§ 52-274. Architectural features.

Nonresidential design requirements are achieved by projects in accordance with the following criteria:

(1)

Building materials.

a.

Base standard. All development must comply fully with all listed below:

1.

Primary materials for exterior facades of buildings in the LR, GB-OT and GB districts, and in the LI district where buildings face F.M. 407, F.M. 156, or the railroad, shall be constructed of the following:

(i)

100 percent masonry including, but not limited to, brick, stone, cast stone, decorative concrete, or tilt wall. Note: Tilt wall construction shall suffice as masonry construction, provided that facing material is elastomeric, non-EFIS stucco, or a variant thereof.

(ii)

The facade adjacent to a street shall be constructed of a minimum of 75 percent of the following materials including, but not limited to:

A.

Stone.

B.

Cast stone.

C.

Decorative concrete stamped and stained to resemble the appearance of stone.

D.

Or similar.

2.

Primary materials for buildings in the LI district where buildings do not face F.M. 407, F.M. 156, or the railroad, shall be constructed of the following:

(i)

The facade adjacent to a street shall be constructed of a minimum of 25 percent of the following materials including, but not limited to:

A.

Stone.

B.

Cast stone.

C.

Decorative concrete stamped and stained to resemble the appearance of stone.

D.

Or similar.

(ii)

Exteriors of buildings in the LI district where buildings are not adjacent to F.M. 407, F.M. 156, or the railroad, may be constructed of metal materials, but shall meet the requirements of the building code.

3.

Accent materials for architectural details, trim, window or door framing may be wood, stone, cast stone, cast iron, or other materials compatible with the historic and architectural character of the old west. Permanent bars over windows or doors shall not be allowed.

4.

Roofs with a pitch greater than 2:12 shall have roofing materials of architectural grade dimension asphalt shingles, concrete or clay roofing tiles, standing seam metal roofing, or slate roofing shingles.

5.

Primary building colors shall be warm earth tones such as tan, ochre, beige, and terra cotta. Roses, pinks, plums and violets shall be prohibited. Vibrant accents may be used in limited quantities at appropriate locations. Accents are to be of high quality materials and are used to promote a vibrant street life in a manner compatible with the civic nature of the street. Accent and highlight building colors shall equal no more than 25 percent of the front facade of and shall allow the full spectrum of colors. Original stone or masonry surfaces should be maintained and not be painted, unless severe deterioration of the brick or stone can be shown to require painting and other consolidation or stabilization methods cannot be shown to be appropriate. If masonry was previously painted, it is often not appropriate or possible to remove paint and appropriate repainting should be considered.

6.

Along the facade adjacent to a street, buildings shall provide an awning with a pitch of no greater than 2:12, for the entire length of the frontage which projects no less than six feet from the building face, supported by posts spaced no less than ten feet apart.

7.

Each building shall provide a minimum of four, a maximum of ten 'old west' detail devices. No more than two of any one device shall be allowed. Acceptable devices include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i)

A wagon wheel.

(ii)

Hitching posts.

(iii)

Wood barrels.

(iv)

Cedar railing.

(v)

Western designed signage.

(vi)

Statue.

(vii)

Special landscaping elements.

(viii)

Decorative brick pattern.

(ix)

Metal Texas star.

(x)

Or similar device.

b.

Enhancing elements. Each development must select four of the five elements listed below:

1.

To achieve façade articulation, visual variety or architectural detailing buildings shall provide two complementary primary facade materials.

2.

Application of base standards to facades not facing a public street.

3.

Each building shall provide a minimum of eight, a maximum of ten "old west" detail devices. No more than two of any one device shall be allowed. Acceptable devices include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i)

A wagon.

(ii)

A wagon wheel.

(iii)

Hitching posts.

(iv)

Wood barrels.

(v)

Cedar railing.

(vi)

Western designed signage.

(vii)

Statue.

(viii)

Special landscaping elements.

(ix)

Decorative brick pattern.

(x)

Metal Texas star.

(xi)

Or similar device.

4.

Buildings with hip roof sections, dormers, or two or more gable roof sections at right angles to each other.

5.

Provide basic features of historic-style architecture on the primary street façade to include, but not limited to, the following:

(i)

Cornices.

(ii)

Display windows with transom windows above and lower window panels below.

(iii)

Pilasters that divide the façade vertically and separate the display windows units into discrete visual elements.

(iv)

Second floor windows recessed with multiple lights, lintels and sills.

(2)

Building articulation, form and massing.

a.

Base standard. All development must comply fully with all listed below:

1.

In order to avoid large blank building facades, variations in the elevation of building facades adjacent to a public street shall be provided in both the vertical and horizontal dimensions. Walls shall not exceed a height to width ratio of one to two without substantial variations in massing that include a change in height and either a projective or recessed element, as follows:

(i)

At least 25 percent of the roof line of the façade adjacent to a public street shall be offset a minimum of four feet in height, in a form compatible with residential architecture.

(ii)

At least 25 percent of the facade adjacent to a public street shall be offset a minimum of four feet either protruding from or recessed back from the remainder of the facade in LR, GB-OT and GB districts. At least 25 percent of the façade adjacent to a public street shall be offset a minimum of four feet either protruding from or recessed back from the remainder of the facade in the LI district where buildings are adjacent to F.M. 407, F.M. 156, or the railroad.

2.

Entrances to buildings shall be emphasized through providing projections, recessed areas, canopies, projections in height, or other architectural elements.

3.

Ground floor facades adjacent to a public street in a LR, GB-OT and GB district shall have arcades, display windows, entry areas, awnings, or other such features along at least 75 percent of their horizontal length.

b.

Enhancing elements. Each development must select one of the two elements listed below:

1.

Application of the base standard to facades not adjacent to a public street, but visible from a public street.

2.

Use of architectural detailing to provide variety in the visual appearance of the facade of the building. Architectural detailing may be achieved by the harmonious use of materials, colors, or textures.

(Code 1994, § 12.1007(D))