Maintenance and Rehabilitation SF

Rehabilitation is a practical approach to historic preservation. It is the process of repairing or altering a historic building while retaining its historic features. It represents a compromise between remodeling, which offers no sensitivity to the historic features of a building, and restoration, which is a more accurate but costly approach to repair, replacement, and maintenance.

Under the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation have been adopted as the basis for rehabilitation guidelines. There are several reasons for using the Standards. One is consistency. Rehabilitation projects in Springfield and other historic districts which receive federal tax credits or federal or state funding will have to conform with the Standards in any event. Time and money can be saved as a result of having a consistent set of design guidelines.

A second reason is precedent. The Standards have been successfully used for many years and have resulted in a number of case studies. The case studies can provide background and context for property owners, city planning staff, and the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission.

Under the Jacksonville Ordinance, application of the rehabilitation guidelines will be limited to exterior alterations and additions to buildings in the Springfield Historic District. The priority of the guidelines is to ensure the preservation of a building's character-defining features while accommodating an efficient contemporary use.

The guidelines suggest prioritized approaches to rehabilitation beginning with the least intrusive treatments. The approaches are as follows.

1. Identification, retention and preservation of the form and

detailing of architectural materials and features that are

important in defining the historic character of the building.

2. Protection and maintenance of architectural materials and

features.

3. Repair of deteriorated architectural features.

4. Replacement of severely damaged or missing features.

5. New additions to historic buildings.

Planning is essential to successful compliance with the guidelines. The first step for a property owner contemplating a rehabilitation project is to evaluate what is significant about his or her historic building. Analyze the components of the building beginning with the roof or foundation. Historic foundations, exterior finishes, windows and doors, and roof forms should be preserved as part of the rehabilitation plan. Stylistic or decorative features and materials are particularly important. An applicant should consult the description of the Springfield historic district or individual stylistic descriptions for reference or if questions arise when preparing an application.

Once the significant features of a building have been identified, their condition should be evaluated. The guidelines prescribe repair rather than replacement as the first step in approaching a rehabilitation. If repair is impossible due to severe deterioration, then replacement of the feature is appropriate. The replacement feature should match as closely as possible the original. The basis for replacing a feature should be physical evidence or documentation rather than conjecture or the availability of contemporary or salvaged material. Additions and new construction are the most complex treatments to historic buildings. They should be undertaken only after less intrusive alternatives have been considered.

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards are general. Because of their general nature, they have necessarily been tailored to the local context. An analysis has been provided of the overall characteristics of the district, individual buildings, architectural styles, and other salient features. The Standards and their specific application to the components of historic buildings in the three districts are discussed in the guidelines detailed in the following section.

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ADDITIONS

Applicable Standards: 9 and 10

9. New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

Additions to historic buildings are often required to make projects economically feasible, to satisfy fire and building code requirements, to house mechanical systems, and for other personal or practical reasons. They are allowed under the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and specifically addressed in Standards 9 and 10.

Additions should not significantly alter original distinguishing qualities of buildings such as the basic form, materials, fenestration, and stylistic elements. They should be clearly distinguished from original portions of building and should result in minimal damage to it. Character defining features of the historic building should not be radically changed, obscured, damaged, or destroyed in the process of adding new construction. The size and scale of the new addition should be in proportion to the historic portion of the building and clearly subordinate to it. Additions should be attached to the rear or least conspicuous side of the building. They should be constructed so that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the building will be unimpaired.

A variety of new construction is permissible, providing Standards 9 and 10 are met. Stairtower additions to meet egress requirements in commercial buildings, connector infill, and greenhouse additions have all been found to meet the Standards.

Recommendations:

1. Keep new additions and adjacent new construction to a minimum, making them compatible in scale, materials, and texture with the existing building and surrounding district.

2. Design new construction to be compatible in materials, size, color, and texture with the earlier building and neighborhood.

3. Use contemporary designs compatible with the character and feeling of the building and neighborhood.

4. Protect architectural details and features that contribute to the character of the building during the course of constructing the addition.

5. Place television antenna, satellite dishes and mechanical equipment, such as air conditioners, in an inconspicuous location, preferably a side or rear elevation where they can not be seen from the street.

Avoid:

1. Imitating an earlier style or period of architecture in additions.

2. Adding height to a building that changes its scale and character. Changes in height should not be visible when viewing the principal facades.

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DOORS AND ENTRANCES

Standards 2, 3, 6, 9

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.

6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical or pictorial evidence.

Under Standard 2, significant features such as doors and entrances should be preserved wherever possible. Changes to door size and configuration should be avoided. Replacement doors should either match the original or substitute new materials and designs sympathetic to the original under Standards 6 and 9. Stock doors and screen doors are inappropriate replacements. Replacement screen doors should be simple. Any ornamentation should be based on historic precedent and in keeping with the character of the door and entrance design. Aluminum, metal and jalousie doors should be avoided.

Sometimes new entrances are required for practical reasons or to satisfy code requirements. Placement of new entrances on principal facades should be avoided under Standard 2. New entrances can result in loss of historic fabric and detailing and change the rhythm of bays. Under Standard 9, new entrances should be compatible with the building and be located on party walls or side or rear walls that are not readily visible from the public right-of-way. New entrances on the main elevation or ones that alter the character of a building should be avoided. If a historic entrance can not be incorporated into a contemporary use for the building, the opening and any significant detailing should, nevertheless, be retained.

Recommendations:

1. Retain and repair historic door openings, doors, screen doors, trim, and details such as transom, side lights, pediments, frontispieces, hoods, and hardware where they contribute to the architectural character of the building.

