Ford Avenue Historic District Design Guidelines

Executive Summary: "At the heart of Richmond Hill's history are the places and the buildings built by Henry Ford. Between 1925 and 1947, Henry Ford turned the railroad stop of Ways Station into the town of Richmond Hill. With a passion for community, his investment in Ways Station took root on the ground in the construction of buildings, many of which remain on Ford Avenue. Originally set on gracious lots with few trees, much of the development visible today has 'filled in' what was once a rural landscape set between buildings from the Ford era. The Ford Avenue Historic District Design Guidelines for rehabilitation, new construction, demolition and relocation ensure the preservation of Ford Avenue's historic buildings and its larger historic context while effectively managing growth through compatible alterations. Included here are best practices for rehabilitating Ford-era buildings and ensuring new construction is harmonious with this historic context. Each design standard adopted in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Article 11 Overlay Districts for the Fort Avenue Districts is included within this manual. The manual provides clarification in simple terms, accompanied by illustrations and examples. Further, charts and diagrams have been added to facilitate greater understanding of the design review process and the role the City, the Historic Preservation Commission, and you - the property owners - play in maintaining, preserving, and enhancing the Ford Avenue Historic District. Thank you for reading and for your continued stewardship of Richmond Hill's historic and commercial heart. The Ford Avenue Historic District is an important addition to the efforts of the City of Richmond Hill to promote the welfare and vitality of the city's original commercial area, preserve and identify its historic character for future generations, and provide standards for compatible new development. The overlay district is a zoning classification that has special regulations for the properties within its boundaries. Specifically, this manual exists to guide new construction, material changes in appearance to historic buildings, and the maintenance, neglect, demolition, and relocation of historic buildings. The Ford Avenue Historic District overlay is an addition to the City's base zoning and Gateway Overlay District zoning. When standards conflict, the stricter standard shall govern." Project funding is provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Georgia Historic Preservation Division, Department of Natural Resources, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P19AF00220).

Ford Avenue Historic District Design Guidelines

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