability: Projects
that require staff review and a permit issued by the Office of Planning and
Development.
3.Non-Exempt and requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness or Hardship:
Projects that require review by the Commission at a public hearing, a permit
from the Commission, and an associated permit fee.
When your project is Exempt, consult the chapter on Design Standards for guidance
and suggestions on how to go about your project.
When your project requires a Certificate of Non-Applicability:
Consult the chapter on Design Standards for guidance and suggestions on
o
how to go about your project.
Go to: HYPERLINK "http://www.northamptonma.gov/opd/permit/"
o
www.northamptonma.gov/opd/permit/ to apply for a permit, and/or
contact staff with questions. You may apply completely on-line or
supplement your application with additional plans that you provide in
paper form. Permits are issued by the Office of Planning and
Development typically within a week, although you should allow 21 days
in your planning. Include your address, project description, photos of
existing elevations, product information, and, when relevant, drawings to
scale of proposed elevations, and historical documentation.
Begin your project when you receive a Certificate of Non-Applicability
o
and you obtain any necessary building permit.
PAGE 16 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
When your project requires a Certificate of Appropriateness:
Apply to the Building Commissioner, 210 Main St., City Hall (587-1240), or
o
visit HYPERLINK "http://www.northamptonma.gov/building"
www.northamptonma.gov/building >Permit Applications> Zoning
Permit, to find out what permits you need.
Consult the Chapter on Design Standards for guidance and suggestions on
o
how to go about your project.
Apply and/or contact staff at: HYPERLINK
o
"http://www.northamptonma.gov/opd/permit"
www.northamptonma.gov/opd/permit >Elm Street Historic District
Permits. Include photos of existing elevations, drawings to scale of proposed
elevations, and product information. You should allow two to three months
from the time you apply to the time you would like to begin your project.
Submit on-line Application.
Print out on-line Application.
Follow all instructions on the web page to apply for a permit.
o
Attend the public hearing held by the Commission. Bring photos of existing
o
elevations, drawings to scale of proposed alterations, product samples and
descriptions, and historic and other supportive documentation. Presentation of
major projects by a contractor may facilitate the process.
Resubmit your project if the Commission recommends changes.
o
Begin your project when the Commission issues you a Certificate of
o
Appropriateness and you obtain any necessary building permit.
With projects that the Commission finds inappropriate, it will take into consideration
whether or not a Certificate of Hardship shall be issued.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 17
DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS
The Commission refers to and utilizes the design standards in this handbook when evaluating
specific projects and project components and considering the following: (See Glossary for
terms “Appearance” and “Design”.)
The historic and architectural value of the building or structure and the
significance of the site.
The general design, building alignment, setback, height, articulation, texture,
material and features involved.
The relation of such features to similar features of buildings and structures in the
surrounding area.
The compatibility of the alterations and new construction with the existing
building and site environment present in the district; including the appropriateness
of the size and shape of the building or structure, in relation to the land area upon
which the building is or will be situated, and to buildings and structures in the
vicinity.
Exterior or façade changes to buildings that would damage historic features or are
not otherwise readily reversible except when such changes replicate historic
features, restore previously damaged historic features, or are otherwise
compatible with the detail and character of the district.
The Commission may impose dimensional and set-back requirements in addition to those
required by other applicable ordinances for the purpose of preventing developments
incongruous to the historic aspects or the architectural characteristics of the surroundings and
of the historic district.
The Historic District Ordinance may be enforced by criminal and
non-criminal penalties and injunctive relief in accordance with
Chapter 40C of the Massachusetts General Laws and Chapter 40 of
the Northampton Code of Ordinances.
PAGE 18 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
DISTRICT DESIGN STANDARDS
Accessibility
Barrier-free access to private residences is sometimes necessary and
is required by law for buildings open to the public. Since the nature of
accessibility is unique in its complexity, the Commission reviews
proposals on a case-by-case basis with guidance from design
standards commonly used throughout the state. The Commission will
work with the property owner to find a solution that incorporates the
desired goals of both accessibility and preservation.
The primary concern is installation of ramps, or other accessibility devices such as
elevators or lifts, visible from a public way, street or place. Such devices should be
designed to avoid obscuring or damaging historical features on the building and to
allow historical features to be readily restored if the device is removed.
Temporary accessibility devices involving no permanent alteration to the existing
physical structure are exempt from Commission review if intended to be in existence
for not more than six months. After that period, the Commission will request a
review.
Additions
Additions include both enclosed and unenclosed
structural elements attached to an existing
building such as rooms, porches, decks,
conservatories, carports, or garages. All
additions to buildings in the historic district
shall be designed so that the character of the
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 19
existing building is not radically changed, obscured, damaged, destroyed, or rendered
subordinate to the addition. Compatibility with adjacent and nearby buildings that comprise
the streetscape shall also be considered in the design of additions. Also refer to Porches,
Entryways, Decks and
Balconies section.
Additions should be constructed with the least possible loss of historic fabric and
designed to be in harmony with the existing building in size, scale, massing, style,
detail and materials.
Additions should be designed so that the overall character of the site, site
topography, character-defining site features, trees and significant district views are
retained. They shall be, to the extent feasible, located where least visible from
public view and designed not to obstruct the visual integrity of the original
structure, usually on the rear elevation.
An addition should be limited in size and scale so that it does not overpower the
building to which it is attached. The original portion of the building and earlier
additions should continue to be recognizable apart from the new addition by means
of massing, articulation of setbacks, trim and ornamental detail. Additions should
be designed so that the primary elevations of the original building remain clearly
delineated.
Additions that significantly change the proportion of built mass to open space on
the site are discouraged.
Additions that will detract from the overall historic character of the principal
building and the site, or will require the removal of a significant building or site
feature, will be prohibited.
Architectural Elements
(See individual architectural elements for design
standards.) Architectural elements include
features such as doors, windows, dormers,
porches and balconies, as well as decorative
details such as cornices, columns, pediments,
railings and trim. Large or small, they play a
key role in defining the architectural character
of a building and deserve particular attention
and respect.
Original elements shall be retained to the
extent possible. Alterations shall be carried out in a way that does not damage
PAGE 20 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
or hide these elements. New architectural elements shall match the old in design,
color, texture, and, where possible, material.
Architectural elements that falsify or confuse the history of a building shall be
avoided. Replacement of original elements should be substantiated by documentary
and physical evidence.
Aluminum or vinyl siding shall not be used. Substitute materials may be considered
when replacing lost or deteriorated elements of a building provided that they are
visually indistinguishable from that which they replace.
Awnings
Traditionally, awnings have been used as a decorative way to provide sun and weather
screening to windows and other building openings. Popular in the days before air
conditioning, awnings are now being used to achieve energy efficiency in home cooling.
Awnings should not detract from the form of the building, or obscure its details.
Awnings should be attached in a way that permits later removal without damaging
the materials to which they are fastened.
Awning skirts should not be held in place to appear permanent, but should hang
free.
Generally, traditional canvas awnings are acceptable. Metal or vinyl-clad
awnings shall not be used.
Barns, Carriage Houses and
Outbuildings
Barns, carriage houses and other
outbuildings contribute significantly to an
historic landscape and shall be preserved and
maintained. The setting of barns, carriage
houses, and other outbuildings—i.e. their
relationship to surrounding land or its
proximity to other outbuildings and the main
building—should also be preserved.
Outbuildings such as detached garages, gazebos, barns, sheds, carriage houses
and greenhouses are all considered important elements of an historic district and
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 21
will be afforded the same protection as principal buildings. The form, roofline,
materials, door and window openings, trim, doors and windows are important
features or outbuildings and should be preserved.
Newly constructed outbuildings should be compatible with the primary structure in
scale and proportions, and be made of the same or complementary materials. Size,
scale and placement of outbuildings themselves, as well as their relation to the lot size
and other structures on the lot and adjacent and nearby lots, will be considered.
In areas where historic garages are generally detached, new garages should be
detached. Attached garages should be located behind the main mass of the house
and/or not facing the street, if possible.
Chimneys
(Also refer to Masonry and Stucco section)
Chimneys are distinctive roof features and those visible from a public way shall not be
altered, shortened, or removed, but rather, repaired as necessary. Even if an interior fireplace
is to be removed, every effort shall be made to retain the existing exterior stack. Metal
chimneys inside false work are discouraged since they are not authentic and often result in
loss of original historic brick or stone materials.
