1992-186-Proclaiming October 23 1992 As "Maria Berry Farm Day"RESOLUTION 1992 -186
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 23, 1992 AS
"MARIA'S BERRY FARM DAY"
WHEREAS, the Town has a high regard for preservation of historic structures;
and
WHEREAS, the house and water tower known as "Maria's Berry Farm" were
constructed by Senator /Judge Hastings prior to the turn of the century and have been
declared an historic landmark; and
WHEREAS, agriculture has been an important part of the Town's heritage; and
WHEREAS, the building of Highway 85 led to an opportunity to preserve this
historic structure as a Town office; and
WHEREAS, October 23, 1992 is the official grand opening of the building and
water tower as a Town office.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos proclaim October 23, 1992 as "Maria's Berry Farm Day ".
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the
Town of Los Gatos, California, held on the 5th day of October, 1992 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES: Randy Attaway, Steven Blanton, Brent N. Ventura
NAYES: Joanne Benjamin
ABSENT: Mayor Eric D. Carlson
ABSTAIN: None
SIGNED:
VI MAYOR OF THE TO N OF LOS GATOS
LO GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST: V
It
CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
VIII. LANDSCAPING
New landscaping should respect distinctive landscape elements.
TREATMENT - ALTERATIONS
■ Respect and retain the character defining landscape and planting whenever
possible.
TREATMENT - NEW CONSTRUCTION
Respect tree and planting patterns.
■ Equal or exceed quality and density of landscaping.
IX. EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER - DEFINING FEATURES
15
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
X. BIBLIOGRAPHY
American Life Foundation. "Gordon -Van Tine Co. Architectural Details 1915 ", Catalogue.
New York, American Life Foundation. 1985.
Amrhein, James E., S. E. Residential Masonry Fireplace and Chimney Handbook. Los
Angeles, Masonry Institute of America. 1989.
Blumenson, John J. -G. Identifying, American Architecture Nashville, American
Association for State and Local History. 1977, 1981.
Bruntz, George G. History of Los Gatos Santa Cruz, Western Tanager Press (Valley
Publishers). 1983.
Howard, Hugh. How Old is this House? A Skeleton Key to Dating and Identifying Three
Centuries of American Houses-- New York; Farrar, Straus and Giroux for Home
Renovation Associates. 1989.
Klein, Marilyn W. Clues to North American Architecture. Markham, Ontario; Fitzhenry
& Whiteside Limited. 1985.
McAlester, Virginia & Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses New York, Alfred A. Knop.
1984, fourth printing 1986.
Myers, John H., revised by Hume. Gary L. "Aluminum and Vinyl Siding on Historic
Buildings ". Volume 8 Preservation Briefs. Washington, D.C.; U.S. Government Printing
Office.
Myers, John H. "The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows ". Volume 9 Preservation
Briefs. Washington, D.C.; U.S. Government Printing Office.
Nelson, Lee H., FAIA. "Architectural Character: Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic
Buildings as an Aid to Preserving Their Character ". Volume 17 Preservation Briefs.
Washington, D.C.; U.S. Government Printing Office.
Park, Sharon C., AIA. 'The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors ".
Volume 16 Preservation Briefs. Washington, D.C.; U.S. Government Printing Office.
Prentice, Helaine Kaplan and Prentice, Blair. Rehab Right How to Realize the Full Value
of your Old House City of Oakland Planning Department. Berkeley, Ten Speed Press.
1978, 1986.
Rifkind, Carole. A Field Guide to American Architecture. New York, Bonanza Books.
1980, 1986.
iL
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Stahl, Frederick A. A Guide to the Maintenance Repair, and Alteration of Historic
Buildings. New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. 1984.
Sweetser, Sarah M. "Roofing for Historic Buildings ". Volume 4, Preservation Briefs
Washington, D.C.; U.S. Government Printing Office.
U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service. The Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (Revised
19831. Washington, D.C., U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service
Preservation Assistance Division.
Weeks, Kay D. "New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns ".
Volume 14, Preservation Briefs Washington, D.C.; U.S. Government Printing Office.
17
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
XI. GLOSSARY
Apex. Top of a gable end triangle.
Baluster. The vertical support piece of a railing.
Balustrade. A railing with frequent vertical supports.
Barge board. Plain or fancy decorative clement hung from and parallel to the
sloping eaves of a gable end.
Bay window. A group of windows projecting out from the main house wall, usually
with three faces, sometimes (typically 1870s) with five faces.
Brace. Three boards outlining a triangle to support an overhang or horizontal,
usually with little or no decoration.
Bracket. An essentially triangular piece, usually much decorated, which supports
an overhang or horizontal.
Capital. Top of a column, usually decorative.
Casement window. Hinged sash that pushes out horizontally like an awning.
Chamfered. A corner cut across rather than rounded [sketch].
Character - deaning features.
Clapboard. Overlap horizontal siding of tapered profile so that the lower edges
flare out. Usually about 2 inches between edges, but sometimes 6-8.
Compatibility.
Continuity.
Cornice. The upper horizontal element of a building.
Double -hung windows. Two sash that open by sliding past each other vertically.
Fabric. The existing material of a building.
Facade. Front face of a building.
Gable. Two -slope roof form with a triangular end that may fact front or side.
Hip roof. Four -slope roof of pyramid shape.
