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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 88 <br />For More Information: New Construction <br />New construction—including adding on to historic buildings—is a vital part of a healthy real estate market in the district . Filling in empty lots where buildings once stood or replacing non-historic buildings or historic buildings that cannot be repaired is encouraged when the proposed new designs compliment the district . Additions to historic buildings help meet new uses and additional space enabling the continued use of the structure . <br />Much has been written about best practices when considering a new building in the district or an addition to a historic building . Rather <br />than try to recreate existing advice below are several excellent resources to help inform your decisions . <br />What should design for new construction/additions include? <br />• Involve an architect who has experience working with historic buildings and in historic districts . <br />• Be reviewed by Commission staff at the beginning and during development to solicit feedback with relation the Commission’s guidelines. Be proactive and not wait until plans are completed . <br />• When constructing an addition attach it in a way that if removed the historic building could be restored . <br />• Not demolish a historic building or other character defining features of the site to build a new building or addition. <br />• Reinforce the height, setbacks, and lot coverage . <br />• Have similar opening sizes and placement as found throughout the district . <br />• Compliment architectural designs but not be wholly duplicative . The public should be able to tell if a building is new or historic . <br />• Use materials found throughout the district . <br />• Use colors found throughout the district . <br />Additional resources for residentially designed buildings: <br />• National Park Service <br /> –General guidance on a new addition <br /> –Rear additions to historic houses <br />• Old House Online – Old House Additions <br />Additional resources for commercially designed buildings: <br />• National Park Service <br /> –General guidance on a new addition <br /> –Guidance for a new addition <br /> –Adding a stair tower <br /> –Rooftop Additions <br />The National Main Street Center offers the following on new construction in commercial areas here . <br />Return to the Table of Contents <br />New Construction <br />DRAFT