Chimneys shall be rebuilt with comparable materials in the previously existing style
including the detail, form, ornamentation, color, texture, dimensions and coursing of
brick or stone. Additionally, the color, texture and composition of the mortar, as well as
appropriate re-striking, should be considered.
Metal caps, pipe extensions, etc., shall be avoided. If appropriate to the original
architectural style, ceramic chimney pots may be considered.
Cornices, Columns, Pediments and Trim
Cornices, columns, pediments and trim are
principal elements of a building façade and
are primary contributors to historic
architectural character.
They should not be removed or
inappropriately altered. The historic cornice
line, form, and details shall be maintained.
Creation of new dominant cornice lines is
inappropriate.
PAGE 22 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Removal of these original elements or their components, such as brackets or moldings,
without identical replacement in form is not allowed.
When replacement of cornices, columns, pediments and trim is necessary, it shall
replicate the existing form and materials. The use of substitute materials, if visually
indistinguishable from the original, may be considered during review.
Demolition or Removal
unity assets. Demolition of
Historic buildings are irreplaceable comm
any building or structure within the district should be carefully
considered. With each demolition, the historic integrity of the district
is further eroded. Demolition or removal of a building or structure
located in the historic district (whether or not the structure is visible
to the public) requires a demolition or removal permit from the
Commission. The Commission will approve a demolition permit only
if the building or structure to be demolished has been determined by
the Commission to have no significant historic merit or historic
relationship to the Elm Street Historic District. Removal and
relocation shall be considered only as an alternative to demolition.
If an application for a demolition permit is based upon structural instability or
deterioration, the applicant will be required to provide a technical report prepared by
an architect or engineer registered in Massachusetts detailing the nature and extent of
the problems and an estimate of the cost to correct them.
Where a new building or structure will replace a building or structure to be
demolished or removed, approval of the new structure by the Commission is required
as a condition to approving the demolition permit. In addition to the plans and
specifications ordinarily required for a new building or structure, the applicant shall
submit a timetable and such other guarantees and assurances for the completion and
replacement of the building or structure as the Commission may require.
Documentation of a building or structure proposed to be demolished shall be
required, including elevations, details of specific notable architectural features
through measured drawings and photographs in accordance with standards
established by the Commission.
Doors
Existing original or later architecturally appropriate doors
visible from a public way shall be retained and repaired,
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 23
including fanlights, sidelights, surrounds, canopies, transoms, and other features that
comprise the doorway.
The original entrance design and arrangement of door openings shall be retained.
Enlarging or reducing entrance/door openings for the purpose of fitting stock doors
(larger or smaller) will not be allowed. Enlarging door openings to meet mandated
accessibility standards may be considered, provided that the original style,
appearance, and materials of the doorway are retained.
If a replacement door is necessary, the preferred material is wood. An alternate
material may be considered if the door is appropriately designed with regard to
architectural style and compatible with other doors on the building and of low
visibility.
Storm doors are exempt from review.
Dormers
Dormers that were part of the
original design shall not be
altered in scale or form.
Dormers may be installed, relocated, or
removed, subject to the guideline for
Architectural Elements, provided that the
historic nature (original proportions) of
the roof and overall structure is retained.
New dormers shall be small in scale, and
facades visible from the public way shall not appear as though an additional story has
been added.
New dormers should match existing ones. Where no dormers presently exist, new
dormers shall correspond in style with the other architectural features of the building,
and must be architecturally appropriate and have historic precedent.
Fences
Traditionally, fences were located in front yards
and, for corner lots, side yards along the
sidewalk. These fences were open and low.
They complemented the structure without
obstructing the view of it and provided an
important contribution to the streetscape.
PAGE 24 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Fences along a public street, way or place: When a fence is proposed along a public
street, way, or place, it shall be open and low so as not to block the public view. Fences
should be compatible with the existing building in material, proportion, style and historic
period and shall enhance the streetscape. Architecturally significant fences shall be
maintained and repaired or restored whenever possible.
Fences remote from public view: More solid, taller fences are appropriate to provide
privacy or safety but should be located where they have minimal visual impact from
public streets, ways, or places. These fences must be appropriate to the structure and
surrounding area.
Wherever fences are located, care shall be taken to modulate the length so as not
to create a visual barrier.
Landscaping shall be considered in combination with fencing to relieve the visual
impact of a long fence.
Traditional materials (wood, cast or wrought iron, granite and stone) are
recommended. Vinyl and chain link fences are not appropriate in the Elm Street
Historic District.
Fencing must conform to the City of Northampton’s zoning regulations.
Fire Escapes
Fire escapes are conspicuous features and are strongly discouraged if visible from a public
way. Generally, fire escapes visible from the public way are not appropriate. A fire escape is
more likely to be found appropriate by the Commission if it is placed at the rear of the
building or where it is least visible from a public way.
If visible to the public, fire escapes shall be designed and constructed with the same
attention required for other major alterations. The Commission, as part of the
approval, may require vegetative screening.
Foundations
(Also refer to Masonry and Stucco and Grading sections.)
Existing foundations shall be retained and repaired as appropriate.
In new construction, foundations shall be of a height consistent with the typical
foundation height of the architectural style of the house, for example, 8 inches
maximum for Cape Cod style houses. The foundation height of an addition shall
match that of the existing structure, unless it is not feasible because of existing
grading. The foundation height of new construction shall be in harmony with
foundation height of buildings in the surrounding area.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 25
Foundations visible to public way shall be of material consistent with original
foundation of building and left unpainted.
Cast foundations formed to look like brick or stone should be avoided.
Minor repairs shall be made with materials that blend in with existing foundation.
Grading and Site Work
The existing natural contours and topography of the landscape should be preserved to
the fullest extent possible. Proposed building heights are measured from the original
grade prior to any site work. The Commission takes into consideration the need to
alter the height of the grade to rectify drainage problems.
In designing the site, natural features such as large trees, scenic or historic spots such
as potential archaeological sites and similar community assets, shall be preserved.
Gutters, Downspouts, Drainage, and Water Collectors
Gutters may be wood or copper and in some cases painted aluminum. Unpainted mill-
finished aluminum is not appropriate for flashing, gutters, downspouts, and water
collectors.
Removing trim pieces from the roofline in order to attach gutters more easily is not
appropriate. In older buildings, gutters were often designed as part of the eave profile.
In these cases, the gutters become particularly important architectural features and
shall be repaired whenever possible; if they are beyond repair, they shall be replaced
with like materials and design.
Hung gutters (those not designed as part of the eave) and water collectors shall be as
unobtrusive as possible, and water collector barrels must be placed out of public
view.
Downspouts and water collectors shall not obstruct the view of the structure’s corner
wall elements or be placed diagonally across a building’s elevation that is visible
from a public way.
Natural stone splash beds near the foundation at the drip edge are appropriate, and
may be considered.
Landscaping
Removal of landscaping or material
alteration of any plantings which have been
PAGE 26 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
made a necessary condition to the granting of a city permit (such as a vegetative
screening required in approving an air conditioning unit) shall not be allowed.
The Commission encourages the preservation of mature trees. The Commission also
suggests that native trees, plants and flowers be given preference over other varieties.
Before removing vegetation, careful consideration should be given to the role of such
vegetation in screening.
Lighting
Any lighting plan and its total effect on-site and off-site should be carefully considered.
Thought should be given to the task or activity that requires illumination and to the minimum
amount of light needed when considering the following:
1.Lighting fixtures as an appurtenance to the structure (such as on a building’s
exterior, porch, deck, pathway, driveway, post, and any area visible to the public), as
elements of the landscape, and elements of architectural ornamentation;
2.Quality of illumination on the site and on building exteriors;
3.The intensity and distribution of light particularly as it affects neighboring properties
and the ambiance of the district;
4.Illumination of signs; and
5.Energy efficiency
Standards for lighting are as follows:
Original light fixtures, where they survive, can be important and rare architectural
features, contributing significantly to the structure’s historic resource value. For this
reason, original or later appropriate light fixtures should be retained, and if possible,
repaired using recognized preservation methods. Deteriorated or missing elements
should be replaced with like materials. Replacement should be based, if possible, on
physical or documentary evidence.
