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Groupings of townhomes are preferred in multiple - family developments instead of large continuous monolithic buildings with little distinction between residential units. The density, spacing, and setbacks of the buildings are similar to surrounding buildings, such as the townhomes on the north side of St. John Street, and other Downtown projects that recently received Planning entitlements, that are currently under construction, or that have recently been completed. Furthermore, the buildings on the northern end of the site have been situated such that they face St. John Street. The project incorporates acceptable building materials for the Downtown and would be consistent with the Specific Plan policy to use high quality building materials appropriate to the architectural style of the building. The plans incorporate articulation in the wall planes and balconies, traditional design features (porches, knee braces, gable roof), and a combination of light colored materials. The proposed building colors meet the intent of the Downtown Design Guidelines, which state that colors should be appropriate to the architectural style of the building. The Downtown Specific Plan has the following Historic Preservation policies (pages 66 -68) that are applicable to the proposed project: Policy No. 6: New residential building design, including the design of replacement buildings for buildings constructed before 1942 which are approved for demolition, should draw upon the primary exterior features of the Downtown's traditional design character in terms of materials, colors, details of construction, and setbacks and should utilize or be based on one of the following architectural styles found Downtown dating from pre -1942: Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian (Queen Anne, Stick, and Folk), Bay Tradition, Craftsman, Prairie, Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Minimal Traditional, Vernacular Forms, and FHA Minimum House. Policy No. 8: New residential building design, including the design of replacement buildings for buildings constructed before 1942 which are approved for demolition, or additions to existing single - family homes should result in homes that are consistent with the floor area, bulk, and massing of homes in the immediate neighborhood. Policy No. 10: Comply with all relevant policies of the Design and Beautification Chapter of this Specific Plan and the Downtown Design Guidelines. The Craftsman style of architecture is an acceptable style for Downtown and would be compatible with the eclectic style of homes on St. John Street and found in the Downtown. The applicant has provided architectural detailing and accent relief on the front building elevations to break up the two -story facades and provide visual relief. The Design Guidelines stress the use of traditional materials, finishes, colors, and detailing. The materials, colors, and details of construction are primarily a Craftsman style architecture that is characterized by wood and stucco siding, front porches, prominent porch supports, knee braces, and gable roofs. Staff has added a condition of approval that all garage doors have a carriage style design to be in keeping with the architectural style. Window treatments (sills and trim) meet the suggestions in the Guidelines for traditional details. Window specifications were not provided and staff recommends the use of traditional wood- P16 -1201, PUD -120, & TRACT 8326 Planning Commission 19 of 32