Massing. The three - dimensional form or shape of a building.
Newel. The end post of a railing.
Pantiles. Ceramic (or imitation ceramic) tiles of half - cylinder shape, overlapped
and underlapped to cover a roof [sketch].
Pent roof. Subsidiary roof attached to side of building and usually only for
decoration.
Pitch. The degree of slope of a roof.
Pyramidal roof. Four -slope roof of pyramid shape, alternately called hip roof.
Rhythm.
Rustic. Overlap siding run horizontally so that a horizontal groove appears about
every 6 inches on an otherwise smooth vertical face [sketches: channel rustic
profile, V- groove rustic profile, maybe Colonial Revival rustic profile (alternating wide
and narrow)].
Scale.
Setback.
Shed roof. One -slope roof.
Veneer. A surface material that conceals the structure beneath.
it-
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ..... ............................... .
A. Purpose .......... ...............................
B. Application / Enforcement ............................
1. Residential Historic District Boundaries ...............
2. Legal Basis of these Guidelines .....................
3. Related Requirements ............................
4. Requirements for Review of Applications ..............
C. Critical Residential Issues ........................... .
D. Neighborhood Character .............................
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
II. GENERAL GUIDELINES 3
A. Philosophy ........ ............................... 3
B. Character - Defining Features 4
C. Density and Variety .. ............................... 5
D. Pre - Design Research ............................... 6
III.
CONTEXT ........... ...............................
6
A. Treatment - Additions
6
B. New Construction in Historic Districts ...................
7
IV.
THE SITE ............ ...............................
7
A. Treatment - Additions to Structures Built Before 1941 ........
8
B. Treatment - New Construction and Additions ...............
8
V.
FORM
8
A. Treatment - Additions to Historic Structures ...............
8
B. Treatment - New Construction and Additions ..............
8
V1.
COMPONENTS
9
A. Entry ............ ...............................
9
B. Windows ......... ...............................
10
C. Bay Windows ...... ...............................
10
D. Garages .......... ...............................
10
E. Roof ............. ...............................
11
F. Chimneys ......... ...............................
12
G. Porches .......... ...............................
12
H. Stairs ............ ...............................
13
I. Fences ........... ...............................
13
VII.
SURFACE TREATMENT AND ORNAMENTATION ............
14
A. Surface Treatment .. ...............................
14
B. Ornamentation ..... ...............................
14
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
VIII. LANDSCAPING ....... ............................... 15
IX. EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER - DEFINING FEATURES ......... 15
X. BIBLIOGRAPHY ....... ............................... 16
X1. GLOSSARY .......... ............................... 18
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
IX. EXAMPLES OF CHARACTER - DEFINING FEATURES
136 Creffieid Heights
Roof: Clay pantiles, shape, pitch, variety of levels
Walls: Large plaing areas, stucco, texture of stucco
Chimney: Tapering shape, stucco to match walls
Windows: Wood, double -hung, slightly recessed, simple sill and moldings,
proportions of height to width, grouping /placement
Massing: Tree - dimensional appearance of house in several sections of
varying, shapes, and contrast with chimney
Entrance: (not visible in photo)
Height: One -story front, second story set back
Relation to Site: Far back from street and from side lot lines
NOTE: Rear is probably an addition (different windows, roof material, no variety in
massing)
Example - 136 Creffield Heights
1
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
415 University
Roof: Partly gabled and partly truncated pyramid
Windows: Wood, tall and narrow proportions, double -hung, plain board
surrounds, sills with embossed near - brackets
Massing: Picturesque tree- dimensional massing: L- shaped plan, roof partly
gabled, partly truncated pyramid, projecting porch
Surface: Surface treatment variety: Hexagonal shingles on gable -end,
wide rustic on main house body, vertical tongue -and groove
base, decorative motif over facade window pair
Porch: Size and proportions, roof independent of main one and nearly
flat, spindle -work frieze, multi- notched square posts with
chamfered tops and cutwork brackets
Gable end: Pent roof at bottom, molded eaves with simple bargeboard, apex
ornament, hexagonal shingles
Example - 415 University
8
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
240 Johnson
Roof: Very low pitch, gable end to front, slightly projecting rafters,
overhanging eaves
Gable vents: Vertical decoration at apex of gables
Windows: Wood, double -hung (mostly), facade ones with short upper sash
and nearly square proportions, side ones with each sash nearly
square, plain board surrounds and simple sills
Siding: Wide rustic
Height: One short story without basement
Example - 240 Johnson
3
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
29 Broadway
Roof: Shape, pitches, fine - grained surface texture
Windows: Wood, double -hung, segmental arch top
Front bay window: Location on facade, flat roof below main roof and its cornice,
three sides and their angles to each other, long and narrow
window proportions, two windows on face, colonettes between
windows, moldings, paneling, cornice
Side bay window: Location, shape, relation to roof, window proportion and trim
Porch: Inset in corner of main building volume, simple posts with cut
corners (chamfered), lintel shape, size, proportions
Siding: Wood, wide channel rustic
Height: One tall story over high basement
Relation to Site: Set well back on lot and in from lot sides, detached garage at
rear, driveway at right, bulkhead wall at sidewalk
Example - 29 Broadway
F1
LOS GATOS DRAFT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
303 University
Roof: Shape, pitch,overhand,projecting rafters, knee braces, fine -
grained materials
Windows: Wood, double -hung, wide and plain board surrounds with top
board extended, proportions different on front from sides,short
upper sash in front
Porch: Inset under attic, floor, railings and their nature, side openings,
height and depths, symmetry
Porch Columns: Shape, pairing, detailing capitals, bases, relation to front porch
wall
Facade org.: Symmetry, entry at center, sidelights (narrow windows) flanking
each opening
Siding: Wood, wide clapboards (overlapping, slightly slanted)
Height: One - and -one half- stories
Relation to Site: Front and side setbacks, main floor height above ground, stone
wall at sidewalk, detached garage at rear driveway at left
Special Features: Attic window ensemble with center one taller, simply balustraded
balcony with knee braces
Example - 303 University
5
•�
DESIGN GUIDELINES
FOR
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT COMMERCIAL ZONE
JAI
LOS GATOS
Prepared By
Architectural Resources Group
Architects and Planners
San Francisco, California
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction /Purpose of the Guidelines ...
