Design Guidelines for Historic Resources and Historic Districts, Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, PA

From the Introduction: "Lower Merion Township's Comprehensive Plan places emphasis on the preservation of historic resources. Preserved buildings and historic districts provide a sense of stability and a tangible connection to Lower Merion Township's past. Materials. forms, and architectural styles employed in buildings tell a great deal about material availability, community economics, and connections to the outside work. This heritage, experienced by residents and visitors, is worthy of preservation. These guidelines are designed to help residents and property owners preserve the character and setting of historic resources and historic districts while ensuring that those resources and historic districts continue to meet the needs of residents, property owners and visitors. New construction, rehabilitation, restoration, and historic building maintenance can be guided to preserve historic resources and historic districts. These guidelines create a path for change that will strengthen and protect local heritage. The Design Guidelines for Lower Merion Township are intended to assist property owners, Historical Commission, and HARB in the protection of the historical character of the township in an informed, cooperative effort. The guidelines provide an analysis of what is special about the historic resources and historic districts in the Township, and offer specific direction for preserving those qualities. To achieve these goals (of minimizing harm to historic fabric and to enhance the historic character of the historic resource or district), the guidelines strive to meet the following objectives: to assist property owners in planning for the acquisition of property, alterations to historic structures, and new buildings and additions in the historic district; to provide property owners and reviewers with the criteria that will be used to evaluate applications; to ensure that reviews of applications are consistent, minimizing the influence of individual tastes and arbitrary preferences; and to augment the 'Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Rehabilitation.' The guidelines highlight the unique historic character of the township and help establish a process for accommodating change over time in a manner that enhances the district, encourages pride, fosters stewardship, increases property values, supports local businesses, and generally improves the quality of life in the community." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P17AF00069).

Design Guidelines for Historic Resources and Historic Districts, Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, PA

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