2. Replace missing or deteriorated doors with doors that closely match the original, or that are of compatible contemporary design.

3. Place new entrances on secondary elevations away from the main elevation. Preserve non-functional entrances that are architecturally significant.

4. Add simple or compatibly designed wooden screen doors where appropriate.

Avoid:

1. Introducing or changing the location of doors and entrances that alter the architectural character of the building.

2. Removing significant door features that can be repaired.

3. Replacing deteriorated or missing doors with stock doors or doors of inappropriate designs or constructed of inappropriate materials.

4. Removing historic doors, transom, and side lights and replacing them with blocking.

5. Adding aluminum or other inappropriate screen doors.

A main entrance door with sidelight and a main entrance with sidelights and transom
Illustration of appropriate replacement doors.
Illustration of Appropriate screen doors.
Illustration of inappropriate replacement doors.

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EXTERIOR FABRIC - WOOD

Wood: Weatherboard, novelty (drop), shingles and other wooden siding

Applicable Standards 2, 3, 7, 9

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.

Horizontal wood siding is the predominant exterior finish in Springfield. Wood siding is a character defining feature of frame vernacular buildings and many of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century styles found in the district, such as the Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman Bungalow. Important characteristics of wood siding which should be considered in its repair or replacement are board size, width of exposure, length, and trim detail such as cornerboards.

Probably the greatest threat to wood siding is the application of non-historic surface coverings such as aluminum and vinyl siding, stucco, and permastone. Application of these materials violates Standards 2 and 3. Standard 2 states that the removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural feature should be avoided when possible. Application of non-historic exterior finishes results in either the removal or covering of historical materials and details. Decorative trim around doors, windows, and under roof lines is frequently removed. Detailing of the wood itself, such as beveling or beading, is also lost. Board width, length, and exposure are generally changed, thus altering the scale and appearance of the building.

Standard 3 states that historic buildings shall be recognized as products of their time and that alterations that have no historical basis shall be discouraged. Aluminum, vinyl, and permastone are clearly non-historic materials and violate this standard as well.

Artificial siding also frequently damages the fabric underneath. It can trap moisture and encourage decay and insect infestation.

Furthermore, despite manufacturer's claims, artificial siding requires maintenance. All materials have a limited life span and vinyl and aluminum are no exceptions. Within twenty years the finish of these materials will begin to deteriorate and weather, requiring painting, repair, or replacement.

In cases where artificial siding is already in place, its removal is not necessary under the guidelines. An owner may retain the material or remove it. If, however, the material is removed, it must be replaced with historically appropriate materials in accordance with Standard 9.

wooden siding and violates Standard 7. The proper method for paint removal is cleaning, light scraping, and sanding down to the next sound layer. If more intensive paint removal is required, the gentlest means possible should be used. Appropriate methods include a heat plate for flat surfaces such as siding, window sills and doors; an electric heat gun for solid decorative elements; or chemical dip stripping for detachable wooden elements such as shutters, balusters, columns, and doors when other methods are too laborious.

Harsh abrasive methods such as rotary sanding discs, rotary wire strippers, and sandblasting should never be used to remove paint from exterior wood. Such methods leave visible circular depressions in the wood; shred the wood, or erode the soft, porous fibers of the wood, leaving a permanently pitted surface. Harsh thermal methods such as hand-held propane or butane torches should never be used because they can scorch or ignite wood.

Recommendations:

1. Retain wooden materials and features such as siding, cornices, brackets, soffits, fascia, window architrave, and doorway pediments, wherever possible. These are essential components of a building's appearance and architectural style.

2. Repair or replace, where necessary, deteriorated material that duplicates in size, shape, and texture the original as closely as possible. Consider original characteristics such as board width, length, exposure and trim detailing when selecting a replacement material.

3. Clean wood using the gentlest means possible. Repair trim and siding before applying paint. Seal holes, caulk cracks, and treat for wood fungus. Remove lose paint using commercial strippers, electric heat guns or plates, wire brushes and scrapers. Hand sand to reduce paint layer differential.

Avoid:

1. Resurfacing frame buildings with new material that is inappropriate or was unavailable when the building was constructed such as artificial stone, brick veneer, asbestos or asphalt shingles, rustic shakes, and vinyl or aluminum siding.

2. Abrasive cleaning methods, rotary sanding or wire brushing, sand blasting or extreme high pressure washing (PSI of more than 100) or harsh thermal methods such as propane or butane torches.

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EXTERIOR FABRIC - MASONRY

Masonry: brick, terra cotta, concrete, stucco, and mortar

Standards 2, 3, 7, and 9

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

Masonry exterior finishes and detailing are important features of some buildings in Springfield. In Springfield with its concentration of frame buildings, a relatively small percentage of buildings are constructed of masonry. Most of these are red brick or occasionally buff brick.

Masonry features, such as brick cornices or terra cotta detailing, and surface treatments, modeling, tooling, bonding patterns, joint size and color, are important to the historic character of a building. These features should be retained under Standard 2.

The cleaning of historic masonry is a special consideration addressed by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. While masonry is the most durable historic building material, it is also the most susceptible to damage by improper maintenance or repair techniques or abrasive cleaning methods. Particularly relevant is Standard 7 which states that the surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible.

Sandblasting and other abrasive cleaning methods are specifically prohibited. Sandblasting not only changes the visual qualities of brick, it damages or destroys the exterior glazing. As a result, it increasing the likelihood of rapid deterioration of the brick and water damage to the interior of the building.

