Preservation in Ocean Grove

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Historic Preservation Commission*

*But were afraid to ask

Let's go outside

Dear Miss Victoria Anna,
I’m ready to do a lot of need exterior work on my home. I really like the decorative elements that define “Victorian” architecture and want to incorporate them into my plans. How do I start the design process? - Lacey from NYC

Lacey - Wow, how exciting (and a little overwhelming) it is to undertake major exterior work.

Before being able to select materials, architectural elements, and gingerbread to add to your home and where to place them, you need to know two crucial factors:

The style of your home

The level of authenticity to your home’s original and historical design you want your new work to be.

As you know “Victorian” is a general term that refers to several architectural styles popular during the second half of the 19th century. In Ocean Grove there are homes in Gothic Revival, Campground Cottage, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Stick, American Foursquare, Bungalow, Colonial Revival, and Shingle styles. Each style home features different roof, porch, door and window design as well as massing differences.

Ocean Grove is a National Historic District noted as a “Vernacular, Seaside Victorian” community. In general homes were built in somewhat simplified versions of these established architectural styles. It was not uncommon to use a mixture of styles in the decorative elements used on buildings. For example Stick or Gothic Revival trim may have been used on an Italianate building. Many buildings were altered early in the 20th century so that they now feature a mixture of styles from the mid and late 19th century. These early alterations have by now become part of the historical significance of Ocean Grove and need to be taken into account when modern work is contemplated. To be appropriate for your home, any change must be compatible with your home’s original or historical style.

A little research will help you determine the original style and design of your home and early renovations it has undergone. The Ocean Grove Historical Society has an extensive collection of early photographs, even perhaps the Historic Preservation Commission office thru files on work after being certified appropriate.

There are many references available describing the various architectural styles. A good local source is A Home Renovator’s Guide For Historic Ocean Grove published several years ago by the Ocean Grove Home Owner’s Association and the Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce, Hospitality Division.

Once you know the style of your home, you need to decide how closely you want to replicate the home’s original design.

There is a fairly standard hierarchy of work done on historic properties. The most strict, historically accurate level of work is maintenance and preservation of original or historically significant details on a building. When that is not feasible, replacement or restoration of these elements is the most desirable level of work. Renovation using elements generally appropriate to the home’s style but not previously used on the building can be appropriate. It is not acceptable to alter the building in such a way as to add details incompatible with it’s style or to remove distinguishing historical elements.

The Historic Preservation Commission design guidelines have as their objectives the preservation of the historic architectural integrity, craftsmanship, and heritage of the Nationally Designated Historic District and the encouragement of architectural solutions which will “recapture the Spirit of Ocean Grove”. The Commission strongly encourages the restoration, replication, or reconstruction of original or historically significant materials and ornamentation. Whenever an element such as siding or trim is sound, it is preferable that it be repaired and retained. If an element is not restorable, it should be reproduced or replicated. Covering over of architectural elements is strongly discouraged. All architectural treatments applied to existing structures should reflect the form and intent of the original or historic design. All new construction should repeat and emulate the design styles appropriate to Ocean Grove’s architectural heritage.

Armed with information on these two factors, you can begin researching appropriate materials and decorative elements to restore all the “Victorian” charm to your home to make it the showplace you deserve.

Happy Renovations,
Sincerely, Victorian Anna Housen

– Posted 1/13/05