A GUIDELINE FOR EXTERIOR DISPLAY
Within the St. Charles Missouri Historic District
The South Main Street Historic District of St. Charles is a treasure that dates
back to the late 1700s and has taken countless hours and millions of dollars to
restore to its vibrant state in 2004. Its preserved and restored buildings,
streets and sidewalks provide education, pleasure and profit for visitors,
owners, residents and business people. In an effort to safeguard this wonderful
area, the South Main Preservation Society appointed a committee of residents,
property owners and business owners to examine whether an ordinance might be
presented to the City Council providing legal guidelines to protect South Main
Street.
After many hours of research, examination, reflection and discussion, it was the
consensus of the committee that a better first step would be to provide
voluntary guidelines to assist all who labor to make the street attractive and
make a living on it to know what is appropriate regarding exterior display. The
following is a summary guide, an article of significance by Preservationist
Archie Scott that appeared in the Suburban Journal, and pertinent ordinances
already on the books of the City of St. Charles.
The definition of exterior display includes everything visible to exterior view
by our neighbors, our customers and guests visiting the Historic District. Some
exterior displays may be intentional; example: items selected as decorations (a
door wreath), functional (a bench), or seasonal (Christmas greenery and
ribbons). These should be chosen for appropriateness. Other displays may be
unintentional; example: building materials, lawn mowers, ladders and maintenance
equipment, dead landscaping and landscape material which is not maintained,
weeds and loose trash, permanently parked vehicles, boats and trailers are
examples of an inappropriate display.
What’s the purpose?
Why do we need a guideline, and how do we judge appropriateness?
The purpose is….
To develop a unified spirit of cooperation (door to door and block to block) to
present the best Historic District image to our neighbors and visitors. We want
to develop a unified practice of cleaning and maintaining all the exterior
spaces that are open to the view of others, and to present an attractive image.
To present a clean and uncluttered Historic District in keeping with the
historic period that is a valuable attraction to visitors and shoppers. To
present a memorable and positive image that will lure each visitor to return,
and speak well of our “St. Charles Historic District.”
To protect the status and value of our unique district as an attraction. To
protect the huge investment of our labor and money spent to save and restore the
architectural assets that make the district attractive.
To cooperate in a helpful spirit among ourselves to continue to enhance the
Historic district. To cooperate by joining the initiative to self-police the
exteriors of our individual properties. To cooperate by learning and employing
the “19th Century Test” for appropriateness.
Who will judge the appropriateness?
The unified district neighborhood should be the judge.
The 19th Century Test is a simple method of judging appropriateness for exterior
display. The 19th Century Test (1800-1899) allows a generous array of choices
for benches, planters, colors, materials, decorations and themes that are
appropriate for our Historic District. The 19th Century Test would limit, among
other things, some lighting, some fencing and seating, etc. One simple example
of inappropriateness would be “plastic”. Obviously, any items made of plastic
would not pass the 19th Century Test. The goal of the 19th Century Test is to
enhance the district by avoiding the display of anything contemporary.
Advertising devices and sidewalk merchandising is strongly discouraged and is in
some cases specifically prohibited by St. Charles City ordinances. Each property
owner and merchant should acquaint themselves with these city laws. Beyond the limits of
City ordinances, the primary purpose of this
guideline is to establish a simple self-policing process that will avoid the
likelihood of a city prohibition of exterior display. Successful self-policing
will allow us to avoid the process of appeals, presentations, petitions, and the
expense of permits or the frustration of denials.
This guideline is presented by the South Main Preservation Society, endorsed by
the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the St. Charles Department
of Community Development.
Where do I go for information if I am in doubt about what I’m doing or thinking
of doing in regard to outside display?
Ask a neighbor who has been here long enough to know the district and whose
property exhibits the character of a well-kept and appropriate appearance.
Call the Department of Community Development which will be glad to answer questions,
particularly those dealing with city ordinances. This is the place to go for
information on all matters relating to any change of exterior including building
alteration, additions, signage, fences, painting, etc., all of which require
approval by the Historic Landmarks Preservation and Architectural Review Board.
Dan Satterfield, a member of the committee and graphic designer who is a
resident of South Main, has agreed to assist in answering questions we might
have about appropriateness. He may be reached at 636-946-3467.