Camden Design Guidelines November 2014 Acknowledgments City Council • Laurie Parks, City Councilmember • Willard Polk, City Councilmember Camden Historic Landmarks Commission • Allen Roberts, Chair • Nancy Wylie • Donna Freyer • Norma Young • Ben Schreiner • Rusty Major City Staff • Shawn Putnam, City Planner Consultants Winter & Company 1265 Yellow Pine Avenue Boulder, CO 80304 (303) 440-8445 www.winterandcompany.net [ ii ] Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1 A Vision for Historic Preservation in Camden ................................................................................. 1 About the Design Guidelines .......................................................................................................... 2 Early Development in Camden ........................................................................................................ 5 Benefits of Historic Preservation ................................................................................................. 12 Background of the Design Guidelines ........................................................................................... 14 Using the Design Guidelines - Design Review ............................................................................... 17 State and Federal Tax Credits ....................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 1 PRESERVATION PRINCIPLES .................................................................................. 21 What Does Historic Preservation Mean? ....................................................................................... 21 Overarching Preservation Principles ............................................................................................ 23 Considering Context .................................................................................................................... 31 Chapter 2 TREATMENT OF HISTORIC RESOURCES ................................................................. 37 General Design Guidelines for Preservation ................................................................................. 38 Additions and Secondary Structures ............................................................................................ 67 Historic Landscapes & Site Design ............................................................................................... 71 Other Guidelines for Historic Buildings ........................................................................................ 77 Rehabilitation of Historic Commercial Properties ......................................................................... 85 Historic Preservation and Sustainability ...................................................................................... 91 Chapter 3 GUIDELINES FOR NON-CONTRIBUTING BUILDINGS ...............................................101 The Role of Non-Contributing Buildings ......................................................................................101 Chapter 4 GUIDELINES FOR NEW BUILDINGS .......................................................................105 Designing in Context ...................................................................................................................106 Site Design .................................................................................................................................107 Guidelines for New Residential Buildings ....................................................................................108 General Guidelines for New Commercial Building Types ..............................................................114 Chapter 5 GUIDELINES FOR SIGNS .......................................................................................121 Historic Signs .............................................................................................................................122 New Signs ...................................................................................................................................123 Appropriate Sign Types ...............................................................................................................127 [ iii ] Appendix A ARCHITECTURAL STYLES .....................................................................................131 Appendix B GLOSSARY ...........................................................................................................143 Appendix C NATIONAL STANDARDS & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ..............................................149 Appendix D BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR SUSTAINABILITY FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES .................157 Appendix E DEMOLITION REVIEW STANDARDS & CRITERIA ....................................................159 [ iv ] Introduction In this Chapter: A Vision for Historic Preservation in Camden ............................................1 About the Design Guidelines .....................................................................2 Early Development in Camden ...................................................................5 Benefits of Historic Preservation ............................................................ 12 Background of the Design Guidelines ...................................................... 14 Using the Design Guidelines - Design Review .......................................... 17 State and Federal Tax Credits.................................................................. 19 A Vision for Historic Preservation in Camden Rich in its heritage, visually compelling, and noteworthy in its architectural resources, to say that Camden is a special place is an understatement. As the oldest inland city in South Carolina, and with many structures and landscapes from its early periods of development, Camden is unique. Many residential, commercial, industrial and institutional properties convey the City’s history, spanning more than two centuries. In recognition of the significance of Camden to the state and the nation, citizens have worked for many years to preserve the record of the City’s history that exists in its built environment. To that end, the City has designated a series of “historic properties” to promote their preservation and continued use. Camden Historic The City’s vision for preservation is that “historic properties” continue to Properties retain their integrity, contribute to the livability of its vital neighborhoods The term “Camden Historic Properties” and support economic development. This vision has these objectives applies to all properties designated as as well: Camden Historic Archeological Sites, Camden Historic District Properties, Camden Historic Sites and/or Camden 1. Historic properties are integral to the City’s way of life. Historic Landmarks, and any other 2. Historic properties convey the cultural heritage of Camden. properties under the jurisdiction of the 3. Historic properties are key to the City’s sustainability initiatives. Commission.(Hereinafter referred to 4. A network of individuals and organizations supports historic as “Historic Properties.”) Chapter 158: Definitions (§ 158.001) preservation. 5. Historic preservation looks forward while valuing the past. For more information, see Chapter 6. Historic preservation is solution oriented, helping property owners 158: Historic Landmarks in the City of be good stewards. Camden, SC Code of Ordinances at 7. The preservation program promotes best practices in the treatment http://www.amlegal.com of historic properties. Introduction 1 About the Design Guidelines Using Qualified Design Camden serves as the cultural center of the region and conveys a high quality of design and construction in its historic buildings. Many Professionals structures have historic significance and have been rehabilitated, While the design guidelines are ensuring the preservation of these resources for the community and written for use by the layperson the nation. to plan improvements on their own, property owners are strongly encouraged to enlist the assistance The community recognizes that the character of development in the of qualified design and planning historic districts is of public interest. Therefore, a goal is that Camden professionals, including architects continues to develop in a contextual manner so the character of the and preservation consultants. traditional built environment is maintained. This document provides guidance for improving properties within the local historic districts of Camden. The guidelines are for property owners planning exterior alterations and additions to, or the rehabilitation of existing buildings. They also apply to the design of new structures. They do not dictate solutions; instead, they define a range of appropriate responses to a variety of specific design issues. Through these guidelines the City seeks to promote preservation of the historic, cultural and architectural heritage of Camden. An essential idea is to protect “historic properties” in the community from alteration or demolition that might damage their integrity. It also seeks to promote high quality construction, support economic development, and maintain an active pedestrian-oriented environment. The guidelines will help residents and property owners in understanding the historic character of the community and assist owners when planning repair, maintenance, rehabilitation and new construction. In addition, they serve as educational and planning