Facade Improvement Guidelines

Facade improvements are changes which are made to the external face of a building by the owner. Each improvement or change represents an opportunity to upgrade the quality of the building, but also to complement and enhance the overall character of Oswego's downtown. Individual buildings play a critical role in shaping and defining the streetscape and in establishing its design character.

Each facade improvement should be com-patible with the original architecture of the building, other visually related buildings and spaces and the overall streetscape of which it is a part. While improvements should blend in with these features, there is no need for them to be exactly alike or to adopt some preconceived architectural style.

The following guidelines are intended to guide facade improvements by individual property owners so that the overall result is the achievement of this harmony, compatibility and enhancement of the streetscape. These guidelines are not laws or formulas, but principles and approaches that should be applied with understanding and sensitivity. Their application to existing buildings in the downtown is illustrated on Figure 10.

Key Elements — The key elements of a building that establish its architectural character are the proportion (the ratio of width to height) of the building face, the proportion and pattern of windows and doors, the wall materials, details (including trim and masonry features), color, the base of the building (how it meets the ground) and the roofline which frames the top of the composition. The articulation of the building facade by offsets, porches, awnings, fireplace blocks, piers, and other such treatments, can also add to the interest and richness of the building and reduce the visual massiveness. The character of the building is also influenced by its setback, its angle with reference to the street, the organization of the functions on the site and the associated landscaping and lighting of the building.

There are many elements and decisions which are subjective in nature and require the attention of an individual designer so that the cumulative and interactive result is pleasant and attractive. Application of these design guidelines should permit creative, cost effective and practical improvements to be made which will blend together and create a distinctive and harmonious overall result.

Guideline 1.0 — Clean, Repair and Restore Exterior Wall Surfaces

The cleaning of a building's wall surface should use the least harsh method available. Water and steam will generally remove stains and accumulated dirt. When applied to masonry under pressure, however, it can create problems due to forced penetration of moisture. A variety of chemicals are also available. A professional should be consulted to avoid unwanted chemical reactions which could create maintenance problems or staining.
Any cleaning technique should first be tested on a small and inconspicuous area of the building prior to its use for the entire face. Sandblasting should not be used on masonry surfaces since it destroys the face of the masonry and increases its susceptibility to moisture penetration and the effects of weathering.

Guideline 2.0 — Do Not Cover Original Building Materials

Many of the original brick buildings in Oswego's downtown include detailing around windows, doors and rooflines that are characteristic of commercial buildings constructed at the turn-of-the century in rural downtown districts. When restored, they will contribute to the character, quality, and interest of Oswego's downtown, creating a unique streetscape that is attractive to the public.
Veneers of artificial stone, metal panels or vinyl siding are particularly inappropriate for Oswego's downtown. This is because veneers would change the character of the building, if applied to an entire building face. If these veneers are applied only as accents, they will break up the continuity of the original wall surface. Also, they can serve as a trap for moisture, thereby creating deterioration of the underlying surface which may not become evident until a serious problem is created.
In general, wood should not be applied to existing buildings in the downtown. Wood does not hold up well in the presence of salt, dirt and the more intense use associated with downtown commercial structures at the street level. Also, wood siding is generally not characteristic of the existing theme of Oswego's downtown.

Guideline 3.0 — Maintain the Original Pattern of Wall Apertures

Openings, such as doors and windows, are characterized by an axis (i.e., vertical or horizontal), proportion (the ratio of width to height), and pattern (frequency and spacing). If these openings become obsolete , they should not be filled with incompatible materials such as common brick or glass block.
Where such infill materials have already been used, window openings should be restored to their original configuration. Shutters, appropriate to the architectural style of the building, can be fixed over second story openings where the owner wishes windows to be permanently closed. When used, shutters should be proportioned so that they would cover the opening, if closed.
New window openings should be carefully proportioned to tie in with the existing pattern of windows. The type of window and its subdivisions should be the same on an individual building; mixtures of different types of windows (i.e., such as double hung and casement) should not be employed.

