| Historic Building Styles
in Manchester Buildings of a similar type provide continuity
for the downtown streetscape. Differences in style create visual variety and help
to distinguish one building from another. These differences result from what was
popular at the time of construction, the use of the building, or the whim of the
designer, builder, or owner. Learning about the style of one's building can help
answer many preservation questions, including those about original treatments,
color schemes, and what should replace missing elements. The majority of
the historic buildings in Downtown Manchester were constructed during the late
1870s and 1880s. During this time most commercial buildings in the United States
were a derivation of the Italianate style. Common elements distinguishing this
style are large, heavily bracketed cornices, ornate window caps and brackets,
decorative window hoods, and semi-circular or segmental arch-headed windows. (The
former C & S Store and Don's Hardware are good examples). Although high-style
examples exist, most Italianate commercial buildings were essentially vernacular,
meaning they were constructed in a culturally accepted method and form, on which
standard (and sometimes prefabricated) decorative elements were placed. While
there are no pure examples of the Romanesque Revival Style in Downtown Manchester,
the Delaware County Courthouse has Romanesque features. This styles' name came
from the extensive use of the rounded arch in early Roman construction. The American
architect Henry Hobson Richardson in the mid-nineteenth century began using heavy
masonry construction and rounded arches. The style quickly developed throughout
the country, especially in the construction of warehouses and office buildings.
This style was primarily built in brownstone or brick. Guidelines
for Building Facade Maintenance and Renovation Masonry Moisture
Brick and stone are exceptionally durable building materials, but they can and
do deteriorate. Most often water infiltration is responsible. Moisture can enter
through the top of a wall or where the wall meets the roof. Check roof, flashing,
and wall copings periodically for soundness. Gutters and downspouts should also
be inspected periodically for leakage. Tuckpointing
The sand
and high lime mortar commonly used in older masonry buildings gradually erodes
as water runs over the wall surface and with freeze/thaw cycles. Joints should
be inspected periodically for crumbling or missing mortar. If mortar joints have
recessed more than about 2 inch, they should be repointed with new mortar to prevent
water infiltration and ensure the integrity of the wall. New mortar joints should
match the original in style,
size, mortar composition, and color. It is especially
important to repoint with a mortar of the same hardness as the original. The softer
historic mortar compresses as the bricks expand in warm weather and flexes as
they contract in cold weather. It is by design the sacrificial element of the
wall and gradual erosion is to be expected. Harder modern mortars with a high
content of portland cement will resist the warm weather expansion of
the brick,
causing cracking and spalling of the brick surface. In cold weather this same
inflexibility may cause cracks to open up as the historic bricks contract. Cleaning
Masonry cleaning can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of a building. Most
historic masonry buildings have never been cleaned and accumulated dirt may be
obscuring the original masonry color. Dirt may also hold airborne pollutants which
can erode the surface of the masonry. Masonry should always be cleaned by
the gentlest possible method. In many cases low pressure water washing (no more
than 250 psi), together with scrubbing with a natural bristle brush may be sufficient. If
paint or heavy grime must be removed, a chemical cleaner may be required. There
are a wide range of chemical cleaners available and a qualified cleaning contractor
should be consulted to evaluate your building and recommend a treatment. Whatever
treatment is selected, a test patch should first be tried and allowed to weather
for a few weeks or months. If the results of the test are satisfactory and no
damage is observed, it should be
safe to proceed. Sandblasting
Sandblasting is especially harmful to brick surfaces, eroding the hard outer layer
to expose a softer, more porous surface that will weather rapidly. You should
be aware that sandblasting will disqualify a project from consideration when applying
for federal tax credits. Painting
In general, exposed masonry
should never be painted. Unless the surface was painted from the first C as was
sometimes the case with very soft brick C cleaning and tuckpointing of the masonry
is always preferable. A previously painted surface should be chemically cleaned.
Only if chemical paint removal proves impracticable (due to a cementitious paint
coat, for example)
should previously painted brick or stone be repainted. Wood Storefronts,
cornices, brackets, and other decorative facade elements were often made of wood.
These original exterior woodwork elements should be retained wherever possible.