...............................
How To Use the Guidelines ..........
1
...............................
General Principles ................
1
...............................
All Buildings ...............
2
...............................
Existing Buildings ...........
2
...............................
New Buildings ............. ...............................
2
3
Building Types ................
...............................
Building Type I - One Story Buildings ..............................
3 3
Building Type I -A - One Story, Commercial, Single
Business Occupant ..... ...............................
3
Building Type I -B - One Story, Commercial, Multiple
Business Establishments ..
4
Building Type II - Two Story Buildings ..............................
5
Building Type II -A - Two Story, Commercial, Single
Business Occupant ........ .............
5
Building Type II -B - Two Story, Commercial, Multiple
Business Establishments
6
Historic Building Styles ............. ...............................
7
ArtDeco ................ ...............................
7
Mission /Mediterranean Revival ... ...............................
g
Neoclassical and Related Styles . ...............................
g
Mother Goose /Hansel and Gretel ...............................
.
10
Victorian Styles ............ ...............................
11
Building Element Guidelines ......... ...............................
12
Roof Form /Parapet Walls ......... .... .......................
12
Exposed Side and Rear Walls ... ...............................
12
Facade Materials ........... ...............................
13
PaintColors .............. ...............................
14
Storefronts and Display Windows . ...............................
15
Upper Facade ............ ........... ...........:........
15
Security Grilles ............ ...............................
16
Mechanical Equipment ....... ...............................
17
Balconies ............... ...............................
17
Appendix A - Glossary of Term Used .. ...............................
. 16
Appendix B - Bibliography .......... ...............................
22
Introduction /Purpose of the Guidelines
The Town of Los Gatos has developed its own unique character, and much of it is defined by the downtown
commercial area's uniform scale, massing, types of buildings, and very strong pedestrian orientation.
The following guidelines have been developed to help guide potential alteration and construction in the
downtown commercial area. They include recommendations that relate to 1) modifications and /or additions
to existing buildings, and 2) construction of new buildings. The thrust of these guidelines is to maintain and
build upon the existing character of Los Gatos, which is known for its architecture, pedestrian scale and
cohesiveness. Any changes to buildings or new structures should work with and reinforce this character.
How To Use the Guidelines
1. If you have an existing building that you are proposing to modify, study the original architectural
details found on the exterior. Look for the original materials that haven't been covered over or
removed through the years. What building elements have changed since the building was originally
constructed? What do you want to change?
2. If you are proposing to build a new structure in the downtown area, look at the surrounding
buildings near your site and design a building that will fit in with its neighbors.
3. Familiarize yourself with the basic concepts in the following sections. These recommendations are
designed to make your building as commercially attractive as possible within the overall context of
the downtown area.
4. If you are working with an existing building and need to phase your work, you might approach the
renovations in this order: 1) basic maintenance, 2) organizing signage, 3) patching and painting the
building, 4) storefront and display window alterations, and 5) changes to the entry.
5. If you have an existing building, find your building type in the Building Type section which includes
suggestions on how to take advantage of the size and shape of your building so that proposed
changes will not only benefit your business, but will benefit the area as well.
6. Then, find the style of your building in the Building Style section which includes suggestions on how
to take advantage of the ornamentation and stylistic features so that proposed changes will work
with the overall building design.
7. If you are building a new structure, first use the Building Type section to identify nearby buildings
and then use the Building Style section for ideas on styles that are compatible with the Los Gatos
downtown area. These two sections should help you in designing a new structure that will fit in with
its neighboring buildings and with the downtown area as a whole.
8. For both new and existing buildings read through the Building Elements Guidelines which include
the most specific recommendations for individual renovations and new construction.
L17 \reports \central 1
General Principles
All Buildinas
Study the Town's Building Code and Zoning Ordinance requirements and the Town's development
policies to determine such issues as: building size and height, allowable lot coverage, number of
stories, etc. so your design will be approved or to assure approval in a timely fashion. Chapter 4-
56 of the Town of Los Gatos Zoning Ordinance establishes the Town's zoning regulations for the
C -2 (Central Business District Commercial) Zone. Chapter 5 -20 establishes the rules for zoning
approvals. The Town's policies are set forth in the Downtown Specific Plan. In addition, the Building
Department has its own requirements.
