Design Guidelines
Wick District Urban Design and Guidelines
Visual quality and design standards are critical elements in any urban revitalization. Strong design standards are a fundamental strategy used in revitalized cities around the country. Design standards have economic benefits in addition to promoting quality design. Attention to design during development ensures a vibrant quality of life in the future.
The eight-member Wick District Design Review Committee has adopted Wick District-Smoky Hollow Design Guidelines for new construction, existing residential and commercial buildings, and Wick Avenue institutions.
The committee operates to implement Wick District Design Guidelines as they relate property owners, developers and others; educate stakeholders on the importance of design; discuss options and alternatives with property owners; and provide feedback based on the Wick District-Smoky Hollow Design Guidelines.
Reasons for Design Review
- A large-scale, mixed-use neighborhood development needs a clearly defined, official, predictable review process. Without that, developers and investors seek other opportunities.
- Design standards promote and attract investment.
- A core value of Wick Neighbors, Inc. has been to ensure quality development by having high standards for design, construction and materials.
Benefits of Design Review
- Enhances the unique character of target areas such as the Wick District.
- Stabilizes and improves property values.
- Encourages all property owners to improve their properties.
- Protects the property owner’s investment by promoting compatible development at nearby properties.
- Provides property owners with free technical advice from committee members and professionals such as architects, design professionals, and historic preservation experts.
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