Nantucket's Historic District Commission approved colors.
The colors at Marine Home Center.
Nantucket was incorporated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966 for its standing as the whaling capital of the world in the middle of the 19th century.
Nantucket’s Historic District Commission has implemented many architectural guidelines, including the colors to be used on the outside of houses, in order to maintain this standing.
Building with Nantucket in Mind, a book by J. Christopher Lang and Kate Stout (which serves as a manual of sorts for the HDC) states:
“The colors of Nantucket should be a reflection of its spirit, an old weathered and peaceful town. All colors require Commission approval in advance of use. The choice of color for a building must blend with the colors of adjacent buildings and the overall setting.”
There are twelve colors that the HDC recommends, but there is a little leeway. However, failure to receive approval from the HDC can result in up to a $300 fine per day and a hold on all town permits.
As HDC Executive Director Mark Voigt points out, most people are more than willing to work with the HDC’s policies.
“People are naturally drawn to history. Whether it’s personal or impersonal, they can still relate to it. It tells you a lot about the future if you know about the past. It’s also an economic development tool.”
Check out the links to the side for more information on Nantucket's history and predictions for its future.
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