• Comply with the State and Town requirements for handicapped access.
• Incorporate the Town's requirements for solar access.
• Fire sprinkler valves, electrical transformers and other roof - mounted mechanical equipment should
be shown on plans. Any roof mounted equipment should be appropriately screened from pedestrian
view.
• Your design should be a clean, clearly coordinated building which can act as a large inviting sign.
A disjointed collection of shop designs, building masses, and roof forms will compete for the
customer's attention and minimize the impact of the businesses on the street.
• Provide uncluttered, distinctive signs which target pedestrian as well as vehicular traffic. Design the
signs to work together to present a clear image. See the Town's Sign Ordinance for additional
information.
• Awnings, signage, accent paint, and window displays can be changed regularly and kept modern.
Existing Buildings
• Study your building. The downtown area is filled with diverse and interesting buildings. To make
the area look its best to potential customers, each building should present a distinct character which
is complimentary to its style and type.
• Consider maintenance first. Are the windows clean? Does the building need paint? Is the sign
intact and hanging level? Are the displays fresh and unfaded? Is debris allowed to collect on the
sidewalk or entry?
• Look at the building as a whole. Try to organize other businesses in the building to coordinate
improvements such as awnings and signs.
• Don't make "permanent" changes to a building that are too trendy. Major changes, such as entirely
new storefronts are expensive to replace when they are no longer in style.
• Do not try too hard to attract customers. Extremes in paint color or signage could be considered
'eye- catching ", but too many people (customers included) consider them eyesores and think that
they detract from the quality of the entire shopping district.
New Buildings
The downtown area is filled with many diverse and interesting buildings. Determine the styles and
building types immediately adjacent to your site and in the surrounding area. Design your building
to fit in with these.
L37\reports \central
Don't make extreme design decisions. In a few years you may regret what will become an out of
date "fashion statement ". Major elements or changes of parapet or building style are more
expensive to replace when they are no longer in vogue.
Building Types
It is important to categorize each building as carefully as possible so that maintenance and remodeling will
be in keeping with this character. The commercial buildings in Los Gatos have been grouped into several
different types, based on their construction and uses, and are defined and illustrated below. Further
recommendations for improvements are made for each type of building based on these characteristics.
L]] \reports \central
Building Tvoe I - One Story Buildings
Building Type I -A - One Story, Commercial, Single Business Occupant
Characteristics: These buildings may have a combination of the following: typical commercial storefront;
large parapet area and /or integrated permanent canopy; transom windows; decorative tile storefront base;
awnings. Parapet area may be used for signage or have a sign band; most parapets are level but some be
stepped, curved or peaked. Some corner buildings may fall into this type.
Recommended:
Integrating a sign into the parapet area or
sign band above the storefront.
If a single business occupies more than one
building, the design of each building should
be coordinated with the other. Each building
should read as an individual building but be in
harmony with each other.
Signs painted on windows for pedestrian
view.
L l'/ \reports \centrel
Not Permitted:
Roof signs.
Large projecting signs.
Discouraaed:
Signs obscuring trim or windows (including
transom windows).
Building Type I -B - One Storv, Commercial Multiple Business Establishments
Characteristics: These buildings have two or more typical storefronts, some or all with transom windows
and /or decorative bases. In most cases they maintain the rhythm of the streetwall and contribute to the
pedestrian environment. Some are equipped with integrated permanent canopies, others have cloth
awnings. Many use the parapet area for signage. Generally, they are similar to Building Type IA. Some
corner buildings may fall into this category.
Recommended:
Integrating signs into the parapet area or sign
band above the storefront.
Signs painted on windows for pedestrian
view.
Coordinating the overall design between
individual shop owners. Items which should
be coordinated include:
Wall and trim color
Awning or canopy shape, size and
location.
Sign size and location.
L37\reports \central
Not Permitted:
Roof Signs
Large projecting signs.
Discouraged:
Signs obscuring trim or windows (Including
transom windows).
Painting different businesses strikingly
different colors.
Building Type 11 - Two Story Buildings
Building Type II -A - Two Story, Commercial Single Business Occupant
Characteristics: These buildings have typical commercial storefronts with display area on the ground floor.
The upper floors generally have small operable windows; many buildings have double hung wood sash
windows on the second floor. Many buildings have cornices both at the roof and above the storefront,
others have small tile roofs instead of cornices. A number of Type II -A buildings in Los Gatos have paired
bays at the second floor, or a single square or curved bay. Most buildings have an exterior entrance to the
second floor from the front, but a few have exterior side stairs. Generally, this type of building has more
architectural detail such as cornices, relief panels, window frames and sash, etc., than the single story Type
I
Recommended:
Ground floor and upper stories should be
compatible in materials and style, including
the piers framing the storefront.
Highlighting the architectural detailing with
paint.
Windows on the second and third floors with
consistent framing, trim and sash. Upper
floor windows should continue to be different
than ground floor windows.
Treating the entrance door to the upper floors
in a similar way to the storefront; use the
same colors and materials as well as awning
treatments.
L17 \reports \central
Discouraged:
Replacing original windows with those of
different materials, such as replacing wood
double hung windows with sliding windows of
unpainted aluminum.
Mixing windows of different materials such as
wood and aluminum.