New light fixtures should be of a design and scale that is appropriate to the style and
period of the building rather than imitate styles earlier than the building or structure.
Historical style lighting fixtures may appear appropriate in the daylight, but many of
these authentic-looking fixtures are among the worst in creating nighttime glare from
their unshielded lamps or bulbs.
Illumination should be fully shielded inside the fixture so that the lamp is not visible
from adjacent buildings, pedestrians, and motorists. It may be appropriate in some
cases to have a low lumen lamp. Many historic-style (non-original) fixtures can be
easily altered to shield the lamp. In the best case, light is ordinarily directed below the
horizontal plane of the fixture (typically referred to as a “full cut-off” fixture). Light
should be maintained on the property, not spilling beyond the bounds of the property
line.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 27
Up-lighting, such as for facades, signs, fountains, and landscaping, is not allowed.
Lighting of the landscape or “wash” lighting of buildings or trees is not permitted.
Pole-mounted lights on residential properties, that create glare or light
spillover, are not acceptable.
Wall packs and floodlights are discouraged. It is recommended that they be removed
and replaced with shielded, low-glare fixtures aimed at the object intended for
illumination, or retrofitted with a shield and aimed to keep the illumination below a
180-degree plane with the fixture.
Motion-activated lighting for driveways or walkways does not require Commission
approval.
Energy efficiency. The City of Northampton encourages the use of energy-efficient
lamps for all outdoor applications. The City recommends compact fluorescent white
light and other energy efficient fixture types that provide good quality color rendition.
Avoid lighting that casts yellow or orange hues, or has high intensity discharge.
Mercury vapor lamps will not be approved because they are not energy efficient and
contain elements harmful to the environment.
The Commission encourages the underground placement of wiring.
Lighting must conform to the City of Northampton’s zoning regulations.
Mailboxes
Mailboxes do not require Commission review. A receptacle that is in keeping with the period
of a building can be especially attractive, but any style that is simple and unobtrusive can
also be suitable. Curbside mailboxes and publication and printed matter tubes are prohibited.
Masonry and Stucco
(For Chimneys and Foundations, please see specific categories.)
Buildings constructed prior to about 1910 did not use Portland cement, but instead used a
softer, lime-based mortar. When repointing a building that has lime mortar, it is important to
avoid high proportions of Portland cement and to use mortar that matches the old material in
texture, strength and hardness. If harder mortars are applied to softer brick or stone (and next
to softer mortar), this non-resilient material will not respond to atmospheric changes such as
temperature and humidity. All moisture will be held in the softer materials, and expansion
and contraction due to freezing and thawing cycles will result in disintegration of the
masonry.
It is also important to try to match the color of the original mortar as closely as possible, so
that repairs will be less visible. Color is affected by the various elements in the mortar mix
PAGE 28 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
such as sand and lime. An understanding of these constituents is essential if the rehabilitation
is to be successful.
Other important characteristics of masonry are the method of bonding (the orientation of
bricks or stones in the wall) and the size and shape of mortar joints. A successful
rehabilitation project must match these characteristics.
Mortar joints on brick and stone walls can take a variety of forms. In general, mortar joints
were thicker on older walls, simply because of the irregularities in hand-formed brick. As
bricks became more uniform, thinner joints could be used. To disguise the thickness of early
joints and make them appear more regular, masons sometimes scribed or tooled a groove
through the center of the joint. Rehabilitation projects should strive to match the original
treatment. With older brick buildings, great care should be taken not to damage the brick,
especially the outer surfaces, as this will expose the softer core to decay.
The standards for masonry and stucco are as follows:
Original masonry and mortar shall be retained wherever possible, without the
application of any surface treatment, including sandblasting or sealants.
Old mortar shall be duplicated in color and texture.
New mortar shall reproduce original joint profile and size.
Replacement masonry and mortar shall be carefully matched in size, type and color to
the originals and follow traditional masonry coursing and pointing.
Stucco shall be repaired with stucco mixture that duplicates the original in
appearance, i.e., color and texture.
Unpainted masonry should not be painted.
Materials
Traditional materials including, but not limited
to, wood, stone, slate, brick, copper are
preferred. Existing materials may not be
appropriate, and reversion to traditional
materials is encouraged when possible.
Substitute materials that are currently being
utilized to recreate historical architectural
components such as resins, cast concrete or
Hardiplank, (as opposed to aluminum or vinyl),
may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 29
Refer to the Architectural Elements section for greater detail.
Modern Equipment
Modern utilityand other mechanical equipment located outside a building and visible from a
public way, such as cellular towers, cellular PCS and antennae, satellite dishes, propane and
other tanks, dumpsters, compactors, utility meters, alarm systems, HVAC equipment and
associated devices, are elements that cumulatively can visually degrade the district.
Modern equipment shall, in general, be as small and inconspicuous as possible. All
modern equipment shall be installed in locations which (a) create the least disturbance
to the historical appearance of the building, (b) involve the fewest additional
structural alterations and (c) are screened, hidden or otherwise shielded from view to
the greatest extent possible.
Modern equipment shall not be placed in front of the principal building on the site
and shall be screened adequately. If modern equipment is mounted on a roof, it shall
be located behind chimneys, sloped roofs and parapets, or placed in the central
portion of flat roofs behind sight lines as seen from the ground level or other portions
of the roof not visible from any public way. Flues and vents should be concealed in
chimneys or cupolas. Electrical wires and other cables shall be concealed to the extent
feasible.
Applications shall specify the location, dimensions, and describe the outward
appearance of all such equipment.
New Construction
While an historic district conveys a certain sense of time and place associated with its
history, it is also dynamic, with alterations to existing structures and construction of new
buildings occurring over time. When designating a district, the goal is not to freeze it in
time, but to assure that when new building does occur, it is in a manner that reflects an
understanding of and a compatibility with the existing character of the neighborhood. In
practice, one should be able to “read” the evolution of the district, discerning the apparent
age of buildings by their style and construction methodology.
Careful planning is essential in order for the new construction to reinforce and respect the
architectural integrity of the district. The success of new construction does not depend on
direct duplication of existing forms, features, materials and details, but rather on an
understanding of that distinctive architectural integrity. Infill buildings must be compatible
with that character. In that context, new buildings should be able to be distinguished as being
of their own time, but still relate to the fundamental similarities of the district. Towards that
end, new construction projects shall adhere to the following:
Site Considerations
PAGE 30 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
a.Design new construction so that the overall character of the site, site
topography, character-defining site features, trees and significant district
vistas and views are retained.
b.New construction shall be sited to be compatible with surrounding buildings
that contribute to the overall character of the district in terms of setback,
orientation, spacing and distance from adjacent buildings.
c.Landscape treatment along the street-facing portion of the lot should be
consistent with existing historic landscape patterns on Elm Street.
d.New building footprints and lot coverage shall be compatible with established
patterns, both on the subject and adjacent sites. The historic relationship of
structures to the street shall be maintained with regard to setbacks and open
space.
e.District patterns for site access, orientation of the building to the street, garage
or accessory structure location (attached or detached) should be reflected in
any new design.
Scale
Scale is the size of a building in relation to adjacent structures.
a.The scale of newly constructed buildings shall be consistent with that of
adjacent structures in the district and reflect typical neighborhood
development.
b.New buildings may be proposed that are larger than existing buildings in the
district, but this new construction shall not be so dramatically greater in scale
than the established context such that the visual continuity of the district is
compromised.
c.New construction shall respect the existing similarity of scale that currently
enhances the pedestrian-friendly character of Elm Street.
d.Building design shall be of human scale in the more residential portions of the
district as opposed to monumental (larger than human scale). A different
scale may be considered for the institutional portions of the district, if it is
compatible with the adjacent structures.
