Downtown Rutherford has evolved over time. Each building was constructed during a specific period in time and with an architectural style that gives it its particular character. Many of the buildings were built in similar styles during several periods over the past century, many at a time when the cohesive nature of the downtown streetscape was treated very sensitively. This slowly evolving streetscape is what gives the city its unique character, one that cannot be duplicated in newer shopping districts.

More recently, most of the buildings have undergone alterations to their original style and appearance. A multitude of poorly designed alterations disregard the original style or blatantly hide the original architecture in an attempt to "modernize" the building (often using inferior and inappropriate materials and methods). Details that completed the original styles and once gave the downtown its beauty and true character (cornices, trim, artistic brickwork, stained glass, etc.) were removed or covered over with corrugated metal, plastic panels, plywood, etc. Oversized, disproportionate signs and awnings attempting to stand out over the others, overwhelm their building and one-by-one have deteriorated the harmony of the streetscape as a whole.

The RDP has established guidelines to provide for a cohesive approach to alterations, renovations and new construction in Rutherford’s downtown that will restore harmony and appearance of the entire downtown streetscape by avoiding further disruption and destruction of the historic architecture, encouraging restoration of the classic buildings that remain, and insuring that new construction and alterations fit harmoniously within a framework established by the historic and classic architectural character as well as well as the style of the existing surrounding buildings. Sensitive rehabilitations, which create attractive building facades, will restore harmony to the streetscape attracting new customers and merchants through the sense of quality and pride in Rutherford’s downtown.

A copy of the Streetscape Regulations and guidelines can be downloaded here:

• Streetscape Regulations

An application form is required for changes to buildings:

• Application Form

In order to view these documents, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which you can download free from Adobe.