Buildina Type II -B - Two Story, Commercial Multiple Business Establishments
Characteristics: These buildings are two or more story buildings with two or more retail storefronts. The
second floor is often articulated with a series of bay windows. The second floor typically has operable
double hung windows.
Recommended:
Ground floor and upper stories should be
compatible in materials and style, including
the building piers framing the storefront.
Highlighting the architectural detailing with
paint.
Windows on the second floor with consistent
framing, trim and sash.
Awnings on the upper story as well as at
ground floor.
Treating the entrance door to the upper floors
in a similar way to the storefronts; use the
same colors and materials as well as awning
treatments.
Coordinating the wall and trim colors between
all storefronts, for example, using a consistent
wall color and coordinated trim colors for
each storefront.
Historic Building Styles
Discouraged:
Replacing original windows with those of
different materials, such as replacing wood
double hung windows with sliding windows of
bare aluminum.
Mixing windows of different materials, such as
aluminum and wood.
Each building has both a style and a type (example: Mediterranean Revival one story commercial building
with single occupant). In considering the style, it is important to examine the building very carefully. No
historic building perfectly represents a single style; but usually has elements of several styles, and some
elements of no particular style at all. Even so, each building is designed as a consistent whole. This historic
mixture of design elements, both in the individual buildings and overall commercial area, gives the Town its
historic atmosphere, an important factor in its commercial success.
Lll \reports \central
Art Deco
Period of Initial Construction: 1920 -1950
Characteristics: Simple, plain wall surfaces, covered with smooth concrete or stucco, accented by smooth,
shiny materials such as tile, structural glass or glass block. Parapet top straight or stepped. Decoration is
minimal, sometimes streamlined with horizontal lines, or stylized low relief, consisting of geometric patterns
such as chevrons, zigzags or stylized floral motifs.
Examples: 137 -147 North Santa Cruz Avenue and 11 University Avenue.
Recommended: Discouraged:
Preserving original surface materials by
regular maintenance and repairs.
Removing wherever possible, inappropriate
materials and elements which may have been
added in earlier remodeling.
Retaining character - defining materials such as
glass block, glazed ceramic tile and structural
glass panels.
Highlighting ornamentation by painting in
lightly contrasting colors.
L17 \reports \central
Covering stucco wall surfaces with
inappropriate materials, such as stone or vinyl
siding.
Replacing original windows with aluminum or
vinyl windows.
Removing or covering over historic materials.
Mission /Mediterranean Revival
Period of Initial Construction: 1900 -1950
Characteristics: Wall flat surfaced, covered in smooth or textured stucco, occasionally in brick, brick trim
or simulated adobe. Roofs in some cases have real or imitation clay pantiles, often expressed just at the
top of the parapet. Added pent roofs, covered with clay tiles, may be found. Parapet may be level, or
curvilinear with one starshaped window or vent in center. Decoration is derived from Spanish Baroque
sources, and may include arches, appliques or cartouches or colored tiles, canales, or polychrome tile
accents.
Examples: 23 and 147 West Main Street; 24 and 112 North Santa Cruz Avenue
Recommended
Preserving original surface materials by
regular maintenance and repairs, especially
fragile wood window elements.
Preserving clay tile roofs or decorative
elements.
Painting imitation clay tiles in terra cotta
color.
Replacing, wherever possible, inappropriate
materials and elements which may have been
added in earlier remodeling, with compatible
materials such as ceramic tile for storefront
bases.
Matching original stucco surface texture when
patching or repairing.
L17 \reports \central
Discouraged:
Covering stucco wall surfaces with
inappropriate materials, such as stone or vinyl
siding.
Removing original clay tiles.
Painting over unpainted materials such as
ceramic or glazed tile.
Replacing original windows with aluminum or
vinyl windows.
Neoclassical and Related Styles:
Period of Initial Construction: 1895 -1930
Characteristics: Walls have smooth surfaces of stucco, wood, brick, or imitation stone. Parapet has a
pronounced ornamental cornice, often with modillion blocks, dentils, egg - and -dart or other classically -
derived moldings. Facade composition tends to be symmetrical. Decoration is in the form of moldings,
panels, columns, pilasters, cartouches, etc. and is derived from classical Greek or Roman sources via the
Renaissance, Georgian Colonial or French Baroque.
Examples: 20 and 140 North Santa Cruz Avenue;
Recommended:
Repairing or replacing in kind missing or
deteriorated decorative elements, such as
cast plaster or pressed metal ornamentation.
Where original decorative elements are
completely lost, installing new decorative
elements based upon historical photographs,
drawings, and physical scars on the building.
Maintaining and repairing original wood
windows.
Removing inappropriate materials and
elements which may have been added in
earlier remodeling.
L17 \reports \central 10
11 East Main Street; 14 and 160 West Main Street
Discouraged:
Removing deteriorated decorative elements.
Creating a false historical appearance by
adding decorative elements which are not
based on historical evidence.
Replacing original windows with inappropriate
windows.
Mother Goose /Hansel and Gretel
Period of Initial Construction in Los Gatos: 1945 -1950
Characteristics: Similar to certain 1920s buildings in Berkeley and Carmel. Miniaturized buildings
deliberately designed for a quaint, fairy tale effect, each one unique. Wall materials are often half- timbering,
brick and /or stone. Window and door openings are small in proportion to wall solids, and often subdivided
into small panes. Massing is picturesque with many insets and projections, distinctly non - horizontal upper
lines. Roof pointed, often extremely so and without parapet or cornice.
