19. Policy: New Alterations and Additions
When planning an addition to a historic building, consider the effect the addition will have on the historic building itself. Each building should be recognized as a product of its own time. A design for an alteration or a new addition that would create an appearance inconsistent with the historic character of the building should be discouraged. Loss of historic building fabric should be minimized.
Additions to a historic structure can radically change the perceived scale and character of the structure if inappropriately designed. This diminishes the building’s integrity. In order to avoid a negative impact, preserve the historic character and components. These may include the building’s proportions, shape, materials, details, features, fenestration and siting. Once these features are known, the impacts upon them should be carefully considered. Additions include porches and bay windows, as well as new rooms.
A. Design an addition or alteration to an historic building such that it will not obscure or destroy its character as it relates to Telluride’s period of significance
1. An alteration that seeks to imply an earlier or later period than that of the building is inappropriate.
2. An alteration that conveys an inaccurate variation on the historic style is inappropriate. For example, introducing ornate Victorian details on simple cottages is inappropriate.
3. An alteration should not obscure or damage character-defining features.
4. An addition or alteration should, in theory, be reversible, such that a future owner may restore the building to its historic condition.
5. Additions or alterations that would result in downgrading an historic building’s rating are inappropriate.
B. An addition should be compatible in size and scale with the main building
1. An addition should respect the proportions, massing and siting of the historic building.
2. The form and detailing of an alteration should be compatible with the historic building.
3. An addition to a small historic building requires greater sensitivity.
4. If an addition would be taller than the main building, set it back substantially from primary character-defining façades.
5. A small connector linking the historic building and the addition should be considered.
C. Design an addition to be as inconspicuous as possible
1. An addition should be visually subordinate to the main building.
2. Set an addition back from the primary façade in order to allow the original proportions, form and overall character of the historic building to remain prominent.
3. Additions to historic buildings in visible locations, such as corner lots, require greater sensitivity.
4. This is especially important for buildings that are Contributing.
D. A substantial addition should be clearly distinguishable from the historic building so it can be understood as a more recent change
1. An addition may be shown to be a later construction by jogging the wall plane such that it is inset from the original wall, clearly defining the original corners of the historic structure.
2. A change in siding details or fascia sizes and other variations in stylistic features also may be considered.
E. The materials of an addition should be compatible with those of the primary structure
1. The materials also should be similar to those seen historically in the treatment area.