Regular maintenance will prevent deterioration. Check periodically for soft, rotted
areas, splits, and dampness. Damaged or decayed sections can usually be repaired
by renailing, caulking, and filling. Epoxy pastes and epoxy consolidants can also
be very effective in repairing even seriously rotted wood. When painting, use
an oil-based primer followed by two final coats of oil-based paint. Severely
rotted or missing pieces may be reproduced by a good carpenter or millwork shop.
Try to match or at least complement the existing details when replacing woodwork. Metal Decorative
elements of cast iron and sheet metal were frequently applied to brick and stone
facades. The ease with which intricate detail could be reproduced in cast iron
or stamped sheet metal ornament permitted the appearance of expensive carved or
turned work at a fraction of the cost. Needless to say, this kind of architectural
ornament became quite popular. These architectural elements are essential
to the character and appearance of your building. They should not be removed unless
absolutely necessary. Cast iron was used extensively for storefront columns
and window lintels and is quite permanent. A sound paint coat is essential, though,
to prevent rust and corrosion. Rust or paint build-up may be removed by chemical
treatment or low pressure dry grit blasting (80-100). If parts are missing, they
can be reproduced in fiberglass or aluminum using existing pieces to
make
a mold. If the missing pieces are relatively free of ornamental detail, wooden
pieces might be substituted. Pressed or stamped sheet mental was most often
used to create the sometimes very elaborate cornices that crowned many 19th century
commercial buildings. This thin metal cornice was typically nailed to a wooden
framework attached to the building. Stamped metal ornamentation may be of
sheet copper, which requires no surface protection, or of sheet iron, usually
coated with zinc or lead to retard rusting. Galvanized or lead-coated sheet metal
should always be kept painted. If stamped metal is to be cleaned, a chemical paint
remover should be used. Dry grit blasting, while usually safe for cast iron, should
never be used on the thinner, more flexible pressed metal. Reproductions
of missing pressed metal ornaments can often be made by a sheet metal shop. In
some cases, pressed metal decorative items, stamped in the original molds, are
available commercially. All metals requiring painting should first be primed
with a commercial metal primer followed by two finish coats of oil-based paint. General
Storefront
Design Considerations Whether you are restoring
your storefront or considering a more contemporary treatment, your plan should
be based on a traditional storefront design. One characteristic of the traditional
commercial facade is a well-defined frame for the storefront. This area is bounded
by a pilaster or pier on either side, the sidewalk below and the storefront cornice
above. It is important to contain the storefront within this frame. When the storefront
is allowed to extend beyond its frame, it may no longer appear as an integral
part of the overall facade design; rather it may appear tacked on.
Look at
historic photographs of your building or of similar buildings to learn the original
configuration of your storefront. Following are some ideas to consider when
planning your storefront renovation. Each originates on the design of the traditional
storefront; however, they are not solely historical concepts. They represent sound
design principles aimed at enhancing both appearance and accessibility. Contain
the storefront
A storefront should be designed to fit with in the original
facade opening and not extend beyond it. The storefront might be set back slightly
(perhaps 3 inches) from the plane of the facade to accentuate this sense of containment. Transparency
Large display windows were a prominent feature of the traditional storefront.
As a design element, they are integral to the overall proportioning of the facade.
