HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - 7481 FORT COLLINS OLD TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS UPDATEOLD TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT
DESIGN GUIDELINES UPDATE
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
Submitted by Winter & Company
March 15, 2013
Proposal No. 7481:
Winter & Company
Urban Design | Historic Preservation
1265 Yellow Pine Avenue
Boulder, CO 80304
303.440.8445
www.winterandcompany.net
March 15, 2013
City of Fort Collins
Purchasing Division
215 N. Mason Street, 2nd Floor
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Selection Committee:
We recognize the importance of this project. This is our kind of assignment, and the type of community
that inspires us to do our best! We have had the pleasure of working on a variety of projects in Fort Col-
lins and would enthusiastically welcome another opportunity to help shape Old Town's future vitality and
success by updating the Historic District Design Guidelines.
Our team is inspired and ready to contribute innovative ideas from our nationwide expertise. As fel-
low Coloradoans, we are sensitive to Fort Collins' concerns of retaining the district's unique charac-
ter while inviting progress.
We strive for results, just as you do, and we are confident we can provide a final product that will
benefit the City, property owners, stakeholders and residents. I urge you to give our proposal close
consideration and would welcome an opportunity to further discuss our approach with you.
Sincerely,
Noré Winter
NOTE: We received the Bid Amendment Notification/Addendum date March 8, 2013.
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 1
Proposal for:
Project Overview 1
Our Understanding of the Project 2
Methodology 4
Scope of Services and Schedule 8
Experience, Personnel and References 9
Cost of Services 12
Appendix
Additional Qualifications
Sample Design Guidelines Outline
Old Town Historic District
Design Guidelines
Fort Collins, Colorado
Submitted by Winter & Company
Page 2 Winter & Company
Winter & Company
Contact: Noré Winter, Principal
1265 Yellow Pine Avenue
Boulder, CO 80304
303-440-8445
nore@winterandcompany.net
www.winterandcompany.net
Project Overview
We are excited!
Old Town is a huge success, in part because of the City’s
preservation policies that it placed into action more than
30 years ago. We’re proud to have played a part in estab-
lishing that framework for investment and have benefited
from the lessons we learned there. Now, we’re ready to
help the City take the design review system to the “next
level,” with a new set of design guidelines.
This district is unique.
The Old Town Historic District harbors many stories and
historical themes. Its cultural resources convey a unique
theme. Caring for it is a responsibility that we understand.
The City seeks to take the next step.
In preceding decades, City leaders set forth policies of good
stewardship, which bore fruit in new investment, a renewed
interest in the area, and a commitment to further enhance
it as a place for people to enjoy. Now, plans are afoot to
further strengthen it as a community asset. In this light,
updating the design guidelines takes on special meaning.
This is not simply a technical operation. Once every twenty
to thirty years, a city has the opportunity to set the tone
for an area as special as this; now is that time. It is not a
chance to be sold short.
We are inspired!
This is an exciting assignment. It is a chance to advance
preservation to a new level, to demonstrate that heritage
and growth are partners in livability. We are energized to
help the City meet its goals.
This work is our specialty.
Planning for historic districts, and especially crafting design
guidelines for them, is our specialty, not a sideline. We
bring a proven record of success to the project. We speak
from experience, but we listen well.
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 1
Winter & Company
Why choose our team?
We bring a national perspective to this assignment, and
focus on applying best practices in the field. At the same
time, we respect the city’s heritage and will strive to see it
retained in this process.
Our Understanding of This
Assignment
The Need for Updated Design
Guidelines
While Fort Collins has existing guidelines for Old Town, they
have become outdated and do not address current preser-
vation issues. These guidelines are brief, and often vague.
The existing guidelines need additional details to address
rehabilitation topics, such as treatment of windows, energy
conservation and retrofit, use of alternative materials, and
treatment of non-contributing buildings. More guidance
is also needed to help shape new construction in historic
districts and address the compatibility of larger and taller
buildings. Finally, there is a critical need for additional guid-
ance on the relationship between environmental sustain-
ability and historic preservation, including energy efficiency
retrofits and the use of energy generating technologies.
