Entertainment districts in Wisconsin
Entertainment districts, also known as Outdoor Refreshment Areas or Open Container Districts, have existed in many states for decades but are relatively new in Wisconsin. Read More
Building additions in historic commercial districts
With additions to the side, rear or top of buildings, it is very important that the new portion does not physically or visually damage the existing building. Any new addition should take design cues from the original building style. Read More
Construction of new standalone developments in historic commercial districts
Proper design strategies for standalone developments on larger vacant lots, typically on the edges of district. Read More
New 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. Read More
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. Interjecting new buildings within a cohesive district of already-built structures is a sensitive design issue. Read More
Moving beyond the past
Not only does a culture of yes create new opportunities, but also promotes a positive atmosphere, encouraging entrepreneurs, artists and innovators to engage with the community. Read More
What does it mean to be family-friendly?
Is your community people-friendly? Creating spaces that work for both people who are age 8 and those age 80 or over will result in spaces that accommodate all types of users in comfort. Read More
Cultivating a business-friendly community
What does it mean to be business-friendly? If your community believes that it has a culture of saying yes to small businesses, what has been done to verify and credibly promote this culture? Read on to see how you can test this in your community. Read More
The case for residential development downtown
Downtowns are the original live/work neighborhood. Traditionally, small business owners lived above their shop, which was a convenient and cost-effective way to sustain a household. Especially profitable business owners might live elsewhere, instead allowing employees to live above the business, which was both a good business practice (increasing employee availability) and an employee perk. Over time, social norms, development patterns and zoning standards in all but the largest cities made it less common, resulting in many upper floors being relegated to storage uses. The combination of shifting demographics, increasing demand for low-maintenance residential options within walking distance of amenities, and preference for unique architecture and authentic experiences has led to a resurgence in demand for downtown living space Read More
Alleys as a business amenity
In many communities demolition of nearby buildings or creation of new parking lots, have exposed previously hidden facades, yet these spaces lack any aesthetic appeal to welcome customers. Unlike the front façade, visual improvements in ancillary spaces can achieve a dramatic impact at little cost. Read More