Aberdeen, North Carolina Design Review Guidelines

Thomason and Associates

From introduction: "The Aberdeen Design Guidelines are intended to assist property owners in the locally designated historic district and owners of historic landmarks when they are planning changes to the exteriors of their properties. The guidelines also assist the Aberdeen Historic Preservation Commission and its staff in determining the appropriateness of proposed changes. Design guidelines do not apply to National Register historic districts... The philosophy of design guidelines is based on an overarching principle of retaining historic fabric to the maximum extent possible. The philosophy prioritizes that materials and finishes be (1) identified, retained, and preserved, (2) protected and maintained, (3) repaired, (4) replaced in kind when too deteriorated to be repaired... Originally designated in 1989, the Aberdeen Historic District consists of a combination of residential, commercial and institutional buildings constituting the historic core of what was initially a crossroads community built along the railroad lines. The period of significance for the Aberdeen Historic District is from 1877, with the establishment of the first rail line, through World War II. Nearly half of the buildings within the district are residential or religious structures. Three distinctive buildings within the historic district were singled out for landmark designation in 1990; the John Blue House, the Aberdeen Hardware Company and the Page Memorial Library. By far the most prevalent residential house form in the district is the Bungalow, but residences in the Queen Anne, Neoclassical Revival and American Foursquare styles are also common. The distinctive character of the Aberdeen Historic District lies not only in its architecture, but also in the special ambiance created by its neighborhood setting and landscape. Canopies of shade tree along the streets, as well as lawns, shrubs and gardens enhance the historical aesthetics. Buildings within the historic district reflect the growth and evolution of Aberdeen, including a response to national trends in architectural preferences. American sensibilities shifted from a desire for ornate, 19th-century Revival styles to styles and forms expressing balance, order, symmetry, and a restrained sense of adornment. With these trends, building owners might alter their exteriors with new materials or features to embrace new ideals. Therefore, alterations in these instances are considered historic in their own right. Together, buildings and landscape features connect contemporary generations with their past, enriching their lives and the quality of life in Aberdeen." Funding for these guidelines was provided in part through a fiscal year 2013 Historic Preservation Fund grant to Aberdeen, North Carolina (project number NC-13-016) administered by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (grant number P13AF00046) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Aberdeen, North Carolina is a Certified Local Government.

Aberdeen, North Carolina Design Review Guidelines

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