Massing
Massing is the combination of length, height and depth of a building. New buildings shall
respect the massing of neighboring buildings in the district. Massing can be impacted by the
articulation of a building’s façade through the use of dormers, towers, roof projections, bays,
porches and steps.
a.New building design shall reflect a human scale by creating a mass that is
similar to traditional buildings and by using building materials that are of
traditional dimensions.
b.A human scale massing shall be accomplished by using a solid-to-void ratio
(the amount of wall surface area compared to openings) that is similar to that
seen traditionally in the district. Large surfaces of glass are inappropriate.
c.Massing of new construction in an area of mixed residential and institutional
buildings shall be articulated into a composition of manageable pieces, i.e.
wings, ells, garages equivalent to the neighboring structures. Subdividing
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 31
larger masses into small modules that are similar in size to buildings seen
traditionally is encouraged.
d. The front elevation shall be similar in scale to those seen traditionally in the
district.
e.The primary plane of the front shall not appear taller than those of typical
buildings in the district. A single wall plane shall not exceed the typical
maximum façade width of adjacent structures.
f.Building components such as porches, eaves, and openings shall be
compatible with historic building components throughout the district relative
to height, proportions and projections.
Proportion
The overall proportion is the ratio of width to height of the building. It can also relate to the
relationship of the dimensions of building elements, such as windows and doors, to each
other and to the building elevations. Many historic buildings designed in the nineteenth and
early twentieth centuries use mathematical proportions to locate and size windows, doors,
columns, cornice and other building elements.
a.The design of a new building should respect the existing proportions of
buildings in the district, particularly those of adjacent structures.
b.If the building proposed is wider overall than structures seen historically, and
present in the district, the façade shall be divided into subordinate planes that
are similar in width to those of adjacent structures in the district.
c.New building forms should be similar to those seen traditionally in the
district.
Height
New buildings must be built to respect existing building heights in the district. Typically, if a
building is more than one story higher or lower than adjacent buildings of similar heights, it
will be out of character.
a.A new building shall not be significantly higher or lower than adjacent
buildings in the district.
b.The rear of a building may be taller than the established norm if the change in
scale will not be perceived from public ways.
c.Additionally, the height of individual features such as walls, cornices, roofs,
bays, chimneys, towers also contribute to the character of the district and shall
be considered in the design of new buildings.
Roof Shape
The roof shape of a new building should be compatible with the roof shapes of adjacent
buildings and respect the character of the district. Visually, the roof is a critically important
element in the overall building form.
a.Roof forms shall be consistent with typical roofing forms of existing buildings
in the district relative to pitch, orientation and complexity.
PAGE 32 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
b.Gable and hip roofs for primary roof forms are appropriate for residential
areas.
c.Shed roofs may be appropriate for some additions.
d.Flat roofs are generally discouraged, as there are few in the district.
Fenestration
Openings in new construction should respect the typical historic design character and
proportions of the adjacent buildings and district. These details can strongly influence the
compatibility of a building within its context.
a.The proportions of window and door openings should reflect the character of
the district, particularly those of adjacent buildings.
b.Large expanses of glass, either vertical or horizontal, are inappropriate in the
district.
c.The ratio of wall to window, (solid to void relationship) should be similar to
what is found in the district. Large glass surfaces shall be divided into smaller
windows.
d.The rhythm and spacing of openings should also be compatible with what is
found in the district.
Materials
The materials used for walls, windows, sloping roofs, details and other visible elements
should respect the integrity of the district and be compatible with adjacent structures. The
compositions, size, texture, sheen, pattern and surface finish of exterior materials are as
important as the type of material itself. On Elm Street where architectural styles and use of
materials is diverse, a range of exterior materials may be considered for a new building,
although use of traditional materials is encouraged. Materials that reinforce the quality and
integrity of existing historic architecture and contribute to the traditional sense of scale
should be used.
a.If considered, contemporary materials shall be compatible with historic
materials in visual impact, texture and relationship to architectural style.
b.If considered, contemporary materials shall be compatible with the existing
historic features of buildings present in the district.
c.Physical composition of contemporary materials can differ from historic
materials, but the relationship to historic appearance shall be maintained.
Durability should be considered.
Architectural Character and Details
a.Building components such as windows, doors and porches, shall be similar in
size and shape to those found historically in the district.
b.Ornamental elements, such as brackets and railing, shall be designed to be in
scale with similar historic features found in the district.
c.Contemporary interpretations of traditional may be considered, as they help to
convey that the building is new.
d.Contemporary details shall utilize materials and design styles that reinforce
the quality and integrity of existing historic architecture.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 33
Zoning, including the Educational Use Overlay District, establishes
setback and height requirements that the Historic District Ordinance
does not change. As opposed to zoning that creates uniform standards,
the Historic District approach is to mandate a case-by-case review of
building projects consistent with the Design Standards and the site
context. With this case-by-case review, there may be times when it is
appropriate for the Commission to impose restrictions on building
mass and articulations that may result in setback and height limits that
are less than what is otherwise allowed by right in zoning.
Painting
While changing the color of a building or structure does not require Commission review, the
Commission urges that the chosen color be selected from the many samples of historical colors
from various local vendors provided in the Office of Planning and Development, and that
compatibility with adjacent structures be considered in choosing colors to promote visual
harmony of the streetscape.
Parking
Most older buildings were not designed with parking in mind, so the storage of today’s vehicles
may detract from historic districts. Providing off-street parking may be a significant alteration to
a property, thus applicants are encouraged to consider parking alternatives and design options
carefully. Enlarging areas for parking usually results in reduced green space.
Front yards and front entry walkways shall not be converted to parking areas. Parked
vehicles dominating the view of the structure from the public way are discouraged.
Landscaping should be integrated with parking areas to minimize the visual impact of
the parking surface area, and especially to shield the view of stored vehicles from the
street.
All vehicle parking shall be on designated stabilized areas.
Parking must also conform to the City of Northampton’s zoning regulations.
Paving
(Walkways and Driveways)
Brick and stone are appropriate materials in most cases. For early period homes, gravel or pea
stone is recommended. For more utilitarian areas, plain concrete or exposed aggregate concrete
is often acceptable. Asphalt walkways are discouraged and concrete and asphalt made to
simulate other material is also discouraged. Asphalt driveways are acceptable.
PAGE 34 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Porches, Entryways, Decks and Balconies
(Also refer to Additions section)
Porches . Size, proportions, style, detailing,
decorations, and features such as columns
and railings are important elements of a
porch design. Original or later porches and
stoops that contribute to the historic
appearance of the structure should be
retained. When replacement of original or
later porch and entry steps is necessary, they should be replicated in kind. New
porches should be consistent with the period and style of the building. Enclosing
porches and steps so as to modify their original appearance is prohibited. Screening
should not obscure or destroy any existing architectural elements and requires a
Commission hearing. Enclosing porches with any material other than open mesh is
prohibited.
Entryways. The original entrance design and arrangement of door openings
visible from a public way should be retained. New openings in existing walls
are discouraged. Altering the size of the original door openings for the purpose
of fitting stock doors will generally not be allowed. Original or later
contributing entrance materials, elements, details and features (functional and
decorative), including transoms and sidelights, should be retained and, if
necessary, repaired using recognized preservation methods.
When replacement is necessary, it should be based on physical or documentary evidence and
be replaced with material and elements that match the original in material, color, texture,
size, shape, profile, configuration and detail of installation. If using the same material is not
feasible, then compatible substitute materials may be considered. Entryway materials,
elements, features and details shall not be sheathed or otherwise obscured by other materials.
Buzzers, alarms, and intercom panels should be located inside the recess of the entrance
rather than on the face of the building.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 35
Decks. Decks should be designed and constructed with an attention to detail
that preserves the design integrity of the building and district. It is not
appropriate to install a deck if it will detract from the overall historic character
of the building or the site.
Decks shall be located and constructed so that the historic fabric of the
structure and its character defining features and details are not damaged
or obscured. Installation shall be structurally self-supporting to allow for
removal in the future without damage to the historic building.
To maintain a building’s historic character, decks should be installed in
inconspicuous locations, such as on the rear elevation and inset from the rear corners,
to minimize views from public ways.
Decks shall be designed and detailed to reflect the materials, scale and proportions of
the building to which it is attached. A deck should never be so large that it
overpowers the building or site, or significantly alters the open space to built space
ratio.
Locations that would damage or diminish significant architectural elements or site
features, such as mature trees, shall not be considered.
To relate a deck visually to an historic building, the structural framing shall be
screened with compatible traditional foundation materials, such as skirt boards,
lattice, masonry panels or vegetative plantings.