Painting historic masonry is another concern when planning a rehabilitation. Owners frequently see painting as an improvement and a means of making a building appear new. The color of masonry, particularly brick, is often an important part of the character of a building. In addition to color, the bonding pattern, treatment of mortar joints, and texture are significant parts of brick buildings. Where brick and other masonry finishes were unpainted, they should generally remain so. Painting obscures detailing and alters the distinguishing original qualities of a building in violation of Standard 2. It also violates Standard 3 because it is an alteration which has no historical basis. Under some circumstances, particularly where the brick quality is poor or abrasive cleaning methods have been used, painting brick may be appropriate as a protective measure.

Recommendations:

1. Identify, retain, and preserved masonry features that are important to defining the overall historical character of the building such as walls, brackets, railings, cornices, window architraves, door pediments, steps, and columns; and joint and unit size, tooling, and bonding patterns, coatings and color.

2. Protect and maintain masonry by providing proper drainage so that water does not stand on flat, horizontal surfaces or accumulate in curved decorative features.

3. Evaluate and treat the various causes of mortar joint deterioration such as leaking roofs or gutters, differential settlement of the building, capillary action or extreme weather exposure.

4. Evaluate the overall condition of the masonry to determine whether repairs rather than protection and maintenance are required.

Avoid:

1. Removing or substantially altering masonry features which are important in defining the overall historical character of the building so that as a result the character is diminished.

2. Replacing or rebuilding major portions of exterior walls that could be repaired and that would make the building essentially new construction.

Cleaning of Masonry:

Recommendations:

1. Clean masonry only when necessary to halt deterioration or remove heavy soiling.

2. After it has been determined that cleaning is necessary, carry out masonry surface testing to determine the gentlest method possible.

3. Clean masonry surfaces with the gentlest method possible, such as water and detergents and natural bristle brushes.

Avoid:

1. Cleaning masonry to create a new appearance, and thus needlessly introducing chemicals or moisture to historic materials.

2. Cleaning without first testing to determine the effects of the method.

3. Sandblasting brick or stone surfaces using dry or wet grit or other abrasives. Such methods of cleaning permanently erode the surface of the material and accelerate deterioration.

4. Cleaning with water or liquid chemical solutions when there is a possibility of freezing temperatures. Also avoid cleaning with chemical products that will damage masonry or leaving chemicals on masonry surfaces.

5. High-pressure water cleaning that will damage historic masonry and mortar joints.

Painting of Masonry:

Recommendations:

1. Inspect painted masonry to determine whether repainting is necessary.

2. Remove damaged or deteriorated paint only to the next sound layer using hand scraping prior to repainting.

3. Apply compatible paint coating following proper surface preparation.

4. Follow manufacturers' product and application instructions when repainting masonry.

5. Repaint with colors that are historically appropriate to the building and district.

6. Paint historically unpainted masonry only if it has been previously painted or as a protective measure to prevent further deterioration caused by poor quality materials or prior abrasive cleaning.

Avoid:

1. Removing paint that is firmly adhered to and thus protecting masonry surfaces.

2. Removing paint by destructive means such as sandblasting, application of caustic solutions or high pressure water blasting.

3. Creating a new appearance by applying paint or other coatings such as stucco to masonry that has been historically unpainted or uncoated.

4. Removing paint from historically painted masonry.

5. Radically changing the type of paint or coatings or its color.

Repointing of Masonry:

Recommendations:

1. Repair masonry walls and other masonry features by repointing the mortar joints where there is evidence of deterioration such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks, damp walls or damaged plasterwork.

2. Remove deteriorated mortar by carefully handraking the joints to avoid damaging the masonry.

3. Duplicate original mortar in strength, composition, color and texture.

4. Duplicate old mortar joints in width and in joint profile.

Avoid:

1. Removing non-deteriorated mortar from sound joints, then repointing the entire building to achieve a uniform appearance.

2. Using electric saws and hammers rather than hand tools to remove deteriorated mortar from joints prior to repointing.

3. Repointing with mortar of high portland cement content, unless it is the content of the historic mortar. Portland cement can often create a bond that is stronger than the historic material and can cause damage as a result of the differing coefficient of expansion and the differing porosity of material and mortar.

4. Repointing with a synthetic caulking compound.

5. Using a "scrub" coating technique to repoint instead of traditional repointing methods.

Repairing of Masonry:

Recommendations:

1. Repair masonry features by patching, piercing in or consolidating the masonry using recognized preservation methods. Repair may include the limited replacement in kind or with compatible substitute materials of those extensively deteriorated or missing parts of masonry features when they there are surviving prototypes.

2. Apply new or non-historic surface treatments such as water-repellent coatings to masonry only after repointing and only if masonry repairs have failed to arrest water penetration problems.

Avoid:

1. Replacing an entire masonry feature such as a cornice or balustrade when repair of the masonry and limited replacement of deteriorated parts are appropriate.

2. Using a substitute material for the replacement part that does not convey the visual appearance of the remaining parts of the masonry feature or that is physically or chemically incompatible.

3. Applying waterproof, water repellent or non-historic treatments such as stucco to masonry as a substitute for re-pointing and masonry repairs. Coatings are frequently unnecessary, expensive, and may change the appearance of historic masonry as well as accelerate its deterioration.

Replacement of Masonry:

Recommendations:

1. Replace in kind an entire masonry feature that is too deteriorated to repair, if the overall form and detailing are still evident, using the physical evidence to guide the new work. Examples can include large sections of a wall, a cornice, balustrade, column or stairway. If using the same kind of material is not feasible, then a compatible substitute material may be considered.

