Historic Guidelines - City of Melbourne, Florida

7INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Frame Vernacular was one of the most dominant architectural styles in the Eau Gallie area in
the early nineteen hundreds. Vernacular architecture refers to a regional or “folk” architecture, built
with local materials and local labor, without formal plans, and for the most economical price at the
time. Vernacular, while considered a style, is defined by its not belonging to any particular formal
architectural style. Its design reflected a trend toward simplicity. There are several types of Frame
Vernacular homes in the Eau Gallie Historic District. Some have one story, others have two; some have
front gable roof, others have side-gable or cross gable. Over the years, modifications have been made
resulting in a variety of decorative features that make each home unique.
BUILDING PLAN
1) Rectangular or L-shaped.
2) Garages and carports are secondary to the main building/facade.
They are either recessed from main façade or detached and
placed in the rear.
3) Normally one-car space only. Very few examples have a double
car garage, and in those cases, there are two doors, instead of a
double-wide door.
FOUNDATION
1) Brick, tabby or concrete block piers.
2) Spaces between piers left open.
3) Lattice infill between piers is common.
FACADES
1) Vertically oriented.
2) Three-bay or five-bay pattern.
3) Simple entrance.
COLORS
1) Colors range in the pastel family from light whites, yellows and
grays to light pastel colors.
Frame Vernacular
PORCHES
1) Wide front porches.
2) Full width, wrap around, or fill
in between the “L”.
3) Commonly elevated 2’-6” to
3’-6” above grade.
4) Columns are typically narrow
and made of wood with few
details; usually spaced evenly
across the façade.
5) If railings used, they were
wooden with 1 ¼ inch square
balustrades.
DRAFT