CHRS Historic District Guidelines
As of July 2008, the following guidelines are now available as PDFs:
- Red
Brick, Brown Brick, Pressed Brick, and Common: Capitol Hill Brick
by Judith Capen, AIA
Includes the history of brick and the use of nineteenth-century brick in Washington and Capitol Hill. Introduces vocabulary about joints, brick construction, mortar, pointing and repointing, and describes Capitol Hill’s own pressed brick with butter joints. Covers masonry repairs: causes, remedies, do’s and don’ts.
- Repointing
and Paint Removal: A Capitol Hill Restoration Society Case Study
by Marie Fennell, AICP
- Capitol Hill’s Unpainted Ladies
by Judith Capen, AICP
There’s individual preference and taste, and there’s history. Instead of today’s popular colors, this booklet explains what the taste-makers of the nineteenth century thought were the right colors for Capitol Hill buildings.
- The
Stained Glass Windows of Capitol Hill
by Lyle Schauer
Learn why the Victorians loved stained glass and what to do about some of the common problems stained glass windows are likely to have.
- Building
Styles in the Capitol Hill Historic District
by Judith Capen, AICP
No, “Victorian” is not a style: it is an era. Nineteenth-century Capitol Hill buildings are mostly Italianate, Queen Anne, French Second Empire, and Richardsonian Romanesque. The booklet identifies architectural styles seen in the Capitol Hill Historic District.
- The
How, When,
and Why of Getting a Building Permit
by Judith Capen, AICP and Nancy Witherell
The booklet provides essential advice and information about obtaining building permits in the Capitol Hill Historic District, and lists work for which you need a building permit.
- Yours,
Mine,
and Ours: Front Yards and Other Public Space on Capitol Hill
by Jill Lawrence
Open spaces along residential streets that were included in the L’Enfant plan makes Washington unique among American cities. Much of this open space in Capitol Hill’s front yards is owned by the city, but is used by individual property owners. This unusual situation has led to many laws that regulate the use of these spaces as well as confusion about rights and responsibilities.
- Cast
Iron: Firmness, Commodity, and Delight
by Patrick Lally and Judith Capen, AICP
Explains the origin of the “miracle material” of the nineteenth century, and how cast iron differs from wrought iron. Recounts how cast iron helped shape the visual character of Capitol Hill — in fences, stoops and stairs, street furniture, and building ornament — and includes detailed recommendations for everything, from routine maintenance to reconstruction of cast-iron elements.
- Entrance—When
a Door is More Than a Door
by Judith Capen, AIA
Many of our original historic doors are literally irreplaceable. They’re like grandma’s sideboard, but on the front of the house. Learn to love your old door if you still have it, and benefit from the booklet’s advice on taking care of it. Includes options for replacing the Colonial number, and thoughts about other front door stuff like knockers, numbers, door bells, lights, and transoms.
- Windows:
The Eyes of a Building
by Judith Capen, AIA
Windows are major character-defining features of Capitol Hill buildings, but they also impact the comfort of the people inside. As such, they can be the focus of conflicting impulses: replace for energy efficiency or keep because they’re historic? The booklet explains why our windows are the way they are, makes recommendations about old windows, and offers advice on associated elements like shutters, sills, awnings, and security iron.
- Replacement
Windows
by Judith M. Capen, AIA and Robert A. Weinstein, AIA
How to Order Printed Copies of CHRS Historic Guidelines
Copies of the guidelines (free to members, $3 for nonmembers) can be obtained from the CHRS office by calling 202-543-0425. Or, complete the PDF form (link is below), print and mail with your payment (by check) to:
Capitol Hill Restoration Society
P.O.
Box 15264
Washington, DC 20003-0264
CHRS News • Guidelines • Testimony, Resolutions and Documents
Capitol Hill History &
Historic District
Publications
Database of Historic Building Permits, Squares 1000–1125
© Copyright 2001-2008, Capitol Hill Restoration Society. All rights reserved. Last updated July 7, 2008.
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