Guideline 4.0 — Remove Mansard Canopies and Highlight Distinctive Architectural Features

Many of the buildings in downtown Oswego have distinctive masonry coping, original brick faces, window sill stones, decorative brick courses and original windows. However, shake-shingled, mansard canopies have been applied to many buildings in Oswego's downtown. These canopies cover, or obstruct views of, the rich detailing of the original brick facades that contribute to the architectural and historic value of Oswego's downtown.
While the mansard canopies provide desired protection for pedestrians from rain, sun, and snow, they are not compatible with the architectural design of Oswego's turn-of-the century buildings. Where possible, they should be removed, and original features of individual buildings restored and highlighted. These original elements create richness and provide individual identity to a building.
Removing the canopies and restoring the architectural features of individual buildings is one of the most important steps that can be taken to recapture the integrity and authenticity of downtown Oswego.

Guideline 5.0 — Reduce Clutter on Exterior Building Surfaces

Overhead utilities create visual clutter that detracts from the overall streetscape. Where possible, they should be relocated underground as a part of a comprehensive utility relocation program.
Where such relocation cannot be accomplished, these elements should be consolidated and reduced in scale to minimize their apparency from public rights-of-way. They should enter the building through a wall or roof where they are not visible from the main entry.
Building components such as air conditioners, burglar alarms, vents, and other items should similarly be as inconspicuous as possible, being located away from the front facade and painted to blend into the wall of which they are a part. Commercial entrances should be open and inviting.

Guideline 6.0 — Where Possible, Create Large Glass Areas at Entrances to Business Establishments, and Shelter Doorways from the Wind and Rain

The design and proportion of entry doors should relate to the proportion and detailing of the adjacent display windows.
Techniques to enhance entryways include the use of protective awnings, soft and evenly disbursed indirect lighting, trans-parent and inviting entry doors, entries uncluttered by signage and stickers, and no air conditioners or other utilitarian elements to fill transoms.
Also, large glass areas offer merchants the opportunity to display merchandise. Window decorations and merchandise should be changed often, to provide an interesting and attractive display for pedestrians.
Temporary window signage should be limited, and changed often. Blank front facades adjacent to public walkways should be converted into window display areas, wherever possible.

Guideline 7.0 — Treat Rear and Side Entries as Potential Moneymakers

In Oswego, several opportunities exist to capture the interest of shoppers walking to store entrances that are accessible from parking lots that are located behind buildings in the downtown district.
Design possibilities include the following: special pavements that designate pedestrian access; landscaped islands that separate walks from parking and service areas; transparent, retail-styled doors; low level lighting; identification signs; painted or screened air conditioners; murals; and color styling that matches the front entrance.
In all cases, dumpsters and trash storage areas should be screened from view. These design ideas can also be used to enhance existing walkways that lead pedestrians between two buildings from rear parking areas to Main Street sidewalks.

Guideline 8.0 — Design New Awnings So That They Relate to the Design of Adjacent Buildings and Awnings

Awnings have already been used in Oswego's downtown to provide protection from wind, rain and hot sun to the benefit of pedestrians and protection of window displays.
Wherever possible, the bottom and top edges of awnings should line up with adjacent awnings or with the horizontal line established by the door head or top of display windows. The design and place-ment of awnings should be such that they do not obscure original architectural detail.
Awnings across the entire building front can be considered when there is more than one business in a single storefront. In this instance they not only provide shelter, but also provide continuity in design, and avoid "chopping up" the building elevation with multiple awnings of different color and design.
Awnings should be shaped in accord with the opening which they cover. For instance, a rounded window should have a rounded opening Fabric should extend across the ends of the installation so that the structure and/or operating apparatus is not exposed along the length of the walkway.
Also, the awning's valance and canopy fascia should be wide enough so that identification lettering could be placed on the surfaces in lieu of other wall signage to provide a sophisticated sign solution.
The fabric used for awnings should be selected for its fire and fade resistance, with color and styling to blend into the building face and adjacent building features.
Harsh contrast, bold patterns and bright colors draw attention to the awning at the expense of the basic architecture of the building and the overall composition of the streetscape. The forest green and burgundy colors of several existing awnings could be encouraged for continuity and creation of a design theme.
Awnings must be maintained in excellent condition. Movable awnings should be fully extended and trim or neatly folded against the building face. This will avoid a sloppy and unkempt appearance.

Guideline 9.0 — Respect the Roofline of a Building

The edge of the roof performs an important function in defining the character of the building facade. Richly detailed cornices once performed this function on many older buildings, providing a framework for the composition of the building facade.
This artistic function can be partially achieved by painting or staining fascias with a contrasting darker color than the surrounding wall surface and through the addition of new trim or detail elements.
New construction should not impair the basic shape and character of a roofline.