Balconies. Balconies are sometimes found on Italian Renaissance, French
Colonial, Monterey, and Spanish Eclectic styles. If balconies are proposed, they
should be located out of view from a public way and made of appropriate
materials. Balconies that are original features to historic buildings or structures
should be preserved. If documented evidence shows the historic use of a
balcony on the structure, or if the original historic style of the structure is
consistent with the addition of a balcony, they may be considered.
Roofs
Theroof shape and slope shall be preserved as integral to the period of the building. In new
construction, harmonious roof pitches are a major consideration. The roof shape, slope, and
materials should be appropriate to the style of building or structure. The color and texture of
the roofing material should reflect that of the original, historic roofing material.
PAGE 36 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Slate is an important historical material used on many of the homes in the district. Its
maintenance and repair is encouraged.
Repairs shall be of the same material (e.g., slate roofs repaired with slate; cedar roofs
repaired with cedar, asphalt shingles with asphalt). Slate shall match the original in
design, color, coursing and texture.
Roofing materials shall be non-reflective.
Rooftop Additions
(Also see: Modern Equipment section.)
In determining the appropriateness of an
addition, the Commission will take into
consideration its visibility from any public way
along direct and oblique sight lines, as well as
scale, proportions, materials and design.
Original roof configurations and the dominance
of historic cornice lines shall be maintained on
both the front and rear elevations.
Shutters
The placement of shutters on the outside of buildings did not appear until the late Federal
period (1790-1820). Shutters seen today on colonial houses were likely added during the mid
or late 1800s when it became a very popular architectural feature, but in restoring 18th
century buildings, shutters may not be appropriate. If appropriate for the building, existing
shutters visible from a public way shall be retained and repaired whenever possible. Where
replacement is necessary, new shutters shall:
Match original or be of an appropriate type for the building.
Be made of wood. (Vinyl, aluminum or metal shutters are not permitted.)
Shutters shall reflect their original use—that is, their size should be such that they
cover the entire window when closed (arched windows shall have arched shutters,
etc.).
Siding
Origining material should be retained whenever possible and deteriorated material
al sid
repaired or replaced with new material that duplicates the original as closely as possible.
Appropriate siding materials are clapboard, brick and, on certain historical styles,
wood shingles or flushboard (not pressed board siding).
Vinyl and aluminum siding are not appropriate in the historic districts and will not be
approved. The removal of non-original siding materials, trim and imitation wood
clapboards such as vinyl and aluminum is encouraged.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 37
Signs
Residential. Residential signage should complement the architectural character of a building
and the streetscape. The basic design, color, size and scale of a sign should be considered in
order to promote visual harmony and enhance the visual integrity of the district. Wooden
signs are appropriate and synthetic signs are generally not. Raised or carved letters are
encouraged. Fonts should be architecturally appropriate to buildings. Sign lettering on
building facades should be no more than 12” high.
Signs shall indicate address and/or approximate age of the structure, i.e., “circa”, be
approximately 8 x 12 inches in size and with design compatible to building style; and
shall not alter any other exterior feature in such a way that it cannot be readily
repaired.
The sign shall be not more than one square foot in area for residential home
occupation or for professional purposes; there shall be only one sign per residence;
and the construction or placement of such a structure or sign shall not alter any other
exterior feature in such a way that it cannot be readily repaired.
All other signage must conform to the City of Northampton’s zoning regulations, and
Chapter 40C Section 8 exemptions apply.
Commercial/Institutional. Signage shall be of not more than 12 square feet in area for non-
residential buildings; one sign with letters painted on wood, lighted indirectly if lit. Copy
should be limited to the entity’s name. Sign lighting is rarely appropriate. If proposed, the
lighting should be in keeping with the style of the sign and appropriate to the business it
represents. Lighting should illuminate the sign with as little spillage as possible. Up-lighting
and colored lights are not appropriate. Companies and organizations with logos require a
hearing and may be asked to modify their signage to comply with an appropriate appearance
for the historic district.
See Lighting section of these standards and theity of Northampton ordinances available
C
from the Office of Planning and Development.
All temporary signs shall be on the property for fewer than 90 days, and the construction or
placement of such structures and signs shall not alter any other exterior feature.
Skylights
Skylights are discouraged as inappropriate in historic districts. However, if skylights are
proposed:
They should be located so as to be minimally visible from a public way or place.
Curved plastic or bubble skylights will not be approved.
Other skylights may be approved in specific cases if it can be established that the
skylights are appropriate for the architectural style of the building.
PAGE 38 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Skylights or roof windows on a mansard roof are not appropriate.
Solar Panels
Installation of solar collectors shall not permanently change any architectural
feature. A minimum of 2 feet of roof surface should be visible surrounding the
collector array. Framing, piping insulation, etc. should match the roof surface.
Collectors should be mounted to match roof slope (parallel to roof and no more
than 3 inches above the roof surface). Piping should be concealed from view.
When considering the installation of solar panels, a building’s importance,
prominence and historic significance shall be taken into account, along with
visual impact and glare.
Steps, Stairways and Railings
Steps, stairways and railings are important
features of entryways and porches. Where
possible, original features and detailing shall be
retained or repaired in the same design and
material. When existing features are not
original, replacement design and materials shall
be appropriate to the style of the building.
Deteriorated or missing elements and
decorative ornamentations shall be
replaced with materials and elements to
match original, or be appropriate to the original.
Stonework may be repaired, replaced or extended using the existing type of stone or
brick.
New work shall be appropriate to the period and character of the building.
Railings may be wood or wrought iron. A drawing of railing design must be provided.
Street Furniture
Street furniture includes: bike racks, clocks, compactors, display cases, drinking fountains,
enclosure walls, information signs, public telephone areas, trash and recycling containers,
seating, transportation shelters and stops, and similar site furnishings.
(For street lighting in such areas, see Lighting section of these standards and the City of
Northampton ordinances available from the Office of Planning and Development.)
Street furniture should complement the architectural period of the area in which it is
sited. Materials, design and their placement should be consistent with the period and
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 39
style of the structure and reflect formal or informal character of the surroundings.
Seating should be made of natural materials that can withstand weather such as wood
and stone.
No advertising should appear on any exterior surface.
Street furniture should be placed so as not to detract from its immediate environment
or larger streetscape.
Review will occur in consultation with the City’s Board of Public Works Department
and the Parking Commission.
Windows
“Original and old windows are the most
threatened element in preservation today…”
Michael Lynch
Vice President for Properties & Preservation,
Society for the Preservation of New England
Antiquities
Windows are one of the most important design
features of any building. The material, design,
and placement of the windows reflect the
architectural and cultural character of the
building’s period or style.
Original or later windows, trim and features should be retained and repaired
except in cases when they are beyond repair. In such cases, replacement must be
based on physical, photographic, or documentary evidence.
The introduction of openings not characteristic in proportion and scale and the
blocking up of original openings are not allowed.
Where the building has been altered to have several types of windows, proposed
changes shall be consistent with either the predominant window pattern of the
building or the original historic pattern.
Historic oriels shall not be removed or replaced. Alterations to oriels on the
primary elevation are inappropriate.
Exact Duplication. Nothing should be different, including: material of the window (usually
wood), window style (usually double-hung), grid pattern (no change in the number of divided
lights), grid style (true divided lights will be replaced with true divided lights), grid
dimensions, sash widths, lintels, sills, glass, treatment (single-pane), or frame type and
PAGE 40 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
opening, shutter hardware, surrounds, and all other details shall be duplicated in the same
configuration, dimensions, style and existing materials.
Retention of original historic material such as curved, leaded, or stained glass is
mandatory.
Retrofitting original window sashes with weather-stripping and/or insulated glass is
encouraged.
Alterations to the design and arrangement of window openings on the historic façade,
other than restoration to documented historical conditions, are generally not allowed.
Replacement. Where it is not feasible to repair existing windows, replacement windows
should meet the following standards:
The replacement window shall be all wood or clad with metal exteriors and of the
same dimensions for muntins, frames, sash, rails, and stiles, and be of the same
design (unless new window is truer to original design than existing one to be
replaced), and same number of panes as the original or existing window.
Openings shall not be reduced or enlarged to accommodate stock sizes or shapes.
