JULY 2019
 
 
Four views of well designed new construction in a historic commercial district
 
 

New construction in historic commercial districts

 
 

Communities large and small across Wisconsin are seeing a building boom of late, largely due to a need for more housing. Thankfully much of this development is happening in the hearts of cities, in downtowns and historic commercial districts, but interjecting new buildings within a cohesive district of already-built structures is a sensitive design issue.

In this three-part series, we look at the three main types of residential and commercial redevelopment seen in Main Street districts and the appropriate design principles of each.

 
 
Example of good infill construction in a historic commercial district
 

Infill construction in historic commercial districts

The design of a new infill building, particularly its front façade, is a special challenge. It should be designed to look appropriate and compatible with surrounding buildings, yet still look like it was built today.

 
 
Example of properly designed stadalone new construction in a historic commercial district
 

Standalone construction in historic commercial districts

Proper design strategies for standalone developments on larger vacant lots, typically on the edges of districts.

 
 
A example of new addition to a historic building that honors the original design
 

Buildings additions in historic commercial districts

With building additions, it is very important that the new portion does not physically or visually damage the existing building and that the addition takes design cues from the original building.

 
 
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 
 

Ins & Outs of Business Improvement Districts Webinar
August 6
12 p.m.
Register

 

Small Community Forum
August 8
7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Crivitz
Register

 

Small Community Forum
August 21
7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Independence
Register

 
 

Small Community Forum
August 28
7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Pardeeville
Register

 

Small Community Forum
September 11
7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Nekoosa
Register

 

Four Points Best Practices Workshop
September 18
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tomahawk
Register

 
 

WEDA Fall Conference
September 26-28
Green Bay
Register

 

Wisconsin Downtown Summit
October 15-16
Green Bay
Register

 
 

Empty Storefronts Conference
November 4
Milwaukee
Register

 

NDC Historic Real Estate Finance Course
November 11-15
Milwaukee
Scholarships available
Register

 
 

Find more articles and tips in our Places blog.

 
 
facebook   linkedin   twitter   instagram   youtube   mail
 
 
This message sent by:
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation  
201 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703