Chapter 20.67
SIMPSON-REED LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
Sections:
20.67.010 Historic district established.
20.67.020 Underlying zoning otherwise applicable.
20.67.040 Review by design review board.
20.67.010 Historic district established.
The Simpson-Reed local historic district (hereinafter historic district) is hereby established. This historic district begins on the north side of West Railroad Avenue between North Second Street and North Third Street with the historic Tollie train consisting of a 1927 Simpson Logging Company Locomotive No. 7, Log Car, and 1920s Peninsular Caboose No. 700. The district continues north to include the Shelton Post Office and its surrounding parking areas. At West Franklin Street, the district extends west to North Fourth Street to include the Green Diamond Headquarters and the St. David’s Episcopal Church on West Cedar Street to the alleyway north behind the church. This district’s west boundary line reduces back to North Third Street and continues north crossing over West Alder Street and ending on West Birch Street. Meanwhile, this district also extends east at West Franklin Street to North First Street to include the Public Safety Building (the Mason County District No. 5 Fire Station), a.k.a., historically, the old Shelton City Hall. This east district boundary line reduces back to North Second Street eliminating the present property of the Dairy Queen restaurant and its rear parking area. The east district boundary line encompasses one house on the north side of West Cedar Street and eight residences along both sides of West Pine Street between North 2nd Street and North 1st Street. The east boundary reduces back to North 2nd Street crossing over West Alder Street ending at West Birch Street. A detailed map of the district is provided below. (See Figure 20.67.A.)
The proposed Simpson-Reed local historic district contains a high concentration of the more significant historic buildings within the city of Shelton and Mason County. This neighborhood retains the character of the early years in Shelton’s development, when Mark E. Reed and other visionaries developed the logging industry and transformed the community from a rough logging town to a classic refined city in the early days of the twentieth century.
The homes located within the proposed district are, for the most part, larger in scale and of a higher style than the more vernacular ones in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is a direct result of Mark E. Reed’s requirement that his upper management employees build their homes within close proximity to his showpiece home, now known as the historical Mark E. Reed Colonial House.
Contributing buildings within this district include (but are not limited to):
The Colonial House, the George Grisdale House, the Robert H. Allan House, the Arthur B. Govey House, St. David’s Episcopal Church, the Old Masonic Lodge, Simpson Timber Company (now Green Diamond Resources) headquarters, the Hillier House, the Fredson House, the L.D. Hack House, the Shelton Post Office, Old Shelton City Hall (now the Public Safety Building), and the Tollie Train—Locomotive, Log Flat Car, and Caboose.
The streetscape of this neighborhood is also highly significant. The creeks, the mature trees and the configuration of the streets with the inset parking areas are unique and important features in this area.
Due to the relationship of this neighborhood to the development of the modern logging industry, the Simpson-Reed local historic district has potential for becoming recognized for not only local, but state and national historic significance.
This historic neighborhood, even today with twelve of thirty-one of the district’s properties placed on the Shelton Historic Register, retains a gracious mixture of structures rich in heritage and diverse in architectural styles:
• Vernacular Residential—representing a broad spectrum of designs and design influences.
• Craftsman Revival—with influences to the Arts and Crafts era.
• Colonial Revival—with the details of Colonial Americans.
• Bungalow—a cottage design popular in the 1930s.
• Tudor Revival—with references to English country houses.
• Greek Revival—with its classical influences.
• Art Modern (Art Deco)—uncluttered modern design.
Figure 20.67.A
This historic district is truly “the crowning glory” of Shelton’s past! The style and character of the buildings and residences reflect the families and some of those commercial historic structures that shaped the city of Shelton through vision, economy, and growth. (Ord. 1787-0811 § 2 (Att. B) (part), 2011)
20.67.020 Underlying zoning otherwise applicable.
This chapter designating an historic district area is intended to function as an overlay zone and shall only be enforceable on those properties within the boundary area as described in Section 20.67.010. All requirements and regulations of the underlying zoning of the properties within the historic district shall apply in addition to the requirements of this chapter. In the event of an inconsistency, the requirements of this chapter shall control. (Ord. 1787-0811 § 2 (Att. B) (part), 2011)