The complete replacement of all windows in a building in which only a few are in
disrepair will not be approved.
Glazing should be limited to the following:
- Insulating glass
- Single glass with removable energy panels
Divided light options (muntin bars) should be limited to the following:
- Authentic divided light
- Simulated divided light with spacer bar between insulating glass
The following are unacceptable options for divided lights:
- Simulated divided light (applied to glass)
- Grilles between insulating glass
- Removable grilles
Narrow muntin bars that closely match existing muntin widths. Muntin bars wider
than 7/8” are not acceptable
Wood clad exteriors are preferred. Aluminum clad exteriors are acceptable, provided
the profile reasonably matches existing window muntins.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 41
Windows in New Construction Projects.
The number of lights within a window should be consistent with the original units, if
present, or with the number of lights historically used in the period.
The style and operation of the window shall be consistent with the architectural style
of the building or addition. Window types or arrangements that create a large glass-
area of glass are usually not appropriate. Unity and harmony are usually achieved
when the same window style and scale is used consistently on all visible facades.
Storm Windows. Storm sash shall have narrow perimeter framing which conforms to the
primary window opening; the meeting rail shall align with that of the primary window. Storm
window frames shall match the window frame color. Clear or mill-finished aluminum frames
are not appropriate. In cases of windows with arches, leaded glass, faceted frames, mullioned
lights, or curved glass, interior storm windows are encouraged.
Note: A list of window manufacturers that minimally meet the above requirements can be
obtained from the Northampton Office of Planning and Development.
PAGE 42 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
INVENTORY OF PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS in ELM STREET LOCAL HISTORIC
DISTRICT
South Side of Elm Street
Assessors Map ID Address Date Style
31D-11 Elm St./Smith 1874 Gothic Revival
31D-6 Elm St./Smith Fine 1972&200Contemporary
Arts Center 3
31D-101 48 Elm St. 1893 Romanesque Revival
31D-2 50 Elm St./Smith 1878/90 Queen Anne
31B-252 Elm St./Smith 1910 Classical Revival
31B-251 76 Elm St. 1889 Queen Anne
31B-250 84 Elm St. ca. 1750 Georgian
31B-249 & 31B-295 90 Elm St./Smith 2003 Contemporary
Campus Center
31B-248 96 Elm St. 1865/1905 Italianate
31B-247 112 Elm St. 1861 Gothic Revival
31B-246 134 Elm St./Smith 1891-95 Queen Anne
31B-245 Elm St./Smith 1880 no style
31B-244 Elm St./Smith 1865-71 French Second Empire
31B-243 138 Elm St./Smith ca. 1870 Stick Style
31B-242 146 Elm St./Smith 1874 Stick Style
31B-241 150 ElmSt./Smith 1884 Stick Style/Eastlake
31B-240 156 Elm St./Smith 1880 French Second Empire
31A-67 186 Elm St./Smith 1922-36 Colonial Revival/Georgian
Revival
31A-68 196 ElmSt. 1854-60 Italianate
31A-69 206 Elm St. ca. 1820 Federal
31A-70 210 Elm St. 1828 Greek Revival
31A-71 218 Elm St. 1850 Greek Revival
31A-72 222 Elm St. 1891 Queen Anne (half-timbered)
31A-73 234 Elm St. 1884 Colonial Revival
31A-74 240 Elm St. 1870-80 Queen Anne
31A-76 264 Elm St. ca. 1930 Colonial Revival
31A-78 276 Elm St. 1927 Colonial Revival
31A-79 280-282 Elm St. 1891 Colonial Revival
31A-80 292 Elm St. 1889-95 Queen Anne
31A-81 296 Elm St. 1889-90 Queen Anne
31A-82 300 Elm St. ca. 1890 Queen Anne
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 43
31A-328 300A Elm St. ca. 1890 Colonial Revival
31A-83 302 Elm St. 1901 Colonial Revival
31A-84 310 Elm St. 1911-13 Italian Renaissance
31A-85 320 Elm St. 1893 Queen Anne
31A-2 330 Elm St. ca. 1920 Colonial Revival
31A-1 336 Elm St. 1903-04 Colonial Revival
24C-53 354 Elm St. 1901-02 Gothic Revival
PAGE 44 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
INVENTORY OF PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS, continued
North Side of Elm Street
Map ID Address Date Style
31D-1033 Elm St. (Parsonage) 1888 Gothic Revival
31D-103 3 Elm St. (Church) 1881 Gothic Revival
31D-102 Elm St./Smith 1898-99 Gothic Revival
31B-253 Elm St./Smith 1938 Classical Revival
31B-224 41 ElmSt./Smith ca. Federal/French Second
1820/1860 Empire
31B-224 45 ElmSt./Smith 1810 Federal
31B-221 47 Elm St./Smith 1911 Colonial Revival/Georgian
Revival
31B-202 10 Prospect St./Smith 1882-83 Queen Anne
31B-201 79 Elm St./Smith 1956-57 International Style
31B-199 105 Elm St./Smith 1872 French Second Empire
31B-198 109 Elm St./Smith ca. 1770 Georgian
31B-195 115 Elm St./Smith 1890-95 Colonial Revival
31B-193 123 Elm St./Smith 1955 Colonial Revival
31B-167 137 Elm St. 1841 Italianate
31B-164 149 Elm St. 1886 Queen Anne
31B-163 153 Elm St. ca. 1820 Federal
31B-162 159 Elm St. 1918 Colonial Revival/Federal
Revival
31B-161 169 Elm St. ca. 1960 Colonial Revival Half-Cape
31B-63 179 Elm St. ca. 1950 Colonial Revival Half-Cape
31A-40 187 Elm St. 1849 Greek Revival
31A-39 197 Elm St. ca. 1730 Georgian
31A-38 205 Elm St. 1922 Colonial Revival/Georgian
Revival
31A-37 211 Elm St. 1879-80 Queen Anne/Panel Brick
31A-36 219 Elm St. 1861 Italianate
31A-15 225 Elm St. ca. 1907 Queen Anne(half-timbered)
31A-14 229 Elm St. 1895
31A-10 275 Elm St. 1882 Queen Anne/Panel Brick
31A-9 281 Elm St. 1915-20 Colonial Revival
31A-8 289 Elm St. 1860-1879French Second Empire
31A-7 293 Elm St. ca. 1891 Queen Anne
31A-4 309 Elm St. 1869-73 Italianate
24C-81 313 Elm St. ca. 1870 Gothic Revival
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 45
31A-3 319 Elm St. 1870 Gothic Revival
24C-44 333 Elm St. 1866-68 Italianate/Eclectic
24C-45 337 Elm St. 1911-12 Colonial??Revival????C??
PAGE 46 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
????????????Elm??St????????Elm??St????????????Italian??Renaissance??????
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 47
????????????????Itali
PAGE 48 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
an??Renaissance??????????
??????????????????
ELM STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 49
GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS
Chimney Pot a cylindrical
Appearance, as used by a local historic
pipe of brick, terra-cotta or
district, is the outward aspect, condition, or
metal placed on top of a
style of a building and involves its
chimney to increase draft
materials’ color, texture, and finish.
Design is the architectural concept of a
Baluster the individual
building as represented by plans,
spindle in a railing, pl.
elevations, renderings, and other drawings
balustrade
and usually involves the form, the
materials, and manner of construction.
