New construction to homes withing historic districts.
The design of a new home or an addition to a home in a Historic District can be challenging. A careful balance must be achieved to integrate the new design into the existing home or neighborhood. The new design must be compatible and sympathetic with the existing home while not overwhelming the original and at the same time the design must be differentiated from the existing. The first step is preparing presentation drawings to be reviewed by the municipalities’ Historic Preservation Board. The project undergoes scrutiny to verify that the project will be an asset to the neighborhood and will not detract from the existing established historic character of the neighborhood. Approval of the project is required prior to commencement to the next phases of construction. The main reference that many Historic Preservation Boards use is The Secretary of Interiors for Rehabilitation and Standard 9, Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.
For new construction in Historic neighborhoods compatibility within the existing context is emphasized,
enhancing rather than detracting from the historic fabric that has been established.
The new design must protect and respect the integrity of the historic setting. The design must be
compatible in terms of materials, proportion, size, scale and massing while remaining distinct from the
original. The new design must not attempt to replicate the historic building and create a false sense
historic development. The historic relationship between the building’s landscaping and hardscaping
must also be preserved to protect the historic property and the historic setting of the district.
Studio SR Architecture and design has been fortunate to be involved in both the renovation of historic
Homes and new construction within the boundaries of Historic neighborhoods. Below is a showcase of our work.
Pershing Road Residence. Recipient of 2013 Historic Preservation Award for excellence in infill design. El Cid Historic District
Almeria Road Residence. El Cid Historic District
Medina Way Residence. Recipient of 2024 Historic Preservation award for excellence in infill design
El Cid Historic District
Georgia Avenue Residence. Recipient of the 20xx Historic Preservation Award for excellence in infill design. Grandview Heights Historic District
Washington Road residence. Recipient of the 2014 Historic Preservation Award for restoration. Southland Park Historic District.
Pershing Road Residence. Under Construction. El Cid Historic District
Sunset Road Residence. Sunshine Park Historic District
Northwood Residence. Old Northwood Historic District. Kanuga Drive. Renovations and Additions to a Historic Contributing Residence. Flamingo Park Historic District.
Renovations and Additions Historic Building. Recipient of the 2015 West Palm Beach Historic Preservation Award for Adaptive Re-use.
The Six Questions I Would Resolve Before Renovating or Building in a Historic District
What should I consider before designing a new home or addition in a historic district?
What should I consider before designing a new home or addition in a historic district?
The design should carefully balance the needs of the new project with the character of the existing home and surrounding historic neighborhood. Size, scale, proportions, materials, massing, and architectural details should be compatible with the historic setting without simply replicating the original building.
Will my historic district project need approval from a Historic Preservation Board?
Will my historic district project need approval from a Historic Preservation Board?
In many historic districts, projects involving new construction, additions, or significant renovations must be reviewed by the local Historic Preservation Board. Presentation drawings are typically submitted for review, and approval may be required before moving forward with subsequent construction and permitting phases.
How can a new addition remain compatible with a historic home without looking like a replica?
How can a new addition remain compatible with a historic home without looking like a replica?
A successful addition should respect the historic building’s proportions, scale, materials, and overall character while remaining visually distinguishable as new construction. The goal is to complement the original structure rather than create a false sense that the addition was historically part of the building.
What design elements are considered when reviewing new construction in a historic district?
What design elements are considered when reviewing new construction in a historic district?
Historic review can consider factors such as materials, proportion, size, scale, massing, landscaping, hardscaping, and the relationship between the building and its surroundings. These elements help determine whether the proposed design protects the established character of the historic district.
What guidelines are used for renovating or building in historic districts?
What guidelines are used for renovating or building in historic districts?
Many Historic Preservation Boards refer to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and related guidelines when evaluating projects. These standards emphasize protecting the integrity and character of historic buildings and settings while allowing appropriate new work.
Can an architect help with the Historic Preservation Board approval process?
Can an architect help with the Historic Preservation Board approval process?
Yes. An architect can develop the presentation drawings and design documentation needed for review, while ensuring the proposed project responds to the historic context. They can also help coordinate the design through subsequent permitting and construction phases.