Examples: 330, 336, 340, and 350 North Santa Cruz; 120 West Main Street (probably remodeled into this
mode).
Recommended:
Maintaining the existing examples.
Designing paint schemes to harmonize with
the building's character and materials.
Carefully maintaining and repairing unique,
character - defining features.
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Discouraged:
Replicating this rare and individualistic style
Painting over unpainted materials, such as
clinker bricks.
Removing character - defining features such as
windows or half- timber boards.
Making additions to the structure that would
change the massing visible from the public
right -of -way.
Victorian Styles
Period of Initial Construction: Pre -1900
Characteristics: Victorian commercial buildings were constructed of wood, stone or brick, and had a tall,
vertical emphasis. Typical Victorian commercial buildings had plain walls except for window surrounds and
decorative bracketed cornices, and horizontal wood siding or brick surfaces. They had tall parapets, either
flat or with a raised center portion. Original ground floors had tall shop windows with transom windows,
frequently supported by ornamental cast -iron columns.
Los Gatos has few surviving 19th century commercial buildings, and many different styles succeeded each
other rapidly in the 19th century. Therefore, each building should be considered unique. Any future design
changes should be dictated by the specific building, physical evidence of its original fabric and historic
photographs.
Examples: 25, 78, and 88 West Main Street; 1 -17 and 115 North Santa Cruz Avenue.
37, 39-41, 43, 45, East Main Street were demolished and 27 -35 East Main Street was partially demolished
following the 1989 earthquake. 27 -35 and 43-45 East Main Street replicated the original buildings.
Recommended
Tying together masonry walls, floors, ceilings
and roofs.
Keeping, repairing or replicating historic
wooden windows.
Cleaning masonry by the most gentle means
possible.
Repointing masonry only where necessary,
and then with mortar of similar composition,
consistency, profile and color of the original.
Replicating lost original decoration orfeatures
known from historic photographs.
Discouraced:
Building "new Victorians ".
Replacing all windows.
Sandblasting or other abrasive cleaning.
Replacing all masonry joints.
Adding new Victorian - appearing decoration to
any building without specific historic
justification for that building.
Facade Materials: Stucco, brick, block, tile, and terra cotta are commonly found in Los Gatos and are
recommended materials to use. All storefront walls in existing buildings should be compatible with the
existing upper stories or parapet walls.
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Recommended:
Using the same wall material (s) from the base
of the building to the roof.
Using the same wall material(s) the entire
width of a building.
Retaining and repairing the original facade
materials.
Removing non - historic materials which cover
the original facade finish whenever possible.
Removing obsolete piping, wiring, bolts, and
hardware.
Retaining brick surfaces.
Carefully cleaning historic masonry surfaces
using the gentlest means possible.
Discouraged:
Covering over an existing historic or original
wall material with a new material that does
not relate to the original; for example,
covering over glazed tile with artificial stone.
Mirrored surfaces.
Aluminum or vinyl siding which represents
wood siding.
"Perms- stone" or similar artificial stone
materials.
Exposing bricks historically intended to be
stuccoed or plastered.
Sandblasting historic masonry surfaces
Paint Colors: Paint colors of upper and lower stories should be coordinated; paint colors of adjoining
storefronts should also be coordinated. One way to coordinate colors is to think about painted surfaces in
terms of wall, trim, and accent colors. It is usually best to keep all wall surfaces the same color and choose
a contrasting trim color for the cornices, window surrounds, door surrounds, sign brackets, and so on. The
trim color can be used for doors, window sash, and decorative panels; but these items are appropriate for
a stronger contrasting accent color ff desired.
Generally, it is best to paint the large wall surfaces of the building a light color as it will fade the least. Use
one, two, or at the most three accent colors to paint the building trim, cornice, awnings, etc. Save the
brightest colors, in very small amounts, to highlight some of the details on the building or to call attention
to the entry doors.
Paint colors suggested for building body colors include creams, tans, grays, putties, light gray- greens and
light gray - blues, etc.
Paint colors for accent trim colors include white and off- whites, as well as medium -tone grays, blues, greens,
light browns, forest green, cobalt blue, wine red, and olive green. Paint colors to be used only to highlight
small areas of the building include reds, maroons, deep blues, golds, rusts, brick reds, black, forest green,
cobalt blue, wine red, and olive green.
Recommended:
Carefully preparing surfaces to be painted;
including, but not limited to: scraping,
caulking, priming of surfaces.
Painting all wall material the same color on all
sides of the building where exposed.
Painting the building elements that frame the
storefront(s) such as piers and parapet walls,
in a single color scheme for the whole
building.
'Painting out' inappropriate wall veneers, as
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Discouraged:
Painting over previously original brick.
Painting over previously unpainted materials
such as stone, tile, or terra cotta.
Painting walls and trim fluorescent "day -glow"
or "neon" colors.
Painting walls pure primary or secondary
well as inappropriately applied trim elements,
utilities and downspouts, until these elements
can be removed.
Choosing a wall color that matches, blends
with, or otherwise complements any
unpainted wall surface which will remain.
Using different, but similar, trim colors
surrounding display windows.
