City of
Bloomfield —
Historic
Preservation
Commission
Design
The rich history of architecture in this downtown neighborhood required guidance for the next generation of building owners. These guidelines establish clear and concise design directions for the preservation of this historic district, including design strategies for future development.
Owners and communities usually want to do restoration right, but don't always have the tools to do so. Historic Guidelines can help property owners and community members understand both the why and the how of appropriately preserving, restoring, and/or rehabilitating historic structures. This coherent planning celebrates the architectural heritage of the downtown for building owner, residents and visitors alike. The Bloomfield Square Historic District includes 55 historic structures, including residences, churches, commercial and public buildings. The structures span multiple architectural styles and periods (mid- and late- Victorian periods, Italianate and Queen Anne styles, revivals such as Greek, Gothic, Romanesque, Georgian, and Neo-Classical, and more). RDG brought the expertise of our Restoration architects to develop easily-understood, detailed Historic Design Guidelines for the city, that address this whole range of styles and periods. Bloomfield can use these Historic Design Guidelines as a master source for educating the public, and also to guide property owners on terminology, architectural styles, historically accurate treatments and the difference between preservation, restoration and rehabilitation. The Guidelines are highly specific, describing appropriate and inappropriate treatments and offering guidance on everything from roofs, doors and windows to parking, signage and building additions. RDG brought our experience in historic architecture to the table - including the ability to reference and incorporate treatments and best practices from the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties), as well as our knowledge of community planning. The city was awarded a Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa to fund the development of their Historic Design Guidelines. The Guidelines will serve the city for years to come.