Historic Guidelines - City of Melbourne, Florida

REHABILITATION AND ADDITIONS
19
Rehabilitation and Additions to Contributing Structures
The key to a successful rehabilitation is maintaining the characteristic details and historic
fabric of a building. However, a successful rehabilitation may also involve repair or replacement of
original building details or the introduction of new elements that can relate properly to the original
components of the building and the neighborhood. This section recommends sensible rehabilitation
treatments to ensure the typical elements of each style are preserved, as these elements contribute
to the character of not only the building but also the neighborhood. Please note that for the purpose
of “contributing structures” the term “should” as used within this document is intended to convey a
suggestion or recommendation to the reader. It is not intended to communicate a requirement nor
mandate. However, for “local designated” structures, these guidelines will be strictly enforced.
The emphasis of this section is on rehabilitation, which is a compromise between remodeling,
which has no sensitivity to the historic features of a building, and restoration, which is a more accurate
but costly approach to repair, replacement, and maintenance. Buildings should not be made to look
older or newer than they really are by using details from another style or period. This would alter both
the building and the streetscape.
Appropriate Rehabilitation
The distinguishing original
characteristics of an existing building,
structure or site should be preserved.
If replacement is necessary, the
replacement feature should match the
original feature in composition, color,
texture, and other visual qualities. The
application of non-traditional materials
such as aluminum siding, vinyl siding,
and metal frame windows (unless
appropriate to the style) obscures
the original character of the building
and impacts the historic fabric of the
neighborhood.
When rehabilitating a building,
an effort should be made to uncover
previously encased or hidden finishes
and details such as siding, stone,
ornamental plaster or brick, and
decorative structural elements such
as pylons, beams and brackets. The
encasing of original elements may in
many cases lead to deterioration, and
may detract from the building’s overall
harmony within the neighborhood.
The use of architectural elements and
materials salvaged from demolition of
historic buildings is encouraged.
Before
After
Inappropriate Modifications
DRAFT
Before
After