Because the existing guidelines are very limited, the His-
toric Preservation Commission (HPC) often refers to the
Secretary’s of the Interior’s Standards instead. Property
owners generally do not use the existing guidelines either
because they are not user-friendly, and do not provide
information about how to plan a preservation project. The
guidelines would be more useful to the HPC and property
owners if they outlined the evaluation process from deter-
mining significance and identifying key features to individual
design guidelines. Diagrams to help property owners and
City staff from multiple departments understand how the
preservation review step fits into broader systems would
also be helpful. Having guidelines that are user-friendly
for applicants, the HPC and all City staff has been identi-
fied as a priority action in the 2010 Historic Preservation
Program Assessment and City Council has indicated that
there would be fewer controversies if property owners had
a better understanding of the community’s expectations.
Reed Building, before and after.
Page 2
“Winter & Company
performed their
tasks on time and
in a professional
manner that allowed
the project to move
efficiently. Their
deliverables were
presented in a clear
and understand-
able format for each
target audience.”
Heidi Burns, AICP
City of Sausalito,
CA
In Old Town, there have been many preservation success
stories. These "before and after" examples can be used
to illustrate the document and forcefully demonstrate that
following the preservation standards can work. So much
has happened in the district during the past few decades
that some people may not know or remember where things
started. This is an important story to tell, and perhaps more
importantly it is a message to City Council and others about
how preservation has created value for the community.
A More User-Friendly Document
While the design guidelines are to be a regulatory docu-
ment, they also should be educational, helping to convey
the City’s expectations for the area, and assisting property
owners in planning appropriate approaches for their proj-
ects. To that end, more user-friendly devices also should
be introduced. Illustrations that convey intent, more topic
headings, checklists and tables are examples of tools that
we will include.
Sustainability
The historic district can play a major role in promoting sus-
tainability policies in all three categories: social, economic
and environmental. The design guidelines can address
this in several ways. The fundamental principles may be
included in an introductory section, and the basic benefits
of retaining historic materials can be included in the rehab
guidelines. Other principles of building orientation and
massing can be included in guidelines for new construction.
These will extend beyond technologies, although they too
will be addressed.
We have pioneered incorporating sustainability into pres-
ervation guidelines, and the National Trust for Historic
Preservation published our book on the topic in February
2011.
Linden Square, before and after.
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 3
Page 4 Winter & Company
Methodology
Keys to Successful Design Guidelines
• From our experience, design guidelines will be success-
ful if they have these features:
• They have a solid policy base.
• They are synchronized with other regulations and incen-
tive programs.
• They address the range of improvement categories that
are anticipated.
• The process is educational, while also engaging the
community in meaningful ways.
• The guidelines reflect best practices in preservation
and urban design.
• The guidelines are tailored to the district’s resources.
• They are tested, using case studies.
• They clearly convey the community’s expectations.
• They support a review process that is fair and predictable.
Integrated Systems Approach
We will use an integrated approach, incorporating the areas
of interest that the City describes in its RFP, and consider
how the guidelines fit within the broader policy and regula-
tory system of the City.
Reverse Engineering
The guidelines must anticipate a variety of improvements
that may be proposed in the coming years. As a part of
the process, therefore, we will work with the community to
identify a range of potential project types that may arise in
the future, and then “reverse engineer” the guidelines to
address them.
Design for the User
The guidelines should be easily accessible to a wide range
of users. At the outset, property owners should be able to
use the document to help them establish an appropriate
direction for an improvement project. Then, City staff and
preservation commission members should be able to easily
reference relevant guidelines when evaluating proposals.
Finally, the community at large should be able to visualize
the potential character for development in the area.
Infill in Old Town
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 5
We also use a variety of “helpers” to guide users through
the document. These include diagrams and flow charts
that indicate which guidelines may apply to certain types
of projects. We also use tables to summarize prescrip-
tive standards and requirements. Guideposts and cross-
references also point to other relevant sections and even
to other codes.
Outreach
We Build Community Support
In developing the design guidelines we will focus on Old
Town Historic District's unique needs and characteristics.
