5
Introduction –Guiding Principles
The Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission is pleased to make available this Historic Property Owners Handbook with Design Standards. The central focus is the Design Standards section, which provides direction for property owners, tenants, commission members, planning staff, architects, contractors, and building inspectors for the preservation of the special character of Wake Forest’s landmarks and historic district properties. The handbook is divided into three general sections: introduction and history, design stan- dards, and appendices. The introduction and history section explains the legal framework for historic preservation in North Carolina and Wake Forest and provides an introduction into Wake Forest’s architectural heritage. Maps of the historic districts and examples of architectural styles are also found in this section. The second section is the Design Standards, which contain three chapters: site and setting; exterior changes including specific building components; and additions, new construction, relocation, demolition, and demolition by neglect. Following the design standards are appendices with index, glossary, contacts, references, internet resources, ordinances, and application forms.
When considering a change to a historic building or structure there are four guiding principles to follow:
• Identify, retain and preserve character-defining features and materials • Protect and maintain character-defining features and materials • Repair character-defining features and materials • If deteriorated beyond repair, replace historic features and materials that match the original
Also ask these three questions when planning a project:
• Will the change alter the special character of the property or the district? • Will the change affect the visual qualities of the adjoining properties or the district? • Will the change create a false sense of history (i.e. makes it appear older than it is)?
Answering yes to any of these questions means the project does not meet the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and should be reevaluated using the design standards.
The Dr. Charles Brewer House, 1892, is an excellent example of the Queen Anne style of architecture.
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online