We proudly steward our region’s unique architectural heritage through design guidance and recommendations
Design Guidelines
Downtowns are always in flux, with buildings changing constantly to suit the needs of their tenants and owners. By partnering with municipalities and stakeholders, we can develop guidelines reflecting a clear, unified design language that reinforces each community's identity. These guidelines are typically incorporated into local zoning and code ordinances, with compliance helping to leverage grant funding. Through design guidelines, communities can set a baseline standard of quality for future development and help shape the course of change.
Our guidelines cover various topics, including facade and streetscape elements -- such as signage, paint schemes, window replacements, materials, and sidewalk use. We've even translated our guides into Spanish and Polish to be as inclusive to communities as possible.
We’ve helped communities all across New York State, including places like:
Penn-Yan, Hornell, and Batavia - where we provided downtown design guidelines to assist building owners in applying for DRI Building Improvement Funds
Livingston and Lewis County - where we collectively reviewed the zoning and signage laws for all of the village and towns within the county to develop comprehensive design guidelines to help with local and regional revitalization efforts.
Arcade, Ticonderoga, and Forestville - where we worked with local volunteer revitalization and advocacy groups, where the guidelines were used to help create a shared vision for downtown and leverage future grant applications.
During the creation of our design guidelines, we typically work closely with local building owners and produce facade recommendations that encompass the owners long term goals, the highest best use for the building, and the design guidance.