Functionally, the large glass area provides maximum light and display area, while
visually opening the facade to the street. As a rule, the storefront should be
composed primarily of glass, while the upper facade should be more solid and contained
with smaller, evenly spaced windows. Appropriate materials
The
color and texture of the storefront materials should be simple and unobtrusive:
(1) The storefront frame can be wood, cast iron, or aluminum with a baked enamel
finish; (2) the display windows should be clear glass; (3) transom windows may
be clear or stained glass; (4) the entrance door should have a large glass panel
and can be made of wood, steel, or aluminum; (5) the aluminum-clad plywood panels;
(6) the storefront cornice can be made of wood, cast iron, or sheet mental or
sometimes the horizontal supporting beam can serve as the storefront cap; (7)
the side piers should be of the same material as the upper facade. Certain
materials and design elements should never be used on a traditional commercial
building. A mansard roof with wooden shingles, rough textured wood siding, metal
siding, fake bricks or stone, and gravel aggregate materials are not appropriate. Inappropriate
historical themes should also be avoided. Small window panes, a colonial door,
and storefront shutters are 18th century elements that do not belong on most 19th
or 20th century facades. Simplicity
Whether you are renovating
an existing storefront or designing a new one, remember that the emphasis should
be on transparency. The fundamental design should include large display windows
with thin framing members, a recessed entrance, a cornice or a horizontal sign
panel above the storefront to separate it visually from the upper facade, and
low base panels to protect the windows and define the entrance. This same
basic arrangement will be equally appropriate whether constructed using traditional
or modern materials. Windows and Doors Windows
and doors are essential design elements in the historic commercial building. Upper
story windows establish a rhythm in the streetscape that ties the facades together.
The storefront with its large glass area links the facade to the pedestrian scale
of the street. Always retain original doors and windows if possible. Often
normal maintenance C replacement of broken panes, caulking, and a good paint job
C will be all that is necessary to preserve them. Uncover boarded-up windows and
repair or replace the original sash as necessary. Small areas of rotted wood can
be repaired using an epoxy paste filler. If a window or door is
missing or
has deteriorated too severely, replacements should be sought that closely match
the originals in material and configuration. Openings should never be enlarged
or partially blocked to accommodate a replacement window or door. Replacement
windows
If more energy efficient double-glazed wood or aluminum windows
are to be used for replacement, they too should match the original wood windows
in size and . Never replace a multi-pane window with a single large pane
of glass. Aluminum windows should be in a baked enamel finish rather than the
color of clear unfinished aluminum. Storm windows
Storm windows
may be desirable on upper story windows for energy conservation. When mounted
on the exterior, they should match the size and shape of the existing sash and
they should be painted to match. Interior storm windows are a good option where
original windows might be obscured by the addition of exterior storm sash. Shutters
Shutters are seldom an appropriate window treatment for historic 19th and 20th
century commercial buildings. In general they should be avoided unless they were
an original feature of the building. Shutter panels should exactly match the size
and shape of the window opening. Awnings
Canvas awnings were
a familiar feature of 19th century storefronts. Apart from their primary function
of sun and glare protection, they also offer shelter to pedestrians and can be
an attractive addition to the storefront. Additionally, the valance can serve
as a sign panel for your business. Naturally, if your building faces north, they
will be of lesser practical benefit. Select awnings that closely follow
historical precedents in shape and design. They may be either operable or fixed.
Always fit the awning within the storefront opening. Awnings should never extend
continuously across several storefronts. Choose a water-repellent canvas or vinyl-coated
canvas material; aluminum awnings or canopies are generally inappropriate. A wide
variety of canvas colors are available and you should pay special attention to
choosing a color or color combination that coordinates with your building and
its surroundings. Back-lighting of awnings is not acceptable. Storefront
entry doors
Storefront entry doors should present an attractive appearance
and should be visually appropriate for your storefront. Original doors should
be retained if possible. Wood panel doors with large glass panels were typical
of the turn-of-the-century commercial storefront. If a new door is to be installed
it should closely resemble the design and proportions of the original door.
Wood is the preferred material, but steel or aluminum with a baked enamel finish
may also be used. Colonial or Early American style aluminum doors and other very
decorative door designs should be avoided.
