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THE STYLE <br />PORCHES TO BE ELEVATED ABOVE GRADE <br />SPACE <br />CHARACTER IS LOST FROM THIS PORCH <br />-Z.Tz= <br />Historically, the, most dominant feature of <br />a historic home is the front porch, which <br />was used as, an extension of the living <br />space. It contributes to the character of <br />the street and the life of the <br />neighborhood. The details of most <br />porches in the Church Street Historic <br />District are intact. The original character - <br />defining features and elements of their <br />individual styles, are still evident. <br />Most of the homes are constructed with <br />pier and beam foundations, which cause <br />the porch floors to be eievated above <br />ground level. The newer slab -on -grade <br />foundations have a porch at a much <br />lower level, <br />Porches may require a great deal of <br />maintenance because of their exposure <br />to the weather, so repair is inevitable and <br />necessary. Details muist be retained and <br />repaired. The removal or alteration of a <br />porch will have a significant impact on <br />the character of the house and <br />neighborhood. <br />Some of the porches, have been altered <br />over time with more modern materials in <br />the effort to reduce maintenance. These, <br />,alterations have changed the character - <br />defining features of the original design. <br />Some of the common changes included <br />the removal of wood columns and <br />installation of fabricated metal porch <br />supports; replacing wood steps with <br />concrete or brick steps; and removal of <br />wood porch floors and installation of <br />concrete or brick porch floors, often at a <br />lower level than the original porch. <br />Another common alteration is the <br />enclosure of porches to create additional <br />living space, bathrooms, and entrances. <br />Design Standards, for the City of'Faris, Texas 105 <br />