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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.
Illustrations from the City of Manassas Historic District Handbook by Frazier Associates
Commercial Façades-The Components
Traditional Historic District – Site Characteristics
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Set Backs
New buildings should have setbacks similar to historic buildings.
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| Zero Spacing
Zero spacing between commercial buildings is recommended.
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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.
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| 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.
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Awnings
A. Slanted Window Awnings
B. Slanted Awnings
C. Curved Awnings (generally recommended for new or noncontributing buildings only)
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| 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.
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Colors
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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
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Town Color Palette
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Bennington Gray HC-82
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White 01
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Hodley Red
HC-65
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Essex Green 43
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Colors are approximate matches and are provided by Benjamin Moore Paints.
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
 Architectural Resources—Only a click away!
Learn to READ a Historic Building
NPS How to Read a Historic Building
www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/character/index.htm
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
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