Architectural Ornament
Architectural ornament includes a variety of decorative features
characteristic
of early commercial storefronts. Window hoods, cornices, columns, brackets, and
decorative moldings are examples of the ornamentation most often seen in Downtown
Manchester. These features are often crucial to the historic and architectural
character of the building. Given the similarity of many downtown commercial facades,
these elements were often
the architect's or designers only opportunity to
express an architectural style and to give the building a unique appearance. These
ornamental features should never be removed or altered unless it is absolutely
necessary. If they have already been removed, every effort should be made to replicate
them. Color Selection
Painting can have a dramatic visual impact
on your building. A carefully considered color scheme can unify the facade and
enhance the streetscape. Color choice is a matter of personal preference, but
you should generally choose colors that were available at the time your building
was constructed and that complement the natural brick or stone color. Earth tones
(greens,
dark reds, pale yellows and browns) were popular in the latter half
of the 19th century; lighter shades predominated in later decades. The Manchester
Area Chamber of Commerce can recommend businesses that have historical color samples
available to help you with your selections. If you are restoring
your building,
you will want to take paint samples from the major facade elements in order to
duplicate the original colors. Even if you are not restoring, the original colors
are always appropriate. Pay special attention to the relationship of your color
scheme to those of adjacent buildings. Keep your color scheme simple. A
typical color scheme might use 2 or 3 colors: a base color, a second color for
major trim, and sometimes a third color to highlight the minor trim. Most often
the base color will be the natural brick or stone of your building. The major
trim color should be chosen to complement the base color. If your facade has natural
stone or terra cotta trim, the major trim color might match these. The minor trim
color should enhance the effect of the base and major trim colors, serving as
an accent on minor trim details. Often a darker or lighter shade of the major
trim color is an effective choice. When painting wood or metal, always prepare
the surface by removing all loose paint and sanding all rough edges that remain.
Prime the surface with a high quality oil-base primer and follow with two finish
coats of oil-base paint. Signs and Graphics
Signage is an essential
element in any commercial district. Anonymity is clearly not good for business.
Unfortunately, signage has often been one of the most disfiguring element in the
urban landscape. A visual clutter of over-large and ill-positioned signs presents
a negative image for the entire street. A business's sign is important not
only as an identifier, but equally
importantly as an expression of an image
for the business. Don't
underestimate the value of quality signage. A clear
message, stylishly presented, will encourage passers by to venture in. Money spent
on quality signage is usually money well spent. When thinking about signage, consider
the following: Size and placement
In a densely built downtown
area, signage should be directed at and scaled to the pedestrian. Don't assume
that the largest sign is the best. Pay particular attention to how your sign relates
to your building. Look for logical signage locations on your facade. Continuous
flat wall areas above display windows or above upper story windows are typically
good choices. Don't cover windows, doors, or architectural ornament. A good sign
looks
like it belongs where it was placed. It should be an extension of the
overall design of your facade. Message and design
A good sign
is simple and direct. Don't be tempted to say too much. Choose a letter style
or graphic treatment that projects your image and is clear and easy to read. Coordinate
sign colors with the colors of your building. Remember that visual clutter will
only dilute your message. A good sign can take many forms. It may be painted
on a flat panel, or it might have a sculptural quality. Individual letters might
be applied to the facade. Logos or lettering can be painted, stenciled, or engraved
on windows. Even the valance of an awning can be an excellent signboard. Neon
signs inside shop windows are usually appropriate and possess a charm that
can be very attractive, if not overused. Neon signage is not appropriate on the
building exterior, however, unless it was an original feature of the building.
Lighting for other kinds of signage should be limited to direct illumination by
incandescent lamps. Certain sign types are generally considered inappropriate
in an historic commercial district. These would include large projecting signs,
rooftop signs, and internally illuminated signs and awnings. Replacement of these
kinds of signs should be strongly considered in planning for rehabilitation. To
address this issue, the City of Manchester has adopted a sign ordinance that restricts
oversized signs within the historic district. Rear Entrances
Alleys and rear entrances should not be overlooked when planning downtown improvements.
Often dirty, neglected and shunned, alleys can be turned into attractive secondary
corridors through the business district. Development of rear entrances (double
fronting) improves customer access from parking
areas and can substantially
improve pedestrian circulation throughout the downtown area. Open alleyways
C alleys that have been exposed to view by the removal of other buildings offer
opportunities for developing inviting rear entrances in an enhanced alleyscape
to the benefit of the whole streetscape. Naturally, this kind of project is best
approached as a cooperative effort among adjoining store owners. The design
of improvements to your alley facade should closely follow the conventions you
have established on the street facade of your building. You have already developed
a readily identifiable image. You should follow through with it here. Manchester
Area Chamber of Commerce
macc@manchesteriowa.org | 
