1. Policy: Relationship to Site Context
The sloping topography and open pattern of development in the treatment area provides most buildings with solar exposure and views of the mountains. Smaller, lower buildings located on the alleys traditionally allowed views and solar exposure of the nearby primary residences. These assets should be preserved for as many sites as feasible.
Residential buildings that line both sides of Colorado Avenue between Davis and Aspen Streets are especially important because they define the main entrance to Telluride. This street scene is virtually intact in its historic integrity. These buildings express a strong visual unity and are, in large part, intact. Commercial uses (home occupations) may be introduced into this area on special review and it is vitally important that these buildings retain their historic residential appearance, even when changes in use occur. Commercial uses should be considered only where they would not diminish the historic residential character of this area.
A. CAREFULLY relate new construction to buildings that contribute to the historic neighborhood context
1. New projects should be compatible with the character of the entire block as well as those buildings directly adjacent to the project.
2. Compatibility with the traditional mass, scale and building materials of the area is especially important.
3. If historic resources exist on the property, then the special standards for preservation also shall apply.
B. New interpretations of traditional building types are encouraged, such that they are seen as products of their own time, yet compatible with their historic neighbors
1. Historic details that were not found in Telluride are not allowed.
2. Historic details that are authentic to Telluride are discouraged, to maintain a distinction between a new project and the historic building.
3. Historic proportions of height, width and depth are very important to be compatible with the historic mass and scale of the Historic Residential Treatment Area and the town.
Building fronts should be aligned along the street, within the established range of setbacks for the block