To assure successful implementation, we believe that the
process is as important as the product itself. It is an oppor-
tunity to build understanding and support. This is essential,
because many people must feel that the result is theirs if
they are going to use the guidelines on an ongoing basis.
We Engage the Community
A key part of developing a plan that is action-oriented is to
actively involve major stakeholders as well as the general
public. We will conduct a series of on-site interviews, focus
groups and public workshops to gain an understanding
of existing conditions and to define guidelines concepts.
These will include exercises that are designed to actively
engage participants.
Focus Groups
These are small meetings with representatives of common
interests. This provides a time for those with a particular
viewpoint to convey their ideas. These also may be more
technical in nature, such as with the building community.
The Advisory Group will help identify focus groups that
would be appropriate.
Personal Interviews
These meetings are used for key individuals whose ad-
vice is critical to the success of the project and who may
not be able to attend group meetings. They may address
implementation strategies as well as specific design issues.
Telecommunications
We use video conferencing technologies through the inter-
net to facilitate interim meetings.
“I have received a
lot of positive feed-
back on the work-
shop.... many saying
it was the best pub-
lic workshop they
have ever attended!
Thanks much!”
Cheryl Drake
Senior Planner
Arvada, Colorado
Community workshops are an
important part of the design
guidelines process.
Winter & Company
Honstein Block
Page 6
Project Web Page
The City’s project web page will serve as a key channel for
communication. We will provide materials throughout the
process that will help to stimulate comments. Web content
to be provided:
• Project introduction flyer
• Summary of existing conditions
• Vision summary
• Guidelines outline
• Strategy report
• Draft design guidelines
• Final Draft
Cost Effectiveness
We will strive to manage costs and find efficiencies wherever
possible. Wherever savings are achieved, we will work with
staff to assign those funds to enhancing the quality of the
document. These are some key saving strategies:
Working Efficiently
Our on-going engagement with Old Town gives us an under-
standing of design issues and district assets that enables
us to start working immediately on the actual content of
the preservation guidelines. We also retain photographs
from the original guidelines project, as well as progressive
documentation of changes that have occurred since their
adoption. We bring these materials to the project to expedite
the process while also augmenting the basic core materi-
als that are requested. Essentially, we save on a research
phase that otherwise would be necessary. In a similar man-
ner, we retain an extensive photographic file from other
communities, which we can draw upon for illustrating the
design guidelines, again at no added cost to the project.
Including Staff as Team Members
We consider City staff members of our team, and will draw
upon them to provide information that will enhance the
guidelines document and to assist in project administra-
tion and in conducting work sessions with the HPC. We will
draw upon staff to help draft historic overview material, to
describe key features of existing conditions and to draft
text the historic building styles found in Old Town. This
“The City of Fort Col-
lins wishes to express
its sincere gratitude
to you and those who
worked on the His-
toric Old Town Design
Guidelines for a su-
perb job. The guide-
line booklet turned out
to be a great product.
The format, text, illus-
trations, and pictures
work together to com-
municate the expecta-
tions of a very difficult
and emotionally heat-
ed issue. Thank you
for a job well done.”
The Firehouse
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 7
will enable the consultants to focus on guidelines content,
illustrations and document production.
Expedited Draft Sequencing
In order to save on costs, we also will move from a prelimi-
nary draft to a final report. To do so, we will work closely
with staff to develop a preliminary draft that is suitable for
review by the preservation commission, and work to assure
that all comments and edits received about the draft are
consolidated and reviewed as a team and clearly under-
stood before we execute the final document.
Strategic Public Involvement
Since this is an update to guidelines that are already in place,
the broader community discussions about the purpose of
the district and general goals for it are already known. As
such, we will use meeting times strategically, focusing on
interviews with property owners, downtown representatives
and meetings with the preservation commission.
Buildings on sites larger than two traditional lot widths should be
designed to reflect the traditional scale of development. (From the
Aspen, CO Downtown Design Standards.)
