Research and Purpose

Professor Hall's ARCH 441/541 Preservation Policy course compiled a set of historic design guidelines for the Riverside-Normal City neighborhood. The Riverside-Normal City Neighborhood Association is in the process of garnering support and following the necessary steps to have their neighborhood designated as a Local Historic District. A Local Historic District imposes a set of guidelines established by the city and the Muncie Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation Commission that ensures the long term architectural and cultural preservation of the neighborhood and its character. With these guidelines, comes a design review process that is enacted in the event that a homeowner wishes to change an exterior portion of their structure, the project goes before the Muncie Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation Commission to ensure that the proposed changes are respectful of the architecture.

The design guidelines will help serve as guidelines for residents and assist the Muncie Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation commission with the aforementioned design review processes, as well as educating neighbors on the design and proper maintenance of their homes. 

Research for the design guidelines started with a neighborhood reconnaissance survey as well as discussions with neighborhood stakeholders. From that, the team members dove headfirst into precedent studies, studying the architectural style present in the neighborhood and researching appropriate methods and materials for repairs, maintenance, and additions of the structures in the area. 

The research continued with team members individually diving into precedents and other information for topics such as landscaping and guidelines for potential new construction in the neighborhood as well as sustainability.

A history of the Riverside-Normal City neighborhood was also given, following the development of the neighborhood from its formation as a stand-alone city, its eventual annexation and how it stands today. An overview of the architectural styles and building materials used in the neighborhood is also present in the document.