Avoid:

1. Removing a masonry feature that is unrepairable and not replacing it, or replacing it with a new feature that does not convey the same visual appearance.

Stucco:

Recommendations:

1. Repairing stucco by removing the damaged material and patching with new stucco that duplicates the old in strength, composition, color, and texture.

Avoid:

1. Removing sound stucco or repairing it with new stucco that is stronger than the original material or does not convey the same visual appearance.

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EXTERIOR FABRIC: COLOR

Paint color is the most controversial treatment associated with design review in historic districts. Property owners are particularly resentful of being told what color they may or may not paint their house. Owners seldom, however, paint their buildings colors that would offend their neighbors.

The Jacksonville Historic Preservation Ordinance does not require review of paint colors. The following advisory guidelines are offered to property owners who are interested in painting their building historically appropriate colors. Because of frequent painting, few buildings in Springfield exhibit original colors. The best way to verify original colors is through paint analysis. Many books and articles have been published about paint colors. One of the best sources of information for buildings such as those found in Springfield is A Century of Color by Roger Moss.

Recommendations:

1. Choose color appropriate to the period and style of the building. The following colors are recommended for several of the major styles of architecture found in Springfield.

Queen Anne/Late Victorian Period Vernacular

Body-Medium gray, dark red, dark blue, dark green, brown.

Trim-Dark gray, dark brown, olive green, dark red.

Door-Unpainted, varnished or grained.

Colonial Revival

Body-White, light yellow, tan, medium gray.

Trim-Cream, warm white, dark green.

Door-Unpainted, varnished or grained

Bungalow

Body-Often unpainted with earth tones such as stained shingles, brown or dark red.

Trim-White, light yellow, gray, light green.

Door-Unpainted, varnished.

Avoid:

1. Bright, gaudy colors or colors without historic basis.

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FOUNDATIONS AND INFILL

Standards 2, 6, 9

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

property and its environment.

Nearly all historic buildings in Springfield have raised masonry foundations, either continuous or piers. Brick is the most common material. There are also numerous examples of concrete foundations, including beveled, rock-faced, and coquina. In some instances, particularly on Bungalows, foundation elements can be an important part of the overall design of the facade. Historically, lattice, pierced brick, and continuous brick or other masonry generally constituted infill between foundation piers. These infill materials protected the underside of the house, allowed ventilation, and, in some instances, provided additional decoration.

In undertaking foundation repairs, the historic materials should be retained, repaired as needed, or replaced with similar materials under Standards 2 and 6. Non-historic materials such as unpainted concrete block, plywood, and stucco should not be used to fill raised foundations. Enclosures should be limited to historically appropriate materials under Standard 3 or a compatible new design under Standard 9.

Pierced brick and lattice are examples of compatible contemporary infill. Pierced continuous brick infill, a pattern of bricks laid with air space between the end surfaces, can easily be added to a foundation, providing ventilation, continuous support to the sill plates, and a historic appearance. Lattice infill can be purchased in prefabricated panels and installed between masonry piers. Square crisscross lattice infill is also an appropriate infill material.

Recommendations:

1. Retain, repair as needed or replace historic foundations with matching materials.

2. Maintain open spaces between piers.

3. Retain, repair as needed or replace historic foundation enclosures with matching materials.

4. If foundation enclosures are missing, enclose with an appropriate materials such as lattice or pierced brick.

Avoid:

1. Removing historic foundation enclosures unless they are deteriorated and irreparable.

2. Enclosing a pier foundation with continuous infill that prevents ventilation and destroys the openness of the feature.

3. Using an infill material which is inappropriate to the style of the building.

4. Using historically inappropriate material such as concrete block, stucco, or plywood as infill.

Illustration of appropriate and inappropriate foundations and infill.

MECHANCIAL SYSTEMS: Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection

Applicable Standards: 5, 9, and 10

5. Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.

Upgrading or additions of mechanical systems are frequently a necessary part of rehabilitating a historic building. Careful planning should precede installation of modern heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) and other mechanical systems. Insensitive installation of mechanical systems can cause significant damage to historic fabric and alter the visual qualities of a building in violation of Standard 5. Installation should be accomplished in the least obtrusive manner possible and in the most inconspicuous location. Protruding, through the wall or window air-conditioning units should be avoided.

Fortunately, the historic buildings in the three historic districts lend themselves to upgrading. The raised foundations and generous attic spaces of most buildings provide plenty of space for duct work and new plumbing and electrical lines. Landscaping or fencing can screen exterior mechanical systems such as heat pumps from view.

Recommendations:

1. Install necessary mechanical systems in areas and spaces that will require the least possible alteration to the structural integrity and physical appearance of the building.

2. Utilize existing mechanical systems, including plumbing and early lighting fixtures, where possible.

Avoid:

1. Unnecessarily damaging the plan, materials, and appearance of the building when installing mechanical systems.

2. Attaching exterior electrical and telephone cables to the principal elevations of the building.

3. Installing vertical runs of ducts, pipes, and cables in places where they will be a visual intrusion.

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PORCHES, PORTE COCHERE, AND GARAGES

Applicable Standards: 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.

Full-facade width, entrance porches are numerous and important elements of historic residences in Springfield. Porches serve as a covered entrance to buildings and a transitional space between the interior and exterior. Particularly on vernacular residences, they are the principal location for ornamentations and detailing, such as brackets and other jig-sawn woodwork, posts and columns, and balustrades. Size, style, ornateness or simplicity, sense of openness, and detailing are all important attributes of porches. Such features should be preserved during the course of rehabilitating a building under Standard 2.

