Chapter 5 - Downtown Revitalization Concept (Part 2)
Monument’s existing commercial and public buildings have a varied character, making a unifying architectural style difficult to perceive. Recent commercial development along Highway 105 projects an individual franchise image. This image competes for visual dominance with the Downtown Core, which projects a rather subdued old town theme. Although the old town theme is expressed in a few buildings, there is little continuity of this design theme. For example, the contemporary Town Hall and Post Office, though aesthetically pleasing, depart from this historic theme. As a result, the buildings appear to be somewhat isolated design elements in the Downtown Core.
To solve the uncertain community design image, Monument must begin to develop a more unified community design theme. This can be accomplished by reflecting the scale and the general design characteristics of the more pleasing existing development in building renovation or new construction. This does not mean that there cannot be architectural innovation or variety, but it does mean that if the general community character is to be enhanced or preserved, rehabilitation or new construction cannot be so different as to seem incongruent or visually incompatible. By developing some basic design controls such as uniformity in signage, consistent building materials and colors, lighting and window treatment, a high quality visual character can be maintained. Design Guideline 4 illustrates buildings in Monument’s past depicting the old town design theme.
Design Guideline 4 - Old Town Design Theme
Building revitalization and new construction in the Downtown Core should:
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Reflect the old town design theme in facades through articulation of windows and doorways using canvas or wooden awnings or projections similar to those used in Recommendations for the restoration of the former Higby Mercantile building are shown in Design Guideline 5. |
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Establish a color palette sensitive to local architectural character and coordinate the colors from building to building. To develop a color palette, utilize existing natural brick and stone and add colors compatible and contrasting in shade. Eight to ten subdued harmonious colors will more than suffice. Building color should be treated consistently on all sides to avoid harsh shifts from front to street walls. |
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Maintain a strong horizontal pattern through the use of brick and lap siding to emphasize human scale. |
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Emphasize the function of the building. For example, craft manufacturing studios should maintain a transparent facade so that the pedestrian may view the artisan at work. |
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Orient the principal facade parallel with the street and maintain a consistent building height with respect to the roof and cornice of neighboring structures. |
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Create a sense of visual harmony with other structures lining the street by following setbacks consistent with the area and by installing landscaping to establish that sense of closure. Suggestions for achieving a sense of harmony and closure along Front Street are depicted in Design Guideline 6. |
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Consider the space between adjacent buildings. Particularly wide or narrow spacings disrupt the lateral continuity of the street. |
Design Guideline 5 - Higby Mercantile Building
Design Guideline 6 - Streetscape - Front Street