Guideline 10.0 — Paint or Stain as Part of an Overall Color Styling

Color styling is one of the most practical tools for setting the mood of a building and a community's downtown. If colors are coordinated so they blend with neighboring buildings, a strong sense of continuity, order and liveliness can be created on the streetscape.
Masonry buildings that have never been painted or stained should not be covered with these materials. This is because painting of masonry surfaces creates a maintenance problem and in some instances, can lead to the deterioration of the surface of the structure.
Color styling for unpainted masonry buildings should focus on window and door trim, signage, roof cornice and fascia.
For optimum effect, the total number of colors should be limited. No more than one or two strong colors should be employed. If the walls are to be painted, one color should be used for all of the wall surfaces to establish the continuity of the basic volume and mass of the building.
Gutters, downspouts, and utility systems should match or blend as closely as possible with the surrounding wall surfaces to minimize their appearance.
Accent colors should be used to define key architectural elements such as trim around doors and windows and ornamental details.
Aluminum and other metal frames seldom blend with the face of the building and frequently are found in corroded condition on older buildings. They should be cleaned and painted as a part of the overall color styling.

Guideline 11.0 —Use Lighting to Highlight the Entry and Window Display Areas

The intensity and color of light should be carefully selected to create a soft, uniform and inviting facade along the sidewalk.
If the lighting is too bright, it may not only be unpleasant for customers entering the property, but also would create a break in the continuity of the streetscape lighting. Again, as with colors and other design elements, harsh contrasts are to be avoided.
Dark voids or inadequate lighting will not only create a problem for window displays and a feeling of pedestrian insecurity, but will break the continuity of the overall pedestrian experience along the streetscape.

Guideline 12.0 — Require Clear and Understated Signage

A comprehensive sign program should be adopted for Oswego's downtown. The number and area of signs should be regulated, so that business identification is achieved without visual clutter.
Simple signs are more attractive and communicate more effectively. Consideration should be given to protecting signs that are historic and original to the downtown, such as the "Old Hardware Store" sign. These signs can contribute toward the authenticity of Oswego's downtown, and create ambiance that is unique to this Village.
Identification signs should be placed so that they are surrounded by the wall surface on which they are located. They should not project above or beyond the roof or wall nor obscure the continuity of decorative stone or brick bands across the building face.
Individual letters, placed on a sign frieze or wood background that are externally illuminated are preferable to more contemporary box signs that are internally illuminated.
Indirect lighting can be afforded by shielded sources built into the cornice of a one story building or the frame of the sign. Lettering on awning valances is also a good solution for identification signage.

Guideline 13.0 — Respect the Design Character of the Downtown With New Building Additions or Structures

The environment of downtown Oswego is a composite of buildings that touch each other, or are seen in full view of one another. One structure serves as the backdrop for another.
Each building has its own distinctive architecture, and every block has its own overall mass and proportion. Therefore, the design of new buildings should be considered within the context of the turn-of-the century design that is characteristic of Oswego's downtown. This includes the:
- Selection of brick or stone as the primary material;
- Incorporation of stone elements on predominantly brick buildings (i.e., lintels, building's foundation, cornerstones, etc.);
- Proportion of two-story buildings that characterize the downtown;
- Provision of detailed cornices at the roofline;
- Window sizes, proportions and patterns that fit the turn-of-the century design theme;
- Color styling, etc.
Any exterior modifications, additions or alterations of existing structures should be compatible with the original architecture of that structure.

Guideline 14.0 — Maintain Property and Building Facades

The overall maintenance of individual properties and building facades is an essential part of a successful downtown.
Brick walls should be clean and properly tuck-pointed. Masonry structures should be cleaned with nondestructive methods to maintain the integrity of the surface of the brick or stone.
Gutters, downspouts and window frames should be free of corrosion and painted.
Sidewalks should be clean and free of dirt, debris, snow and ice.
Damaged or deteriorated signs awnings or other elements should be removed or replaced.
Parking lots and building and parking space edges should be free of weeds and trash.
Parking lot surfaces should be well maintained and properly striped.
Trees, shrubs and flowers should be trimmed, fertilized and watered as needed.