L17 \1eports \..nttet 14
colors (fire engine red, royal blue, primrose
yellow, orange, purple or kelly green).
Creating an imaginary building line in the
center of a building by painting adjoining
businesses different colors.
Painting larger accent elements, such as
doors or window inset panels with fluorescent
colors.
Storefronts and Displav Windows: Retail display windows are highly recommended to encourage pedestrian
traffic. Retail windows should occur along 75% of the street frontage width of a building, exclusive of doors.
Display windows should be placed at pedestrian eye level along all ground floor retail space immediately
adjacent to the sidewalk. Secondary facades, facing a side street on a corner building, can have a reduced
linear footage of approximately 25 °� minimum for display windows. The majority of the secondary facade
display windows should be located near the corner of the primary facade, but it is best to provide an even
rhythm of fenestration if possible. The 25% minimum figure is intended to be flexible; R can be decreased
slightly to account for the nature of the side street. In many cases, it is to the building owner's or tenant's
advantage to provide much more display area than required.
Recommended:
Keep the storefront in its historic relationship
to the main wall plane of the building.
Make display windows as tall as possible to
suit the use of the space. Eighteen -inch high
window sill heights and 8-foot window head
heights are optimum, but such uses as
jewelry stores may require a higher sill and
lower head height. Some stores may be able
to take advantage of glass going nearly to the
floor, such as clothing stores.
Fixed, clear glass for display windows.
Retaining any existing original storefront that
is in good condition or repairable.
Window and door materials that are
compatible with original building materials. In
certain instances anodized or painted metal
may be substituted for wood if it is similar in
profile and thickness.
Traditional base materials beneath the display
windows, but possibly set in from the plane of
the walls; 3 -inch to 4 -inch tiles, terra cotta,
metal or wood panels.
Retaining and restoring historic transom
windows.
L17 \reports \central 15
Discouraaed:
Cutting into the original wall fabric of the main
building in order to enlarge the storefront or
to recess the storefront behind new open
space.
Small scale residential windows on the
ground floor where the window sill is higher
than 4 feet above the ground.
Operable windows on the ground floor,
except at transom windows.
Residential type shutters on the ground floor.
Mirror glass, flashed glass, or dark tinted
glass except as an accent element, such as in
a transom area.
Filling in display windows entirely with glass
block in lieu of clear glass.
Removing or covering over historic transom
windows.
Mechanical Equipment: Permanently mounted equipment, including roof - mounted heaters and widow
mounted air - conditioners should be hidden from the street. Equipment can be hidden behind parapet walls,
behind awnings or canopies, or by decorative grilles. Many stores have had air- conditioning units installed
in the transom window area above the main door into the store.
Recommended:
Hiding roof mounted mechanical equipment
behind screens or lowers.
Hiding air conditioning units mounted on
transoms above doors or windows behind
awnings or relocating them to less noticeable
locations.
Discouraged:
Exposing mechanical equipment on any part
of the building seen by pedestrians.
Adding window mounted air conditioning
units without screening them.
Balconies: Balconies should be designed to reflect the historic character of the building.
Recommended:
Maintaining existing balconies.
Installing new balconies to replace balconies
which may have been previously removed,
designed after historical evidence.
L17\reports \central 16
Discouraged:
Installing new balconies with stylistically
inappropriate design.
Anodized
Baluster
Balustrade
Bay
Bay Window
Bow Window
Bracket
Canales
Capital
Cartouche
Casement
Clapboard
Classical
Clinker Brick
Cornice
Craftsman
Dentil
Detail
Double Hung
Window
L17 \reports \central
Appendix A
Glossary of Terms Used
A finish used on aluminum that is bonded electrically with the surface of the
aluminum.
A vase shaped, short vertical member, often circular in section, supporting a railing
or capping.
A railing or parapet consisting of a handrail on balusters, sometimes on a base
member and sometimes interrupted by piers.
(t) The space between frame center lines or primary supporting members along
the length of the building. (2) A regularly repeated main division of a building
design.
A group of windows projecting outward from an outside wall
A window projecting outward from a room in a circular or arc plan.
A projecting support placed under an architectural overhang such as a cornice;
often ornate and popular on Victorian buildings. Brackets are similar to a modillion
block but usually extend vertically farther down the wall.
Decorative rainwater spouts, projecting from the face of a building wall near the roof.
Frequently used in Mission or Spanish Colonial Revival buildings.
The top part or head of a column. See "Orders" in Glossary.
An ornamental tablet or shield, framed with elaborate scroll -like decoration.
A window sash that swings open along its entire length; usually hinged on the side
of the wall opening.
A long narrow board with one edge thicker than the other, overlapped horizontally
to cover the outer walls of a frame structure.
Architectural design and detailing based on Roman and Greek models, usually
including a use of the classical orders. See "Orders" in Glossary.
A type of brick, used frequently in the teens and twenties, with a warped, uneven
surface. Typically, cinker bricks had a very hard fused surface, with a dark color.
In classical architecture the upper, projecting section of an entablature; also, a
projecting ornamental moulding along the top of a building or wall.
A style of architecture from the turn of this century based on the romantic
glorification of the construction of handmade objects.
A small, projecting rectangular block which forms part of a moulding or cornice.
An element of a building such as trim, moldings, other ornament or decorative
features.