Cornice exterior trim of a
Barge Board a flat piece of
building at the meeting of
wood fitted to the edge of a
the roof and wall
gable, often carved
Bracket an overhanging
Fanlight a semicircular
member projecting from a
window over the opening of
wall to support a weight such
a door, with radiating bars
as a cornice
in the form of an open fan
Building Form the
overall shape of a building Flushboard wood siding
applied without overlap so
whether it is the simple shape
as to imitate a stone
of a box, or is a more
surface
complex shape that includes
ells, wings, bays and
pavilions
Lancet window a narrow
Building Massing how the
window with a sharp
various parts – ells, wings,
pointed arch
bays and pavilions – are
arranged, i.e., clustered, or
spread out, set closely
together, or asymmetrically
positioned
PAGE 50 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
which is usually wider and
is sometimes arched
Leaded glass window
glass pieces held together
Parapet a low guarding
by lead strips known as
wall at the edge of and
cames
entirely above a roof
Lintel a horizontal
Pediment the triangular
structural member (such as
gable end of the roof above
a beam) over an opening,
the cornice, or a triangular
which carries the weight of
or curved surface ornament
the wall above it
above doors or windows Pilaster a decorative
feature that imitates an
Mansard roof a hipped
engaged pier or pillar but
roof with a slope in two
does not actually provide Quoins contrasting stones
planes, the lower of which
structural support used to define the corners
is usually much steeper
of a building
Modillion block a
horizontal bracket or
Plinth a square or
console supporting a
rectangular base for
cornice in the classical
column, pilaster, or door
orders
framing
Muntin a secondary
framing member holding
Preservation the process of retaining and
glass panes (or lights)
maintaining the historic architectural
within a window frame,
character of a building and its setting
also known as a mullion
individually, or in the context of an
entire neighborhood
Oriel a bay window that
projects from the wall and
does not extend to the
Proportion the ratio
ground
between height and its
width of an entire building,
of the space between
Palladian window a large
buildings, or of the space
window divided into three
sections, the middle of
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 51
Site the relationship between a building
between architectural
and its immediate landscape. Site includes
features, such as windows
the size of the lot; the orientation of the
Reconstruction the process of building to the street; its setback from the
street; the location of driveways, entrances
replicating a no-longer existing historic
and walkways; the progression of elements
structure, structural component, or site
between the building’s façade and the
based on its documented appearance at a
public way including fences, trees, and
particular time
foundation plantings.
Rehabilitation the process of repairing
and upgrading an existing historic
structure, structural component, or site for
Stringcourse a horizontal trim
continued or new uses while preserving its
on a wall, usually raised and
historic architectural character
often molded, also called a
belt course
Restoration the process of repairing an
existing historic structure, structural
component, or site to its documented
Surround an encircling border or
appearance at a particular time
decorative frame about a door or window
Scale the size of a building (or a
component of a building) in relationship to
Transom a rectangular glazed
its surroundings, to a person, to a
window above a door
neighboring building, or to a related
architectural feature
Setting the relationship between the
building and its surrounding neighborhood.
Truss a structure composed of a
Setting includes uses such as residential,
combination of members, usually in some
commercial, industrial, and rural
triangular arrangement so as to constitute a
agricultural, and takes into consideration
rigid framework
the prevailing age and architectural styles
of the neighborhood, its topography and
Watertable in masonry, a projecting course
vegetation.
of brick or stone at the base of a building
to divert water; in frame construction, a
corresponding feature that is primarily
Sidelights a framed area of
decorative
fixed glass beside a door or
window opening
PAGE 52 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
DEPICTION of DOS AND DON’TS of MAINTENANCE, RESTORATION and
REHABILITATION
When the 1966 United States Historic Preservation Act was put into place, the U.S. Secretary
of the Interior issued individual standards for the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and
reconstruction of historic buildings. The standards are known as the Secretary of the
Interior’s Standards and are presented in a format of “Recommended” and “Not
Recommended” actions vis-à-vis the major elements of a building’s exterior and interior.
The dominant message of these written Standards is one of common sense. This chapter of
Northampton’s local historic district standards illustrates through photographs the common
sense of maintenance and rehabilitation pertinent to the Elm Street Local Historic District,
that is to say, the actions of maintenance and rehabilitation that are most likely to occur to the
exterior of historic buildings in Northampton.
Masonry: brick, stone, terra-cotta, concrete, stucco, and mortar
DO maintain gutters and flashing to prevent
water damage to masonry walls.
DON’T allow water leakage to damage brick
and destroy mortar or stucco walls, stone sills
and lintels.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 53
DO repair masonry by patching, piecing-in or
consolidating the existing materials, and, only
when replacement is necessary, replace with in-
kind materials, and DO re-point masonry with
mortar to match the existing mortar in color,
composition and joint width.
DON’T re-point masonry by filling in the joints
with mortar that has a high Portland cement
content, is unmatched in color and joint width. It
may cause brick to crack and spall.
DO match existing stucco in color and texture
when making repairs.
PAGE 54 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
DON’T repair or cover stucco with
material of different color and/or texture.
WOOD: clapboard, shingles, flushboard, and other wooden siding and decorative elements
Siding
DO retain wood siding, its paint and finishes
by repairing, patching-in, and reinforcing
the wood, by scraping and re-painting loose
paint on an annual basis. When
deterioration requires siding replacement,
limit it to the severely deteriorated portions
of the siding.
DON’T use replacement material siding,
i.e., vinyl that covers the siding and trim
indiscriminately and causes the loss of
historical character.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 55
DO repaint with historically appropriate colors
and color schemes.
DON’T repaint with historically inappropriate
colors.
Porches, Entries and Exits
DO maintain the wood features of porches their
columns, brackets, railings, aprons, and balusters,
and when they are missing reproduce them in the
same material using documentation, i.e. an
existing wood post, or the exact brackets as seen
in an old photograph.
PAGE 56 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
DON’T remove wood features from porch
and/or replace them with generic “historical”
pieces, and DON’T add what you can’t
demonstrate was there originally.
DO maintain open porches.
DON’T enclose porches. An essential feature
of a house is lost when its porch is enclosed.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 57
Stairs, Steps and Railings
DO maintain original stairs and railings, and if it
becomes necessary to replace them, do so using
the same dimensions, materials and design.
DON’T replace stairs, steps and railings with
stock materials that do not match the originals.
Doors
D
ORETAINORIGINAL
D
ORETAINORIGINAL
DOORS
DOORS
PAGE 58 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
DON’T replace doors with undocumented, so-called
“historical” doors.
DO treat garage doors with same historical attention
as house doors.
DON’T replace wooden garage doors with
inappropriate style metal doors.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 59
Fire Escapes
When fires escapes are necessary, place them in
the most inconspicuous part of the building that
meets code. DON’T place them on the building
façade.
Roofs
Retain roof configurations and materials. Retain
decorative features such as cupolas, cresting and
weathervanes.
DON’T add undocumented features to roofs such
as skylights, vents, or dormers that change the
appearance of the roof. DON’T install solar
collectors at an exaggerated angle.
PAGE 60 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
??????????Roofing??Materials??DO??retain??historic??roofing??materials????and??when??
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 61
it??is??necessary??to??replace??those??materials????aim??to??replace??with??materials??to
PAGE 62 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
??match????????????
DON’T replace roofs with historically
inappropriate color materials.
Gutters and Downspouts
DO place gutters and downspouts in the
most inconspicuous locations. Unless they
are copper, paint them to blend in with their
background, and maintain them seasonally.
DON’T place downspouts to cross
elevations, and DON’T paint them contrasting
colors.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 63
Windows
DO maintain original windows and window
configurations
DON’T replace wood windows with vinyl
windows, and DON’T replace windows that
have muntins with single-glazed windows.
DON’T fill in openings to put in stock-
sized windows
PAGE 64 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Landscape Features
DO retain historic landscape features such
as hitching posts, wooden fences, walkways,
steps, ornamental curbing, and
embankments.
DON’T replace historic wooden fences with
contemporary metal or vinyl fences.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 65
When installing new wooden fences DON’T use metal caps on the posts.
DO use wooden posts with wooden caps.
.
PAGE 66 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
RESOURCES for GREEN and SUSTAINABLE REHABILITATION
When property owners in the Elm Street Local Historic District undertake rehabilitation
projects they will find there are a growing number of resources available that identify new
and recycled products that are healthier and less detrimental to the environment than have
been available in the past. A bit of research on the internet can lead to an increasing list of
those products that have been demonstrated to be both effective and less toxic, and which
among them are locally available. There are several websites that act as clearinghouses for
environmentally responsible products and provide information on the basics of energy issues
and case studies of rehabilitation projects.
Resources for Rehabilitation
HYPERLINK "http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com"
www.greenbuildingadvisor.com offers a great deal of information on techniques for
making a building more energy efficient and it provides information on products through
case studies, but when being “green” and being “sustainable” are in conflict the case studies
will favor “green”. The result can be rehabilitation in favor of replacement windows and
insulating over old siding rather than careful reconditioning, so not all of their advice is
applicable to a local historic district.
