Paint chips

Paint chips

Along the road leading into the town of Washington stand two distinct signs. The first, a discreet wooden marker, says “Established 1749 — Washington Virginia.” The other sign is larger. “Historical District,” it states simply.

In a strong effort to preserve what most towns have lost, members of the Town Council passed an historical district ordinance last summer. There was, of course, some dissent. To an extent, ordinances like the one passed in Washington do limit freedom. So do speed limits.

It is this argument that causes many towns to fail when attempting to pass similar ordinances. Those towns end up with junk food eateries and shopping malls.

Washington is a special place. It is an historic place. Historic places should not be painted in lime green.

With purple trim.

Last Thursday the Architectual Review Board held its first meeting to consider issues that will confront them. Color choice for buildings is one such issue.

Board members noted that several paint companies produce lines of historic paint. These firms have spent tremendous amounts of time and money to develop paints which are distinct from other paint lines. The colors recapture the charm of historic restorations like Sturbridge in Massachusetts or Williamsburg in Virginia.

Buildings painted in historic hues will preserve the character and integrity of this village. There was discussion at the meeting on whether building colors should be “nice and pretty” or “historically correct.” The former choice is too subjective. What may be pretty to one person may be ugly to another. Giving citizens the wide choice that exists within lines of historic colors is the wisest approach.

These paints admittedly cost a little more. We believe that Washington residents and visitors deserve them.

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