
APPENDIX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Many buildings have lighting fixtures located on the ceiling of the front porch or adjacent to the doorway. Many of these light fixtures are original, especially those on homes built after 1920. All historic exterior lighting should continue to be utilized and rewired when necessary.
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The introduction of modern fixtures to replace original lighting should be avoided. Historic fixtures are often decorative and add to the appearance of a structure. The use of imitation "colonial" lighting is not appropriate and should be avoided. In yards, small footlights along walkways are preferable to gas or electric pole fixtures. The overall approach to lighting is to keep it as simple and unobtrusive as possible.
LANDSCAPING
Landscaping elements in the East Row Historic District consist primarily of shade trees such as oaks and maples planted in front yards or in the median strip between the sidewalk and the street. Many blocks have relatively few shade trees due to the small size of front yards and hedges and bushes are the primary components of landscaping features of many yards. The trees which exist in the East Row area are valuable for their shade and appearance and excessive pruning or "topping" should not occur. Trees which exceed two inches in caliper are also protected under local ordinance and actions beyond minor pruning require prior approval.
The majority of residences have grass lawns bisected by concrete pavement or brick or stone pavers. Parking lots in the East Row area are relatively few and most have minimal landscaping. New parking lots introduced into the area should have sufficient landscaping components to provide screening of vehicles and soften the visual impact of large expanses of asphalt.
See fencing guidelines for guidelines regarding retaining walls.
LANDSCAPING GUIDELINES -- RECOMMENDATIONS
- Parking lots introduced into the East Row area shall be screened by shrubbery. Shrubbery should be at least 3 feet in height and be adequately "greened out" in the first year.
- Existing trees should be pruned as necessary and retained. Excessive pruning or topping out should not occur and residents are required to follow ordinance provisions for tree protection. The planting of new trees to replace dead or diseased trees is recommended.
- Plant materials shall be native to Northern Kentucky or be compatible with climate requirements.
OUTBUILDINGS
Newport residences in the late 19th century had a variety of outbuildings located on the rear facades or adjacent to alleys. The majority of these were stables, storage sheds, servant's quarters or privies of frame or brick construction. Most of these 19th century outbuildings were later demolished or razed to make way for automobile garages in the early 20th century. Many of these garages were built of frame although the use of hollow core concrete blocks was also popular.
Brick and frame outbuildings which pre-date 1910 are rare and every effort should be made for their preservation. These outbuildings contribute to our understanding of the East Row Historic District's historical and architectural development and their retention is important. For automobile garages, sheds and other outbuildings erected after 1910, residents are encouraged to maintain and repair these structures rather than replace them with modern buildings.
Brick and hollow core concrete block outbuildings should last many years if properly maintained. Frame outbuildings from this period often display deterioration of exterior siding, roofs and foundation. If less than 50% of exterior siding requires replacement on an outbuilding repairs should be completed. If the percentage of exterior siding requiring repair exceeds 50% demolition may be appropriate.
Replacement of outbuildings should be of frame construction. Simple clapboard siding, gable roofs, and multi-light sash windows are encouraged for new outbuildings. New brick or metal outbuildings are also acceptable as long as they are located out of sight lines at the rear of the structure or along rear alleys.
OUTBUILDING GUIDELINES -- RECOMMENDATIONS
- Pre-1910 outbuildings should be preserved and maintained following the general guidelines applicable to residences in the district.
- Many garages built in the early 20th century contribute to the character of the neighborhood and should be maintained.
- New outbuildings should be simple in design to compliment and blend with the main residence. Modern brick, metal or frame outbuildings should be located to the rear of the main structure or recessed significantly from the street.