Uptown Revitalization Project Underway for Facade design assistance please contact the CPR

Design Services

Commercial Façades-The Components
Illustrations from the City of Manassas Historic District Handbook by Frazier Associates

Architectural Assistance

Through the Virginia Main Street Program, the Community Partnership provides architectural assistance to business and property owners located in the historic Central Business District. This service is free to members.

Guidelines for Historic Building and Sites

In order to preserve the historic attributes of Rocky Mount, we need to understand the architectural characteristics and individual details that are distinctive of buildings and sites in a Central Business District.

Traditional Historic District – Site Characteristics

Set Backs

New buildings should have setbacks similar to historic buildings.

Zero Spacing

Zero spacing between commercial buildings is recommended.

Landscaping and Parking

Historically, parking in Central Business Districts is located off the street and behind buildings. Trees at the street edge provide shade and contribute to the sense of a defined pedestrian way.

Openings

Window openings are an important characteristic of historic buildings. At the street level, windows function as the primary marketing tool for a commercial establishment.

Awnings

A. Slanted Window Awnings

B. Slanted Awnings

C. Curved Awnings (generally recommended for new or noncontributing buildings only)

Signs

A. Window Signs

B. Awning Signs

C. Projecting Signs

Attractive, well-positioned signs add to the character of a business, inviting customers into an establishment. Placement and size are an important component of sign design for historic buildings.

Color Placement on Historic Buildings

A. Wall Color

B. Second color for trim boards, cornice, and window frames

C. Accent color for window sash and doors

Town Color Palette

Selecting a Historic Color Palette
View other Historical colors from Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Historical Palette
www.benmoore.com/color_preview/color_cards/popups/historical.html

Decorative Features (It’s in the details!)
Restoration Hardware
www.restorationhardware.com

Materials (How to...)
Preservation Briefs (NPS Guidelines and How-to for Building Rehabilitation)
www.cr.nps.gov/buildings.htm

National Trust for Historic Preservation
www.nthp.org

Heritage Preservation Services of the National Parks Service
www2.cr.nps.gov

National Park Service Guides to Preservation "Links to the Past"
www.cr.nps.gov/buildings.htm

Meet the Main Street Architects

Visit Frazier Associates at www.frazierassociates.com