HYPERLINK "http://www.scscertified.com" www.scscertified.com is an
independent agency that certifies and verifies environmentally sustainable products and the
social accountability of companies manufacturing these products. Their site is a good source
for dependable rehabilitation products.
A local Northampton organization the Center for Ecological Technology HYPERLINK
"http://www.cetonline.org" www.cetonline.org is a non-profit organization devoted to
obtaining energy efficiency. Its website has a links page and publications page that keeps up
to date for local progress in green rehabilitation, among other issues.
HYPERLINK "http://www.greenhomeguide.com" www.greenhomeguide.com is a
site on which one may find answers to many rehab questions from professionals. It also
keeps a list of professionals by region, though the list is thin for western Massachusetts at
this point.
HYPERLINK "http://greenseal.org" http://greenseal.org is one of the best resources
for identifying construction materials, equipment, paints and coatings and their rank for
environmental safety. Like the former Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, Green Seal
labels those products it has independently tested.
HYPERLINK "http://www.energystar.gov" www.energystar.gov is a joint program
of theEnvironmental Protection Agency program and the Department of Energy primarily
for certifying the efficiency of appliances such as furnaces, washers and dryers but also to
provide information on plumbing, insulating and roofing products and their installation. One
may check the site for general information as well as for specific categories of products.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 67
HYPERLINK "http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org"
www.greencommunitiesonline.org is aimed at development of housing communities
but it offers green specifications for construction and rehabilitation of single-family
residences as well. These specifications may act as a reference point for rehabilitation
projects in the Elm Street Historic District as they range from site work through interior
finishes, selecting for the most efficient and environmentally responsible products and
practices.
Recycled Building Materials
The recycling of building materials is a growing sector of the sustainability movement. As
comparative figures for reuse of materials versus manufacturing of new materials and the
cost of landfills becomes more widely known, the call for recycling of building materials
grows. Several locations in the western Massachusetts region specialize in recycling
construction materials.
The ReStore in Springfield, MA 01105-1018, (413) 788-6900 is the better known of these
companies. A relatively small operation, at any one time they might have a load of
clapboards, structural timbers or beadboard trim to be reused. Recycled paint has been in
stock along with a large collection of electrical fixtures. The company also has some
architectural salvage items, so it is worth a visit for a particular item such as shutters or
doors. HYPERLINK "http://www.restoreonline.org" www.restoreonline.org
HYPERLINK "http://www.massmaterialtrader.com" www.massmaterialtrader.com
is one of the sites on which one can look for construction materials in the region.
HYPERLINK "http://www.mannlumber.com" w.mannlumber.com is an Athol
ww
lumber company selling reclaimed lumber, building materials, and granite, as well as vintage
architectural salvage.
Architectural Salvage Companies
Located throughout New England, architectural salvage companies have been growing in
number since the 1970s and their offerings range from antique flooring and doors to
architectural trim, columns, fencing and other items for building rehabilitation. Salvage
offers the opportunity to match missing but documented features on a building rather than to
manufacture them. While one cannot order from the salvage company websites, they do
have contact information and large numbers of photographs suggesting their collections.
Some of the better known among them are:
HYPERLINK "http://www.architecturalsalvagevt.com"
www.architecturalsalvagevt.com
HYPERLINK "http://www.nedsalvage.com" www.nedsalvage.com
HYPERLINK "http://www.oldhouseparts.om" www.oldhouseparts.com
c
HYPERLINK "http://www.vermontsalvage.com" www.vermontsalvage.com .
HYPERLINK "http://www.noreast1.com" www.noreast1.com
PAGE 68 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
HYPERLINK "http://www.admacsalvage.com" www.admacsalvage.com
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 69
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
To research a particular building in the Elm Street Local Historic District property owners
have a number of places to go where old photographs, maps and accounts may help
document the appearance of a building at a certain point in time, and fill out the history of a
building’s owners. There are a number of general guides to identifying historical
architectural styles and their components that will help owners identify the significant
features of their buildings. Finally, when rehabilitation, preservation, or reconstruction are
being contemplated, there are resources to guide the work and meet the standards of the Elm
Street Local Historic District.
Northampton History and Photograph Collections
Historic Northampton’s website HYPERLINK "http://www.histoic-northampton.org"
r
www.historic-northampton.org presents the finest bibliography of Northampton history
and architecture, as well as manuscripts, photographs, narratives, and documents. There,
with membership, one may also find a collection of historic maps with which to trace houses
and their occupants. The site contains in its On-line Research area for members, the
Massachusetts Historical Commission Inventory forms listed by street and address.
The Forbes Library’s Special Collections department has an extensive photograph collection
of Northampton’s buildings and streets useful for tracing the appearance of properties in the
local historic district. The photograph collection is available for research by appointment
(413) 587-1013. Special Collections has primary resources such as street directories, maps
and atlases, diaries and business records, as well as secondary resources that include local
histories important for tracing the history of property owners. Their on-line website is:
HYPERLINK "http://www.forbeslibrary.org/special/special.shtml"
http://www.forbeslibrary.org/special/special.shtml . Forbes Library also keeps a CD-
ROM of the Northampton inventory forms available at the Reference desk.
Over 1000 historic images of Northampton, mostly from postcards, are to be found at
HYPERLINK "http://www.imagemuseum.smugmug.com"
www.imagemuseum.smugmug.com
Several regional libraries offer on-line access to Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest.com with
library card identification. These sites are useful for their access to U. S. Census records
from 1790-1930. At Ancestry.com one may also search Northampton Directories from the
late 19th century through much of the 20th century, which is useful for tracing occupants of a
particular building.
PAGE 70 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
Architectural and Garden History
Blumenson, John J. G. Identifying American Architecture, rev. ed., Nashville, Tennessee,
1981.
Cummings, Abbott Lowell. The Framed Houses of Massachusetts Bay, 1625-1725,
Cambridge, 1979.
Gowans, Alan. The Comfortable House: North American Suburban Architecture, 1890-
1930, Cambridge, 1986.
Hamlin, Talbot. Greek Revival Architecture in America, Reprint, New York, 1964.
Lancaster, Clay. The American Bungalow, 1880s-1920s, New York, 1983.
Leighton, Ann. American Gardens of the Nineteenth Century: “For Comfort and Affluence,”
Amherst, 1987.
McAlester, Virginia and Lee McAlester. A Field Guide to American Houses, New York,
1991.
Poppeliers, John, S. Allen Chambers, and Nancy B. Schwartz. What Style Is It?, revised
edition, Washington, D. C., 1983.
Scully, Vincent J., Jr. The Shingle Style and the Stick Style, revised edition, New Haven,
1971.
Technical Preservation Publications
National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services, Preservation Briefs
No. 2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Brick Buildings
No. 3: Conserving Energy in Historic Buildings
No. 4: Roofing for Historic Buildings
No. 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
No. 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork
No. 14: New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns
No. 22: The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco
No. 29: Repair, Replacement and Maintenance of Historic Slate Roofs
These and other pertinent publications are available on-line at: HYPERLINK
"httpw.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs" www.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs
://ww
and offer information and illustrations on how best to treat various historic building issues.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 71
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating
Historic Buildings. This booklet put out by the National Park Service comes in an illustrated
version that is helpful. It is available on-line at HYPERLINK
"http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/tax" www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/tax .
PAGE 72 Elm Street Historic District Standards,
September 2010
THE CITY OF NORTHAMPTON’S ONLINE ReferenceS
The Elm Street Historic District Ordinance is accessible at HYPERLINK
"http://www.northamptonma.gov/opd" www.northamptonma.gov/opd . It is located
under Codes and Regulations: Northampton Code of Ordinances>Chapter 195.
An index to all the properties for which Massachusetts Historical Commission forms have
been completed in Northampton is accessible from the Public File Cabinet at
HYPERLINK "http://www.northamptonma.gov/opd" www.northamptonma.gov/opd .
Search for “Historical Inventory” or go through a link to folders> The Office of Planning and
Development>inventory. In addition to the index, the site includes at “inventory Forms B”
digital versions of forms completed for some of the properties in the Elm Street local historic
district and its neighboring streets. Additional forms will be added as they are available.
Elm Street Historic District Standards, September 2010
PAGE 73