§ 410-43.21
Building design
Building design for new buildings shall comply with the standards herein. For reoccupation, renovation, or adaptive reuse of existing buildings, the applicant shall adhere to these standards to the maximum extent practicable and shall maintain consistency with the Conant Thread District Design Guidelines:
- A. General standards for building form.
- (1) Multistory buildings shall clearly articulate the base, middle, and top of the building through the use of cornices, borders of distinct material, or other articulating features on every visible surface of the building.
- (2) In new construction, ground floors shall be a minimum of 12 feet from floor to ceiling to enhance the pedestrian streetscape, regardless of the overall building height. However, the first-floor height of additions may align with the first-floor height of the existing building.
- (3) Buildings over six stories shall have at least one recess line of at least 10 feet somewhere above the third story and below the seventh story. The recess line should relate to the form of any buildings adjacent to or across the street from the building.
- (4) Larger buildings with long facades shall articulate the facade with varied rooflines, distinct signage for multiple tenants, awnings, arcades, pilasters, columns, recessed spaces and/or entrances and any other features that serve to add texture to these longer facades. Unbroken facades in excess of 50 feet shall not be allowed.
- (5) Large, flat, unadorned, blank walls shall not be allowed for any side or rear walls of buildings except where a rear wall is accessible only to service vehicles. Where windows are not feasible, raised or recessed vertical surfaces may be used in conjunction with awnings, window-shaped depressions, and decorative lighting to make these surfaces more attractive.
- (6) Awnings along continuous building lines that are separated shall be distinct from one building to another. Continuous awnings may only be allowed over a maximum of three contiguous storefronts.
- B. Building entranceways.
- (1) All buildings shall have a principal facade and entry (with operable doors) facing a street or other area dedicated to pedestrian circulation. Buildings may have more than one principal facade and/or entry. Primary entrances not facing a street shall open onto sidewalks or other designated pedestrian areas at least 10 feet in width.
- (2) Main entrances shall incorporate architectural features that draw attention to the entrance. These features may include covered porches, distinct sidewalk surfacing, porticos, recessed doorways, and awnings.
Editor's Note: Said guidelines are available in the Pawtucket Department of Planning and Redevelopment.