30'
40'
Page 8 Winter & Company
Scope of Services & Timeline
Step 1. Assess Existing Conditions and Startup SCHEDULE:
1.1 Review background materials. May 1, 2013
1.2 Conduct logistical meetings with City & State. May 15, 2013
1.3 Tour the project area.May 15, 2013
1.4 Conduct study session with HPC. May 15, 2013
1.5 Develop the outline. July 2013
Deliverable:
• Outline of design guidelines July 2013
Step 2. Develop Draft 1 of the Design Guidelines
2.1 Develop Draft #1 of the Design Guidelines. Sept. 2013
2.2 Review Draft #1 of the Design Guidelines with the HPC. Oct. 2013
Deliverable:
• Draft #1 of design guidelines Oct. 2013
Step 3. Public Outreach
3.1 Conduct community workshop, to include property
owners, Downtown Development Authority and Downtown
Business Assoc. Nov. 2013
3.2 Submit workshop summary. Nov. 2013
Deliverables:
• Workshop exercises Nov. 2013
• Workshop summary Nov. 2013
.Step 4. Develop Final Document.
4.1 Develop final draft 2a document for review with Staff. Dec. 2013
4.2 Develop final document. Jan. 2014
4.3 Present the final design guidelines to the HPC and
to City Council for adoption. Feb.4, 2014
Deliverables:
• Draft 2a of design guidelines
• Final design guidelines document
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 9
Experience, Personnel and References
The chart below outlines relevant Winter & Company projects. Expanded project descriptions of
some of these projects follow in the Appendix. In addition, we have included sample pages
from numerous design guidelines documents.
Project Name and
Location
Description of Professional Services Project
Dates
Downtown
Waxahachie, TX
• Analysis of different design contexts
• Design guidelines
2012
Design Guidelines
Rapid City, SD
• Analysis of different design
contexts
• Design guidelines
• Computer-generated illustratives
2012-2013
Downtown Design Guidelines
Brattleboro, VT
• Design guidelines for existing buildings
• Design guidelines for new development
of character areas
2001
Sustainability Design Guidelines
Boise, ID
• Analysis of design contexts
• Digital modeling
• Sustainability design guidelines
• Preservation design guidelines
2010-2011
Height and Density Development
Plan and Design Guidelines
Galveston, TX
• Design guidelines
• Zoning standards
• Density bonus system
2007-2008
Design Guidelines
Cudahy, WI
• Design guidelines
• Computer-generated illustratives for market-
ing
2009-2010
Waterfront Design Guidelines
Juneau, AK
• Design guidelines 2008
Warm Springs Base Area Village
Framework Plan
Ketchum, ID
• Framework plan
• Existing conditions models
• Massing studies
2008
Lahaina Design Guidelines
Lahaina Town, Maui, HI
• Downtown design review system
Page 10 Winter & Company
Personnel
Who will do the work? Seasoned professionals with
demonstrated results will serve the City for this proj-
ect. We also consider City staff, the Advisory Groups
and the HPC to be key team members.
Founded in 1985, Winter & Company offers preserva-
tion planning and urban design services and consults
nationwide to public agencies, neighborhood associations and downtown improvement
groups. Projects focus on maintaining community character, promoting livability and en-
hancing economic opportunities. Collaboration with regional planning and design firms is
a specialty. Services include design guidelines, downtown plans, opportunity site stud-
ies, neighborhood conservation strategies, form-based codes and historic preservation
programs. Projects span more than 150 communities in 48 states and Canada. The firm
is a sole proprietorship and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, where it has a staff
of eight.
Noré Winter
Project Director
Noré will serve as the principal in charge and project director for
this assignment. He will conduct much of the overall conceptualiza-
tion of the guidelines, facilitate key meetings and direct public
presentations.
Julie Husband
Project
Administrator
Julie Husband, Design Studio Director, will serve as project
administrator and team manager. As senior designer she is re-
sponsible for overseeing the design studio staff.
Abe Barge
Concept
Development
Abe Barge, Associate Planner and Designer, will assist with
in-house concept development and report production. He devel-
oped design guidelines for Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Galveston,
Texas.
Please see the Appendix for their detailed resumes.
AVAILABILITY: The key personnel listed in this response will be available to complete
the design guidelines project based on their existing and projected workload for the
project period.