20.67.030 Prohibited uses.
The following uses shall be prohibited within the historic district:
A. Drive-through facilities including, but not limited to, eating and drinking establishments, photo processing stores, pharmacies, and banking; and
B. Gas stations, convenience stores, and vehicle service shops. (Ord. 1787-0811 § 2 (Att. B) (part), 2011)
20.67.040 Review by design review board.
The development review process provides the essential tool to enforce land use codes and design guidelines. Building permit applications within Shelton are reviewed by community development staff for compliance with standard building and safety codes, siting requirements, design guidelines, and land use codes (which are applicable to the particular zoning district where a property is located). The Shelton historic preservation board shall nominate on a yearly basis three of its members to a design review board subcommittee. Permit applications for new construction as well as alterations of and additions to existing structures within the overlay district shall require additional review by the design review board for compliance with the provisions of this chapter, pursuant to the procedures for a certificate of appropriateness set forth under Section 2.76.060. (Ord. 1787-0811 § 2 (Att. B) (part), 2011)
20.67.050 Design standards.
All new construction and exterior modifications to existing structures requiring the issuance of a building permit shall comply with the following design standards.
A. Modulation. Use modulation and articulation in a clear rhythm to reduce the perceived size of all large buildings. Residential buildings shall be divided and given human scale by articulating the building to divide up its mass and reduce its apparent size. Some are listed here and should be combined for the best results:
1. Facade modulation—stepping back or extending forward a portion of the facade at least six feet (measured perpendicular to the front face) for each interval.
2. Fenestration patterns that repeat at intervals at least equal to the articulation interval.
3. Articulating each interval with architectural elements like a porch, balcony, bay windows, and/or covered entry.
4. Articulating the roofline within each interval by emphasizing dormers, chimneys, gables, stepped roofs, or other roof elements.
5. Providing a ground-mounted or wall-mounted light fixture, a trellis, a tree, or other site feature within each interval.
B. Facades. Provide building facades that feature traditional building elements and details, such as gable roofs, porches, dormers and cornice lines that add visual interest and reduce apparent bulk and scale. Residential building facades must feature at least three of the following building elements, while commercial building facades must feature at least two of the following elements. Trim elements can be of any materials except vinyl, aluminum, or pressed board (medium density fiberboard or similar).
1. Gable or hipped roof;
2. Porches;
3. Roof brackets or rooflets;
4. Dormers or fascia boards (at least nine and one-quarter inches wide);
5. Bay windows;
6. Entry enhancement (overhang, sidelight, etc.);
7. Trellis;
8. Arcade;
9. Cornice line or similar building element.
C. Entryways.
1. All buildings shall have a principal entry visible from the street or a marked, paved, and well lit pathway. All entries shall be convenient from the sidewalk.
2. Residential units shall directly access from the street or sidewalk unless infeasible.
3. Entries shall be highlighted by building elements such as stairs, roofs, and special fenestration; pedestrian-scaled lighting; and distinctive architectural elements and details.
4. All new residential structures shall provide a recess, porch, or other protected exterior area that provides shelter and serves as a gathering place.
5. All doors on residential structures that are visible from the street or sidewalk shall be traditional in character and consistent with the architectural style of the home. For example, craftsman-style homes shall have craftsman-style front doors.
D. Windows. Windows are a vital element of historic homes and are typically highlighted or accented. They are the “eyes” of a house and, when facing a street, lend a degree of safety and security to those walking by. Typically, window frames on historic structures are wood, surrounded by a thick sash that accents and celebrates the window while protecting it from the wind and rain. Windows shall provide traditional-oriented styling that highlights and accents a structure, and meet the following criteria:
1. All replacement windows visible from the street or sidewalk shall match the character of the original windows.
2. Windows visible from the street or sidewalk on new structures shall match the style of the home. For example, Tudor-style homes shall have Tudor-style windows. Windows shall indicate floor levels and should not occur between floors.