There are a number of common problems associated with porch treatments. Owners are often tempted to enclose porches for additional year round living space. Although porch enclosures are generally not recommended, they can meet Standards 5, 9, and 10 under limited circumstances. Transparent materials, such as clear glass enclosures or screens, that are set behind balustrade and structural systems and maintain the visual openness of a porch are permitted. Removal or encasement of significant porch features or enclosure with non-transparent materials are not acceptable treatments.

Because they are open to the elements, porches also require frequent maintenance and repair. Under Standard 6, deteriorated porch features should be repaired rather than replaced. If replacement proves necessary, replacement features and materials should approximate the originals as closely as possible. If wholesale replacement is required, the new porch should be rebuilt based on historical research and physical evidence. If a porch or individual features of it are missing and no documentation or physical evidence is available, a new porch design which is compatible with the scale, design, and materials of the remainder of the building is appropriate under Standard 9.

Extant porches which have previously been enclosed or otherwise altered are permitted under the guidelines. There is no requirement to restore an altered or missing feature. However, if enclosures or other inappropriate alterations are removed during the course of rehabilitation, they can not be replaced. Moreover, new construction must comply with Standard 9.

Changes to a porch which are over fifty years old may have achieved significance in their own right. They may reflect changes in ownership or use, style, or improvements in the owner's economic well-being. Under Standard 4, these changes should be recognized and respected.

Porte cocheres and detached garages are visible expressions of the impact of the automobile on historic buildings in Springfield. Much of Springfield developed prior to mass production of the automobile. As a result, porte cocheres and garages are not an integral part of the original design of buildings located there. Garages were often added as an afterthought and are frequently of insignificant design and materials. Where they are less than fifty years old or insignificant, they can be selectively removed if necessary.

Recommendations:

1. Retain porches and steps that are appropriate to a building and its subsequent development. Porches and additions reflecting later architectural styles are often important to the building's historical development and should, wherever possible, be retained.

2. Repair and replace, where necessary, deteriorated architectural features of wood, terra cotta, tile, brick and other historic materials.

3. If enclosures are undertaken, maintain the openness of porches through the use of transparent materials such as glass or screens. Place enclosures behind significant detailing so that the detailing is not obscured.

4. Retain garages and porte cocheres. If enclosures of garages and porte cocheres are undertaken, preserve significant features. Use materials similar in size, proportion, and detail to the original.

5. If additional interior space is needed or desired, place the addition at the rear of the building rather than enclosing a porch or porte cochere.

Avoid:

1. Removing or altering porches and steps that are appropriate to the building's development and style.

2. Stripping porches and steps of original material and architectural materials such as hand rails, balusters, columns, brackets, and roof decorations.

3. Enclosing porches, porte cocheres, garages, and steps in a manner that destroys their historical appearance.

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ROOFS AND ROOF SURFACES

Applicable Standards: 2, 4, 5, 6, 9.

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.

Roofs are highly visibly components of historic buildings. They are an integral part of a building's overall design and often help define its architectural style. Examples of significant roof features or materials in Springfield, include dormers; gambrel roofs; embossed or crimped sheet metal; and barrel or French tile.

Roof forms comprise an important part of the streetscape in Springfield. They create a unified rhythm with neighboring buildings. The most common residential roof types in the three Jacksonville districts are gable, hip, or a combination. Occasional examples of the gambrel and clipped gable (jerkinhead) are found in Springfield. Flat roofs with parapet are the universal roof type in commercial areas along Main and Eighth streets.

In planning roof repairs, it is important to identify significant features and materials and treat them with sensitivity under standards 2 and 5. Under standard 6 significant features and materials should be repaired rather than replaced. If replacement of a deteriorated feature is necessary, the new materials should closely match the original.

Roofs perform an essential function in keeping a building weathertight. As a result, they are particularly subject to change. Some historic changes to roofs have gained a significance in their own right.

Many of the roofs in Springfield have been previously repaired or replaced. In Springfield the most common original roofing materials were embossed or crimped sheet metal and sawn wood shingles. Virtually all of the wood shingle roofs have been removed and replaced by sheet metal or asbestos or asphalt shingles.

Where existing roofing material in non-original, there is greater flexibility. The existing roof may be retained, replaced in a manner known to be accurate based on documentation or physical evidence, or treated in a contemporary style in compliance with Standards 4, 6, and 9. In reviewing replacement of non-historic roof surfacing, it is important to keep in mind, Standard 9. Even if the existing surfacing is inappropriate, the replacement material must be compatible with the overall design of the building.

Rooftop additions are another common change to historic buildings. They are generally not suitable for smaller buildings of three stories or less or for buildings with very distinctive rooflines. They can, however, meet Standard 9 if certain conditions are met. The addition should be designed to be distinguished from the historic portion of the building; be set back from the wall plane; and be placed so it is inconspicuous when viewed from the street.

Recommendations:

1. Preserve the original roof form in the course of rehabilitation.

2. Provide adequate roof drainage and insure that the roofing material provides a weathertight covering for the structure.

3. Replace deteriorated roof surfacing with new material, such as composition shingles or tabbed asphalt shingles, in dark shades that match the original in composition, size, shape, color, and texture.

4. Retain or replace where necessary dormer windows, cupolas, cornices, brackets, chimneys, cresting, weather vanes, and other distinctive architectural or stylistic features that give a roof its essential character.

Avoid:

1. Changing the essential character of a roof by adding inappropriate features such as dormers, vents, skylights, air-conditioners, and solar collectors which are visible from public right-of-ways.

