Historic Building Exterior:
New Rooftop Additions to Historic Buildings

Incompatible New Rooftop Additions

The historic character of this unusual building (left) has been altered by the construction of a large rooftop addition (right). The rooftop addition negatively impacts the distinctive character-defining roofline and, thus, does not meet the Standards for Rehabilitation. Photos: NPS files

Even though this 1½-story rooftop addition is set back, its size and color make it highly visible and incompatible with the historic character of the building and the district. Photo: NPS files

How to assess the impact of a proposed rooftop addition

Constructing a mock-up (such as the one shown here) or placing a brightly colored box or banner on the roof to show the height and the location of the proposed addition can help to determine the appropriateness of a rooftop addition on a historic building. Photographs taken of the mock-up from the street below and from several blocks away can suggest how visible an addition will be and how it will impact the character of the historic building and the historic district. Photo: NPS files