3. Retain vertically proportioned windows visible from the street or sidewalk. Horizontally proportioned windows are not in character with the historic neighborhood and shall not be used. However, vertically proportioned windows may be grouped horizontally to accent a bay or interior room.
4. The use of metal window frames is discouraged. When they are visible from the street or sidewalk, they shall be recessed and wood window trim constructed around the frame to provide depth of fenestration consistent with the architectural character of the historic neighborhood.
5. For lower maintenance and the depth and solidness of wood windows, vinyl-covered windows are recommended.
E. Roofs. On historic homes, the roof, pitched and pronounced-pitched, is important to the style of the house and lends a distinct visual character to Shelton streetscapes. Roof overhangs and deep cornices provide architectural interest and building variation, while other elements, like dormers, fascia, and brackets, are used to creatively enhance the roof. New, expansions, and alteration to buildings shall:
1. Retain the forms of the existing front roof unless the character of the original roof is not consistent with the type or style roof of neighboring buildings. In general, pitched, hipped, or gabled roofs are the predominant roof forms of the neighborhood. Flat roofs shall not be used for additions visible from the street unless the original building was predominantly a flat-roofed building.
2. Maintain the rooflines form, pitch, and symmetry of the existing roof.
3. Reflect the architectural style and details of the existing home. In general, shed-roofed dormers are only found on craftsman and certain colonial revival styles. Gabled dormers are found on craftsman, colonial revival, western stick, Queen Anne, and Tudor homes. Hipped dormers are typically unique to the classic box and shingle styles.
4. Add visual interest to a street and complement neighboring structures by providing prominent roofs. New residential buildings shall feature prominent pitched roofs that slope a minimum six to twelve vertical to horizontal ratio and maximum twelve to twelve ratio. Roofs with a slope pitch of less than six to twelve may be appropriate if associated with local historical architectural styles.
5. Contain living space with dormers providing light and air.
Porches and additions under two hundred square feet in footprint may have roofs which slope a minimum of four to twelve if they do not detract from the rhythm of the house.
Detached garages and building additions not visible from the street may have pitched roofs which deviate from the roof-style of the main structure.
F. Building Materials.
1. Use traditional materials consistent with the character of the neighborhood, including wood siding or brick.
2. Aluminum or plastic imitations of wood siding are not encouraged, but allowed on new construction or additions to existing noncontributing structures, as long as the detailing of the siding trim reflects the highest degree of industry standards, and is not vinyl, aluminum, or pressed board (medium density fiberboard or similar).
3. Stucco, used as a predominant exterior finish material, should be made to recede visually by combining it with robust detailing, including framing it in wood or brick.
4. In the construction of sheds and garages, use materials compatible with the neighborhood and existing home, like horizontal wood siding or brick. Avoid incompatible finish materials like concrete and especially concrete block. Siding materials should cover concrete block construction to within eight inches of the ground.
5. Reflective or mirrored glass, curtain wall construction, corrugated siding, exposed concrete block, and plywood or T 1-11 siding are not in keeping with the historic character of the neighborhood and are not permitted.
G. Landscaping. The following landscape design guidelines are intended to provide shade and improve environmental conditions, retain existing street trees, and maintain the visual quality of the historic district. In striving to achieve these objectives, the following guidelines shall be utilized:
1. Preserve and enhance the neighborhood’s aesthetic character by preventing indiscriminate removal or unsightly pruning of significant trees, unless necessary to protect property or human safety.
2. The front yard of all new multifamily buildings shall be landscaped with lawn, shrubs, and trees consistent with neighborhood planting patterns. The applicant shall submit a landscape plan to the city for approval during the permit review process.
3. Fences and hedges should be constructed in a manner that prevents the installation of intrusive, nontraditional fences, or prevents tall hedges that cut structures off completely from the street and detract from the character of the neighborhood. Fences in front yards shall not be more than three feet six inches high and no more than seventy percent solid unless brick. Fence materials in front yards or flanking street yards shall be traditional, either wrought iron, wood picket, or brick if integrated into the architecture of the building. Use of chain-link fencing in these areas is prohibited. (Ord. 1787-0811 § 2 (Att. B) (part), 2011)