Urban Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape and creating a safe, inviting environment for shoppers, workers, and visitors. It takes advantage of the visual opportunities inherent in a commercial district by directing attention to all of its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, merchandising, window displays, and promotional materials. An appealing atmosphere, created through attention to all of these visual elements, conveys a positive message about the commercial district and what it has to offer. Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district, enhancing the district’s physical appearance through the rehabilitation of historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, educating business and property owners about design quality, and long-term planning.
Some major projects and initiatives of the Urban Design Committee include:
- Facade Grant program
- Sign Grant Program
- Public art projects
- StreetWorks
- East End Walking Tour Guide
- East End Design Dos and Don’ts
- LemonAID project
- UC Interior Design consultation partnership
Design Committee members:
- Mary Beth Hoover, Chair
- Ron Butlin
- Mary Russell
- Jim Snyder
- Lori Brannon
- Lee Hale