VILLAGE OF EAST AURORA EAST AURORA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION HISTORIC PRESERVATION GUIDELINES TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE OF GUIDELINES.......................................................................... 2 CHAPTER TWO: VILLAGE REVIEW PROCESSES ................................................................ 4 CHAPTER THREE: VILLAGE HISTORY .................................................................................. 9 A. Deep History. ................................................................................................................... 10 B. Native American History. ................................................................................................ 12 C. Pioneer Days. ................................................................................................................... 14 D. Growing Village. ............................................................................................................. 19 E. Equestrian Center. ........................................................................................................... 21 F. Roycroft. .......................................................................................................................... 23 G. Toy Town USA. .............................................................................................................. 25 H. Embracing the Past. ......................................................................................................... 26 CHAPTER FOUR: ARCHITECTURAL STYLES..................................................................... 28 A. Federal (circa 1800 to 1830). .......................................................................................... 29 B. Greek Revival (circa 1830 to 1860). ............................................................................... 30 C. Italianate (circa 1860 to 1880). ........................................................................................ 30 D. Victorian (circa 1880 to 1900). ....................................................................................... 31 E. Arts and Crafts (circa 1900 to 1920). .............................................................................. 31 F. Neo-Classical Revival (circa 1920 to 1945). ................................................................... 32 G. Modern (circa 1945 to present). ...................................................................................... 33 CHAPTER FIVE: HISTORIC PRESERVATION DESIGN GUIDELINES ............................. 35 A. Treatment of Character-Defining Features ...................................................................... 37 B. Original Materials ............................................................................................................ 39 C. Porches ............................................................................................................................ 41 D. Windows and Doors ........................................................................................................ 42 E. Roofs ............................................................................................................................... 45 F. Chimneys ......................................................................................................................... 47 G. Dormers ........................................................................................................................... 47 H. Skylights .......................................................................................................................... 48 I. Solar Panels ..................................................................................................................... 48 J. Landscaping and Trees .................................................................................................... 49 K. Driveways ........................................................................................................................ 50 L. Fences and Site Walls ...................................................................................................... 51 M. Retaining Walls ............................................................................................................... 52 N. Accessory Structures and Outbuildings .......................................................................... 53 O. Signs ................................................................................................................................ 54 P. Storefronts ....................................................................................................................... 55 Q. Existing Additions ........................................................................................................... 56 R. New Additions ................................................................................................................. 56 APPENDIX A: VILLAGE CODE CHAPTER 156 HISTORIC PRESERVATION .................. 59 APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY ....................................................................................................... 65 APPENDIX C: U.S. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR STANDARDS ................................. 83 APPENDIX D: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PRESERVATION BRIEFS ............................ 89 APPENDIX E: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................... 92 APPENDIX F: LANDMARK NOMINATION FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS ...................... 97 APPENDIX G: CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS APPLICATION FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................... 107 APPENDIX H: REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 116 INTRODUCTION East Aurora is defined by its historic character. In an age when communities increasingly look the same across the country, East Aurora maintains a unique sense of place. The popular saying, “East Aurora is a state of mind” comes from this strong identification with place. East Aurorans may disagree about many things, but we all agree that we are not indifferent about this place we call home. To live here is a point of pride. Albeit unique, East Aurora’s historic character is not anomalous in a region endowed with a proverbial embarrassment of historic riches. East Aurora is a jewel in a regional crown that includes such gems as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex and Graycliff, the Erie Canal Commercial Slip and Louis Sullivan’s Guaranty Building. Western New York was built on a foundation of industrial might. As it transitions to its future self, the region is increasingly recognizing that its past is a key to its future. “Heritage tourism” is more than just a catchy phrase. It is an economic driver. Hosting the 2011 National Preservation Conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation was proof positive of that, and validation that our historic resources, including some in East Aurora, are second to none. Perforce then, it behooves us to take care of what we have, and not just for economic reasons. Our historic resources were built by our forebears and predecessors in this place. That historic legacy is a testament to and manifestation of their human spirit during their time here. We value it. We learn from it. As a community, we identify with it. And as a community, we honor those who preceded us when we are good stewards of what they have left for us. So understood, although many of our historic resources are privately owned, there is a legitimate public interest in promoting the preservation of these historic resources. Further, there is a legitimate governmental interest in preserving the historic character of our community. This is not a statement of opinion, but rather the law of the land, as recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark preservation case of Penn Central Transportation Co. v. City of New York, 438 U.S. 104 (1978), in which the authority of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to preserve Grand Central Terminal was upheld. More specifically, New York General Municipal Law §119-dd empowers local governments to protect properties that possess special historical, cultural or aesthetic interest or value. For all of these reasons, the government of a community defined by its historic character is at its best when it preserves, protects and promotes that historic character. And so it was that, in 1987, the Village of East Aurora adopted local Law No. 9-1987 (codified as Chapter 156 of the Village Code, available on the Village website and also as an Appendix to these Guidelines) establishing the East Aurora Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic Preservation Commission is the Village’s primary instrument to protect and promote our historic resources. Toward that end, the Historic Preservation Commission has prepared these guidelines to serve as a resource for historic preservation in East Aurora. Although these guidelines have been drafted to be consistent with Chapter 156 of the Village Code, in the event of any inconsistencies, the Village Code governs. Page 1 CHAPTER ONE: PURPOSE OF GUIDELINES Page 2 The first keeper of the National Register of Historic Places, William J. Murtagh, once observed that, at its best,