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Architectural Quality <br />Quality of materials and design is critical in urban design. <br />San Leandro has a rich collection of historic resources in architecture, <br />civic space and heritage trees. It is important to preserve these historic re- <br />sources and adapt them to present uses. They can also be a source from <br />which to draw when new construction is proposed. <br />However, it is not intended that these historic precedents dictate a par- <br />ticular style or period for new construction to copy, but serve as a model of <br />timeless patterns and values, use of quality materials, and attention to con- <br />text. Attempting to copy a particular style or period is an attempt to suggest <br />that the downtown belongs to another time or place, rather than being an <br />active center with a link to the past. <br />New and remodeled buildings should be evaluated as they relate to their <br />surroundings, as well as their individual design. There are ten key criteria to <br />consider: <br />1. height <br />2. width <br />3. relationship to street <br />4. roof forms <br />5. proportion of overall mass <br />6. composition <br />7. rhythm <br />8. proportion of windows and openings <br />9. materials <br />10. colors <br />Quality is perhaps the most important characteristic in establishing and <br />preserving a viable downtown- in design, construction, materials, and main- <br />tenance. <br />page 42 October2000 San Leandro Downtown Plan & Urban Design Guidelines <br />