2. New materials, such as roll roofing, whose composition, size, shape, color, and texture alter the appearance of the building.

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SETTING

Applicable Standards: 2 and 9

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

Setting is the relationship of a historic building to adjacent buildings and the surrounding site and environment. The setting of a historic building includes such important features as parks, gardens, street lights, signs, benches, walkways, streets, alleys, and building set-backs. The landscape features around a building are often important aspects of its character and the district in which it is located. Such historic features as gardens, walls, fencing, fountains, pools, paths, lighting and benches should be retained during the course of rehabilitation.

As described in the National Register nominations, parks and other landscape and streetscape features are highly significant components of the Springfield Historic District. Confederate and Klutho parks and the Hogans Creek Improvements in Springfield are character defining features of the district. Brick paved streets, hexagonal or patterned sidewalks, granite curbing and street trees are important urban design features.

Historic fencing, garden and retaining walls, and designed landscape features add distinction to individual buildings in Springfield. Collectively, they form important streetscape compositions. Fences and walls serve to delineate property lines and as a barrier to distinguish line between a yard, sidewalk, and street. Wooden picket fences of simple design were the most common historically. Cast iron fencing of a pike or hairpin design was much less common and was generally restricted to buildings designed in the Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Neo-Classical styles. Retaining walls of brick or cast concrete block with pilasters and coping are also common streetscape features in the district.

Little if any original wooden fencing remains in Springfield. Masonry retaining walls, particularly cast concrete in a rock-faced pattern with coping and pilasters, are quite common. These features visually link individual buildings to each other and should be retained under Standard 2. Chain link and hurricane fences have been added to many lots during the last forty years. Although there is no requirement to remove this type of fencing, it is inappropriate and should not be installed in the future on street elevations. It is recommended that existing metal fences be screened with shrubbery or plants.

Under Standard 9, new fences and walls should respect traditional materials, design, and scale found in Springfield. They should have a regular pattern and be consistent in design with those found in the same block or adjacent buildings. Round, hexagonal, and flat headed vertical pickets are most appropriate. Wood is the most appropriate material, particularly for simple frame buildings. Split-rail or horizontal board fences should be avoided. Cast iron fencing is most appropriate for buildings designed in the Colonial Revival, Neo-Classical, and Queen Anne styles. Fences should be of appropriate scale on street elevations. They should complement the building and not obscure significant features. They should be no more than four feet on the street elevation and six feet on side and rear elevations. They should also be set-back from the wall plane on the main elevation.

Individual lots are characterized by small front yards with buildings set close to the sidewalk and large back yards, where parking and trash storage are most appropriately located. Shrubbery is frequently adjacent to buildings and sidewalks. Most residences have grass lawns bisected by rectilinear sidewalks constructed of poured concrete or hexagonal pavers. Garden ornamentation such as birdbaths and urns are common elements of yards and remain appropriate today. The historic pattern of lot organization should be respected during the course of rehabilitating a property. Garden ornamentation should be retained or added where appropriate.

Landscaped settings in Springfield frequently face development pressure as a result of proposed new uses, new construction, and expanded on-site parking. Under Standard 2, distinguishing landscape features that have traditionally linked individual buildings and districts to their environment should be retained. Incompatible uses of parks, and other historic design landscapes, should be avoided. Storage, motor pool, and other recreational support services should gradually be eliminated in Confederate Park. The linear character and overall integrity of Springfield and Confederate parks should be preserved. Under Standard 9, new construction should be located unobtrusively and with the least amount of alteration to the site and setting of a historic building.

Since the automobile did not exist when most of Springfield was subdivided, curb cuts and driveways are uncommon. Narrow lots and side setback are important characteristics of the district. Access to most buildings is through alleys located at the rear. New curb cuts driveways, and parking on the street side of residences should be avoided unless such features were associated historically with the block or surrounding buildings. In such instances, driveways with poured concrete ribbons or gravel is most appropriate. Asphalt or pebble surfaced concrete should be avoided. Parking should be restricted to the rear of buildings.

Recommendations:

1. Retain distinctive features such as size, scale, mass, color, and materials of buildings, including roofs, porches, and stairways, that distinguish a district.

2. Retain landscape features such as parks, gardens, street lights, signs, benches, walkways, streets, alleys, and setbacks that have traditionally linked buildings to their environment.

3. Use new plant materials, fencing, walkways, street lights, signs, and benches that are compatible with the character of the neighborhood in size, scale, materials, and color.

4. Identify and retain plants, trees, fencing, walkways, street lighting, signs, and benches that reflect a property's history and development.

5. Base new site work on documentation or physical evidence. Avoid conjectural changes to the site.

6. Remove or trim plants and trees in close proximity to the building that may cause deterioration of historic fabric.

7. Provide proper site and roof drainage to assure that water does not splash against building or foundation walls, nor drain toward the building.

8. Landscape to provide shade, privacy, screening of non-historic features, and erosion control.

Avoid:

1. New construction that is incompatible with the district because of its size, scale, and materials.

2. Destroying the relationship between buildings and their setting by widening historic streets, changing paving material, or introducing inappropriately located new streets and parking lots that are incompatible with the character of the neighborhood.

3. Signs, street lighting, benches, new plant materials, fencing, walkways, and paving materials, such as asphalt and pebble, that are out of scale or are inappropriate to the neighborhood.

4. Changes to the appearance of a building site such as removing historic plants, trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings, and other features before evaluating their importance.

