18B.200.240 Colonial District Standards.
A. American Colonial Revival design is a part of Lakewood’s history. The Lakewood Theater, constructed in 1937, is the most prominent example of colonial architecture in the district. Newer buildings in the district continue to exhibit colonial architectural elements and the community desires to reinforce the character of the district through adoption of design standards, but also provide flexibility to support other goals for activating public spaces in downtown including along Motor Avenue adjacent to the Lakewood Theater, also called the Lakewood Colonial Plaza. The downtown plan contains an appendix with the Colonial District Guide and is a reference to help interpret and apply the Colonial District standards in this section.
B. Purpose and Intent. To maintain and enhance the colonial character and design elements within the district and require new development and modifications to be compatible with the scale, materials, and architectural elements of American Colonial Revival architecture. Sites and buildings should be designed to be recognizable as modern structures and not to appear as historic structures. Creativity is encouraged to design sites and buildings that represent modern interpretations of colonial architecture through building scale, materials, symmetry, window patterns, entry design, and other elements. Development shall be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Structures for new additions, exterior alterations, and related new construction (Standards 9 and 10). Additionally, the Colonial District design standards are intended to achieve the following:
1. To improve the image and character of the district and the downtown.
2. To connect to Lakewood’s history and identity as it relates to colonial architecture and the district’s role as a community gathering place.
3. To support the community’s vision for a vibrant downtown for all and the implementation of the downtown subarea plan.
4. To create a great experience on downtown streets and in public spaces that is unique to Lakewood.
C. Relationship to Other Standards. Development in the Colonial District shall be consistent with the frontage standards in LMC 18B.400.410(A) and all other standards in this title unless waived by the City based on (1) site-specific conditions and (2) furthering the purpose and intent of the Colonial District design standards.
D. Colonial District Guide. The downtown plan contains an appendix with the Colonial District Guide and is a reference to help interpret and apply the Colonial District standards in this section. Examples in the District Guide may not comply with every Colonial District standard and are meant to demonstrate certain elements of the Colonial design standards.
E. Review Levels. The following types of review are required for development and modifications in the Colonial District:
1. Facade Improvements and Modifications. Modifications to the facade of existing structures are required to comply with the standards of the Colonial District only when determined by the City to be practical and consistent with the scope of the planned improvements. The addition of detailed colonial architectural elements to noncolonial style buildings is not required. Examples of modifications that require compliance with the Colonial District standards may include:
a. Replacement of facade materials;
b. Replacement of windows;
c. Modification of building entrances;
d. Roof replacement.
2. Additions. Building additions shall comply with the requirements of the Colonial District design standards where practical and consistent with the design of the existing building and other buildings on the site. Additions and modifications that are valued at more than 50 percent of the value of existing improvements on site shall comply with the Colonial District design standards for new buildings and redevelopment.
3. New Buildings and Redevelopment. New buildings and redevelopment shall comply with all Colonial District design standards.
F. Design Standards. Buildings and structures in the Colonial District shall comply with the following design standards:
1. Roofs. Buildings shall use the following roof lines:
a. Gambrel;
b. Gable;
c. Side-gable;
d. Hip roof;
e. Flat roofs; provided, that one or more of the following elements are used to create a prominent edge and to break up the massiveness of an uninterrupted flat roof:
i. Pitched or sloped roofs;
ii. Extended parapets;
iii. Projecting cornices;
iv. Decorative molding if greater than or equal to 10 inches wide.
2. Symmetrical Window Fenestration. Window patterns shall be designed to be symmetrical and consistent with American Colonial Revival architecture for all stories above the first floor. First floor facades shall meet the frontage and transparency requirements in LMC 18B.400.410(A).
3. Facade Materials. The following facade materials shall be used unless an alternative is approved by the City upon determination it is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Colonial District design standards
a. Brick;
b. Stone;
c. Clapboards;
d. Wood;
e. Stucco, if limited to a maximum 50 percent of total building surface area.
4. Prominent Front Entry Design. The entry shall be designed to be prominent and, where practical, centered along the primary street frontage.
5. Design Elements. Designs should include some of the following architectural elements:
a. Columns;
b. Chimney;
c. Cupola;
d. Arched windows;
e. Gabled dormers;
f. Pediment;
g. Shutters;
h. Portico;
i. Other elements, as approved by the City, that are consistent with American Colonial Revival architecture. [Ord. 695 § 2 (Exh. B), 2018.]