The Environs for Plymouth Congregational Church at 1925 Vermont Street should be reviewed in the following manner for Certificate of Appropriateness Review.  The Environs should be divided into two areas (see attached map) and the following standards applied to each of the two areas:

Area 1:          Maintaining the existing structures and visual appearance of the environs is the primary focus of review.  Main structure demolitions would be approved if documentation was provided that indicated that the structure was unsound and/or a certificate of economic hardship was approved.

                   Minor projects (minor additions, porch remodeling, window and door changes, demolition of outbuildings, etc.)  that do not involve the front facing facade will be approved administratively by the Historic Resources Administrator. All design elements are important. The proposed alteration or construction should meet the intent of the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, the Standards and Guidelines for Evaluating the Effect of Projects on Environs, and the Criteria set forth in 22-505.

                   Major projects (major additions, new infill construction, major alterations, roof form changes, dormers, etc., to the front facing elevations) would be reviewed by the Historic Resources Commission. All design elements are important. The proposed alteration or construction should meet the intent of the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, the Standards and Guidelines for Evaluating the Effect of Projects on Environs, and the Criteria set forth in 22-505.

Area 2:          While this area still maintains the character that is important to the environs of the Plymouth Congregational Church, the properties in this area do not have a direct “line-of-sight” to 925 Vermont Street.  This area should maintain the overall character of the historic environs and the following should apply:

       The proposed alteration or construction should meet the intent of the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, the Standards and Guidelines for Evaluating the Effect of Projects on Environs, and the Criteria set forth in 22-505. Design elements that are important are scale, massing, site placement, height, directional expression, percentage of building coverage to site, setback, roof shapes, rhythm of openings and sense of entry.  Demolition of properties shall be approved if a compatible structure is proposed on the site.  Maintaining views to the listed property and maintaining the rhythm and pattern in the environs are the primary focus of review.