Fencing and Walls:

Recommendations:

1. Retain and repair existing historic fencing and walls.

2. Construct new front-yard fences of vertical pickets in simple designs, especially on frame vernacular buildings. Limit cast iron fencing to high-styled buildings such as Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Neo-Classical.

3. Design new fences of appropriate scale on visible main and side elevations. Limit height on street-side elevation to four feet. Wooden, vertical board (stockade) privacy fences up to six feet in height are appropriate on side and rear elevations. Recess privacy fences from the wall plane on the street-side elevation.

4. Screen existing chain link and hurricane fences with plants and shrubbery.

Avoid:

1. Removing historic fences and walls.

2. Cinder block, ornate iron or wooden, rough cedar, post and rail, chain link or hurricane fences.

3. Fences of inappropriate scale that obscure the overall design of a building and its individual features.

Parking and Driveways:

Recommendations:

1. Use existing alleys to provide access to buildings.

2. Limit parking to the rear or side of buildings.

3. Construct new curb cuts and street side driveways only in areas where they existed historically.

4. Use appropriate materials for driveways such as gravel or concrete poured in ribbons.

Avoid:

1. New curb cuts and driveways that break the solid street edge of Springfield.

2. Parking on the front side of buildings unless curb cuts, driveways, and parking space already exist.

3. Asphalt, pebble surfaced concrete, or other non-historic paving materials.

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STOREFRONTS

Applicable Standards: 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.

Storefronts are a common feature of commercial buildings along Main and Eighth streets in Springfield. Given the mixed use nature of these two districts, they are also sometimes found on buildings scattered throughout the neighborhood, particularly corner groceries.

Storefronts frequently define the historic character of commercial buildings. Entrances, display windows, trim, kick plates, elaborate cornices, and decorative detailing are particularly important. Placement of entrances and windows can create a distinct rhythm on the facade of a building. When rehabilitating a storefront, such features, materials, and design elements should be retained and repaired under Standards 2 and 6.

Unfortunately, storefronts have been particularly subject to alteration. This was especially true in Jacksonville and other Florida cities during the 1950s and 1960s, when rapid growth and economic prosperity led to frequent remodeling or removal of historic storefronts. Under these circumstances, two options are available to a property owner. Where original or early storefronts no longer exist or are too deteriorated to save, retain the commercial character of the building through contemporary design which is compatible with the scale, design, materials, color and texture of the historic buildings in accordance with Standard 9; or restore the storefront based on historical research and physical evidence in accordance with Standard 6.

Sometimes altered storefronts, if the alteration is at least fifty years old, can be significant. Standard 4 then applies. A non-original storefront can have significance if it was constructed within the period of significance of the district and if at least one of the following is fulfilled:

1. exhibits high quality workmanship;

2. shows evidence of being architect designed;

3. is constructed of significant materials;

4. is a good examples of a particular style;

5. has features whose design, scale, and detailing are compatible

with rest of the building.

Signs are an important component of storefront architecture. Their purpose is provide information about the location and type of business housed in a building. Large signs are appropriate for highway strip development where customers pass businesses at high rates of speed. They are inappropriate for historic buildings along Main Street, where traffic flow is slower and the orientation and setback of buildings make them difficult to read.

Factors to consider in selecting a sign are its legibility, clarity, placement, durability, and appropriateness to the size and scale of building. Signs should be simple in keeping with the character of the buildings in Springfield. Appropriate locations are the flat unadorned parts of a facade such as the glass of storefronts, awning flaps, masonry surfaces, and cornice fascia panel. Signs should not obscure architectural detailing such as windows, cornice details or storefronts and should not interfere with the view of the facades of adjoining buildings. Sign panels should be square or rectangular and flush mounted. Block style lettering is most appropriate.

Recommendations:

1. Retain and repair existing storefronts, including windows, sash, doors, transoms, signage, and decorative features where such features contribute to the architectural and historic character of the building.

2. Where original or early storefronts no longer exist or are too deteriorated to save, retain the commercial character of the building through contemporary design which is compatible with the scale, design, materials, color and texture of the historic buildings; or an accurate restoration of the storefront based on historical research and physical evidence.

Avoid:

1. Introducing a storefront or new design element on the ground floor, such as an arcade, which alters the architectural and historic character of the building and its relationship with the street or its setting or which causes destruction of significant historic fabric.

2. Using materials which detract from the historic or architectural character of a building.

3. Altering the entrance through a significant storefront.

Signs:

Recommendations:

1. Locate sign on the flat, unadorned parts of a facade, such as show windows, awning flaps, masonry surface, and frieze.

2. Use simple designs and lettering such a block-style and serif style, painted in high contrast to the sign panel color.

3. Sign panels should be square or rectangular and flush mounted.

Avoid:

1. Ornate signs or signs based on architectural styles inappropriate to the commercial architecture of Springfield.

2. Signs that obscure architectural details such as windows, cornice, decorative brickwork, and storefronts.

3. Signs should not interfere with sight lines of adjoining buildings.

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WINDOWS/AWNINGS/SHUTTERS

Applicable Standards: 2, 3, 6, 9

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

The placement, design, and materials of windows is often a significant part of the architectural character of a building. In Springfield, historic windows are generally double-hung sash in a 1/1, 2/2, or multi-light/1 pattern or wooden or steel casement. Windows in the district are often important stylistic elements, such as multi-light upper sash in Bungalows, Art-Glass in the Prairie School, and round arch in Mediterranean influenced styles. Non-historic windows include awning, jalousie, and pivot types.