A window with two sashes, one above the other, arranged to slide vertically past
each other
Eaves
The projecting overhang at the lower edge of a roof.
Entablature
The horizontal portion of a classical order above the column capitals.
Existing Building
A structure currently occupying a lot or site. It may or may not be proposed for
additions and modifications.
Fabric (of building)
All of the materials of the building in the as -built form.
Facade
The whole front or face of a building.
Fascia, Fascia Board
A flat member or band on the surface of a building, or on the edge of the exposed
eave of a building.
Fenestration
Referring to the windows in a building.
Flash Glass
Decorative glass with variations in color and thickness used as decorative glazing
above or surrounding a clear window light.
Frieze
A decorative band at the top of a wall.
Gable
The triangular wall segments at the end of a double pitch or gable roof.
Half Timbering
In 20th century buildings, an external imitation of the late medieval construction
technique of using heavy vertical, horizontal and diagonal timbers and filling in the
spaces between with plaster.
Mansard
A roof form with steeply inclined face and flattened roof top, often permitting the
combination of roof and extra story.
Masonry
Anything constructed of shaped or molded units, usually of stone, brick, cement,
concrete, or similar materials.
Massing
The three - dimensional shape of a building.
Modillion Block
A projecting support placed under an architectural overhang, such as a cornice;
similar to a bracket but usually shaped like a rectangular block laid horizontally.
Mullion
The thin vertical bars which divide lights in a window or panels in a door.
New Building
A structure constructed to replace a vacant lot or an existing building.
Orders
Systems of proportion based on the column as a unit of size and style. Orders were
first used in architecture by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Ornament
A decorative element or embellished piece of trim.
Pantile
Clay roofing tile, usually in interlocking curved or S- shaped units.
Parapet
The protective railing or low wall along the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge, or
terrace.
Pediment
A triangular member resembling a gable, crowning the front of a structure or over
doors and windows, usually low in height compared with the width of its base.
Pent Roof
An element, resembling a portion of a sloping roof, which projects from the face of
a wall.
Picturesque
Interesting asymmetrical variety of forms and textures on a single building.,
LlJ \reports \central
Pier (1) Vertical structural support of roof or upper flop +(; (2) The vertical portion of
the wall which frames a storefront.
Pilaster A column -like vertical decorative element usually attached to and projecting from
the building's walls; often rectangular in section, it usually has a capital and often
a base.
Polychrome The use of several colors.
Rehabilitation Returning a deteriorated building, material or feature to functional condition.
Restoration The process of accurately returning a building, material or feature to its condition
at a specific point in time.
Ribbon Windows A continuous horizontal band of windows uninterrupted by vertical structural wail
supports.
Sash The framework which holds the glass in a door or window.
Scale Harmonious relationship of parts to one another and to the human figure.
Structural Glass Opaque, pigmented glass, usually used for wall surfacing.
Stucco An exterior finish, usually textured, composed of portland cement, lime, and sand,
mixed with water.
Transom Window Window(s), usually small, directly above a door or another window. Historic
storefronts typically have a row of transom windows above the display windows.
Vernacular The common building style of a place or period.
Victorian Buildings of a style similar to those constructed during Queen Victoria's reign (1837-
1901); during this period many different styles were developed, such as Italianate,
Stick, and Queen Anne.
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Appendix B
Bibliography
Bennet, Mardi. Images of Long Ago. Los Gatos, CA: Marben Assoc., 1987
Blumenson, John J.G. Identifying American Architecture, A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms, 1600-
1945. Nashville, TN: American Association for State and Local History, 1972.
Bruntz, George C. History of Los Gatos. Santa Cruz: Western Tanager Press (Valley Publishers), 1983.
Gebhard, David, at al. A Guide to Architecture in San Francisco and Northern California. Salt Lake City:
Perigrine - Smith, Books, Inc., 1985.
Harris, Cyril M., ed. Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1977
Jandl, H. Ward. Preservation Briefs 11: Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts. Washington, D.C.: U.S.G.P.O.,
1982.
Mack, Robert C., AIA. Preservation Briefs 1: The Cleaning and Waterproof Coating of Masonry Buildings,
Washington, D.C.: U.S.G. P.O. 1975.
de Teel Patterson Tiller, and James S. Askins. Preservation Briefs 2: Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic
Brick Buildings. Washington, D.C.: U.S.G.P.O., 1980
Myers, John H. Preservation Briefs 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows. Washington, D.C.:
U.S.G.P.O., 1981.
National Park Service and National Trust for Historic Preservation. Respectful Rehabilitation: Answers to
Your Questions on Historic Buildings. Washington, D.C.: The Preservation Press, 1982.
Park, Sharon C., AIA. Preservation Briefs 16: The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors.
Washington, D.C.: U.S.G.P.O., 1988.
Poppeliers, John, S. Alien Chambers and Nancy B. Schwartz. What Style Is It? Washington, D.C.: The
Preservation Press, 1978.
Prentice, Helaine Kaplan, and Biaire Prentice. Rehab Right. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press and City of
Oakland Planning Dept., 1986.
Preservation Briefs 12: The Preservation of Historic Pigmented Structural Glass. Washington, D.C.:
U.S.G.P.O., 1984.
Rffkind, Carole. A Field Guide to American Architecture. New York: New American Library, 1980
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