Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/401422
64 • NOVEMBER 2014 • WORLD FENCE NEWS fencing whenever possible. Fences that are compatible with the style of the building strengthen the historic character of the district. Ex- amples of appropriate styles can still be found at many properties today and in historic photographs of the town. Chain link, synthetic material, concrete block, or "stockade" style fences will not be approved. Conway, Arkansas Fences and walls – Fences and walls were common site features in Conway's early neighborhoods. They served both decorative and utilitari- an functions. Constructed of lattice, brick, cast iron, wooden pickets, and stone, decorative fences and walls re- flected popular architecture styles and were an integral part of the site plan. Decorative corner posts and gate- ways embellished some fences and walls. In tandem with constructed ele- ments or standing alone, hedges were cultivated for both decorative and screening purposes. Utilitarian fences and walls served to secure boundaries, to con- fine animals, to protect planted areas, and to provide visual privacy. They were generally used in rear yard locations and were not usually visible from the street. Traditionally, utilitarian fences were constructed of vertical wooden slats or pickets, woven wire fencing mounted on wooden posts, and, in some cases, barbed wire. Simple wooden picket fences with shaped or squared-off tops usually 3 feet in height were popular amenities in early Conway neighborhoods. They generally followed the property line or were inset slightly to provide an outer planting strip. Cast iron fences typically fol- lowed the same proportions as more common picket fences. Trimmed hedges of plant varieties were also common. Low masonry walls, many times combined with low hedge ma- terial, were used to define some front lawns or property lines. Masonry or stone retaining walls were occasionally employed to ac- commodate a significant shift in grade between the street and the front lawn. Things to consider as you plan – Preservation of existing historic fenc- es and walls requires routine main- tenance and repair when necessary. Keeping the bottom edge of wooden fence lines raised slightly above the ground and protected by a sound paint film, opaque stain, or wood preserva- tive will significantly extend their life span. When deteriorated pickets or boards must be replaced, decay-resis- tant or pressure-treated wood should be selected. Cast iron fences require similar separation from ground mois- ture and protection with a sound paint film to prevent corrosion. Removal of all rust and immedi- ate priming with an appropriate metal primer are critical to the repainting process. If replacement is necessary, a va- riety of traditional and contemporary cast iron fencing is manufactured to- day. A need for security or privacy or the desire to enhance a site may lead to a decision to introduce a new fence or wall. Within the historic districts any proposed new fence is reviewed with regard to the compatibility of loca- tion, materials, design, pattern, scale, and spacing with the character of the principal building on the site and the historic district. Although compatible contempo- rary fence and wall designs construct- ed in traditional materials are appro- priate in the districts, new fencing or wall systems constructed of incom- patible contemporary materials such as vinyl or chain-link fencing and im- itation stone or stucco are not consid- ered appropriate. Fencing in historic districts continued from previous page