Under Standard 2, the visual role of historic window design and its detailing or craftsmanship should be carefully considered in planning window repair or replacement. Factors to consider are the size and number of historic windows in relationship to a wall surface and their pattern of repetition; their overall design and detailing; their proximity to ground level and key entrances; and their visibility particularly on key elevations.

Whether to repair or replace windows is an issue that can pose considerable problems in a rehabilitation. Distinctive windows that are a significant part of the overall design of a building should not be destroyed under Standard 6. Careful repair is the preferred approach. If repair is not technically or economically feasible, new windows that match the original in size, general muntin/mullion configuration, and reflective qualities may be substituted for missing or irreparable windows.

Owners often wish to replace windows to create a new look, for energy efficiency, to decrease maintenance costs or because of problems operating existing units. Tinted windows, windows with high reflective qualities, or stock windows of incompatible design and materials often result from such an approach and conflict with Standards 3, 6, and 9.

Window design to enhance appearance is not permissible under the standards. The proper procedure is to improve existing windows first. Weather stripping and other energy conservation methods should be employed. If after careful evaluation, window frames and sash are so deteriorated they need replacement, they should be duplicated in accordance with Standard 6.

The following steps are recommended for evaluating historic windows. First, analyze their significance to the building. Consider their size, shape, color, and detailing. Then consider the condition of the window. Inspect the sill, frame, sash, paint and wood surface, hardware, weatherstripping, stops, trim, operability, and glazing. Then, establish repair and replacement needs for existing windows.

If following careful evaluation, window frames are deteriorated, then they can be replaced. Replacement windows must be selected with care. They should match the original sash, pane size, configuration, glazing, muntin detailing, and profile. Small differences between replacement and historic windows can make big differences in appearance.

If 50% or more are deteriorated or missing, then wholesale replacement of windows is allowable. When choosing replacements, the qualities of the original windows should be used as criteria. Consider the following features of the original:

1. trim detail;

2. size, shape of frame, sash;

3. location of meeting rail;

4. reveal or set-back of window from wall plane;

5. separate planes of two sash;

6. color, reflective qualities of glass.

7. muntin, mullion profiles, configuration.

If these criteria are fulfilled, the new windows need not be exact replicas of the originals. The Standards further permit new windows to be constructed of non-historic materials such as aluminum and a tint of up to 10%. Of course, matching the original materials and visual qualities is always preferable.

In general, changes to window openings should be avoided. The rhythm of window and door openings is an important part of the character of buildings in Springfield. In some instances, new window or door openings may be required to fulfill code requirements or for practical needs. New openings should be located on non-significant walls. For commercial buildings these would be common or party walls or secondary elevations. For residential buildings, these would be side or rear walls not readily visible from a main thoroughfare.

Shutters

Original shutters in Springfield are rare. Under Standard 3, unless there is physical or documentary evidence of their existence, shutters should not be mounted. If shutters are found to be appropriate, they should be operable or appear to be operable and measure the full height and one-half the width of the window frame. They should be attached to the window casing rather than the exterior finish material. Wooden shutters with horizonal louvers are the preferred type. Metal and vinyl types should be avoided.

Awnings

Canvas awnings were sometimes featured on buildings in Springfield, particularly many of the Mediterranean styled buildings, Bungalows, and commercial buildings. They are functional, decorative, and appropriate to the many of the buildings in the district. Standard 3 should be considered when awnings are proposed as part of a rehabilitation plan. Under the Standard, awnings should be appropriate to the style or type of building being rehabilitated.

Under Standard 9, new awnings should be of compatible contemporary design. They should follow the lines of the window opening. Round or bell shaped are appropriate for Mediterranean styled buildings. Angled, rectangular canvas awnings are most appropriate for flat headed windows and storefronts. Fiberglass and metal awnings and awnings that obscure significant detailing are inappropriate.

Recommendations:

1. Retain and repair window openings, frames, sash, glass, lintels, sills, pediments, architraves, hardware, awnings and shutters where they contribute to the architectural and historic character of the building.

2. Improve the thermal performance of existing windows and doors through adding or replacing weatherstripping and adding storm windows which are compatible with the character of the building and which do not damage window frames.

3. Replace missing or irreparable windows on significant elevations with new windows that match the original in material, size, general muntin and mullion proportion and configuration, and reflective qualities of the glass.

4. Install awnings that are historically appropriate to the style of the building or that are of compatible contemporary design. Awnings should follow the lines of window or door opening they are intended to cover.

Avoid:

1. Introducing or changing the location or size of windows, and other openings that alter the architectural and historic character of a building.

2. Replacing window features on significant facades with historically and architecturally incompatible materials such as anodized aluminum, mirrored or tinted glass.

3. Removing window features that can be repaired where such features contribute to the historic and architectural character of a building.

4. Changing the size or arrangement of window panes, muntins, and rails where they contribute to the architectural and historic character of a building.

5. Installing on significant facades shutters, screens, blinds, security grills, and awnings which are historically inappropriate and which detract from the character of a building.

6. Replacing windows that contribute to the character of a building with those that are incompatible in size, configuration, and reflective qualities or which alter the setback relationship between window and wall.

7. Installing heating/air conditioning units in window frames when the sash and frames may be damaged. Window installations should be considered only when all other visible heating/cooling systems would result in significant damage to historic materials. If installation proves necessary, window units should be placed on secondary elevations not readily visible from public thoroughfares.

8. Installing metal or fiber-glass awnings.

9. Installing awnings that obscure architecturally significant detailing or features.

10. Replacing architecturally significant detailing, such as commercial canopies, with awnings.

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