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 11
References
Olde Town Arvada Design Standards
and Guidelines
Cheryl Drake
Senior Planner of Community Development
City of Arvada
8101 Ralston Road
Arvada, CO 80001
720-898-7435
cheryl@arvada.org
Town Center Design Standards & Guidelines
Hiram Peck
Director of Community Development
Town of Simsbury
933 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
860-658-3200
hpeck@simsbury-ct.gov
Design Guidelines
Laura Carstens
Planning Services Manager
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-589-4210
lcarstens@cityofdubuque.org
Page 12 Winter & Company
Rates, City of Fort Collins Task - Old Town Hours Design Guidelines + Cost Update of Services
UPDATE OLD TOWN DESIGN GUIDELINES
March, 2013
Step 1: Assess Exisitng Conditions & Start-up
1.1 Review background materials.
1.2 Conduct logistical meetings with City & State.
1.3 Tour the project area.
1.4 Conduct study session with Historic Preservation commission.
1.5 Develop the outline.
Personnel Rate Hrs. Amount
Winter & Co
N. Winter $155 24 $3,720
J. Husband $110 22 $2,420
A. Barge $95 22 $2,090
B. Shears $50 12 $600
STEP 1 FEES $8,830
STEP 1 EXPENSES Unit Cost Freq. Amount
Ground transportation Mileage, parking $200 LS $200
Meals $100 LS $100
Photography, digital process $200 LS $200
Printing $200 LS $200
Technical $500 LS $500
TOTAL STEP 1 EXPENSES $1,200
TOTAL STEP 1 FEES AND EXPENSES $10,030.00
Step 2: Develop Draft #1 of the Guidelines
2.1 Develop Draft #1 of the Design Guidelines.
2.2 Review Draft #1 of the Design Guidelines.
Personnel Rate Hrs. Amount
Winter & Co
N. Winter $155 10 $1,550
J. Husband $110 48 $5,280
A. Barge $95 48 $4,560
B. Shears $50 12 $600
Step 2 FEES $11,990
Step 2 EXPENSES Unit Cost Freq. Amount
Ground transportation Mileage, parking $200 LS $200
Meals $100 LS $100
Photography, digital process $200 LS $200
Printing/Plotting $200 LS $200
Technical $300 LS $300
TOTAL STEP 2 EXPENSES $1,000
TOTAL STEP 2 FEES AND EXPENSES $12,990.00
City of Fort Collins - Old Town Design Guidelines Update and Transition Area Study
Prepared by Winter & Company Page 1 of 2
Proposal for Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines Update, Fort Collins, Colorado Page 13
page 2
Step 3: Develop Approach to the Update (Public Process)
3.2 Submit workshop summary.
Personnel Hrs. Amount
Winter & Co
N. Winter $155 24 $3,720
J. Husband $110 24 $2,640
A. Barge $95 24 $2,280
B. Shears $50 10 $500
STEP 3 FEES $9,140
STEP 3 EXPENSES Unit Cost Freq. Amount
Ground transportation Mileage, parking $200 LS $200
Meals $100 LS $100
Photography, digital process $200 LS $200
Printing/Plotting $200 LS $200
Workshop supplies $100 LS $100
Technical $300 LS $300
TOTAL STEP 3 EXPENSES $1,100
TOTAL STEP 3 FEES AND EXPENSES $10,240.00
Step 4: Develop Final Document
4.1 Develop final draft document.
4.2 Present final document.
Personnel Hrs. Amount
Winter & Co
N. Winter $155 24 $3,720
J. Husband $110 24 $2,640
A. Barge $95 24 $2,280
B. Shears $50 10 $500
Step 4 FEES $9,140
Step 4 EXPENSES
Unit Cost Freq. Amount
Ground transportation Mileage, parking $200 LS $200
Meals $100 LS $100
Photography, digital process $200 LS $200
Printing/Plotting/CD $250 LS $250
Technical $380 LS $380
TOTAL STEP 4 EXPENSES $1,130
TOTAL STEP 4 FEES AND EXPENSES $10,270.00
TOTAL AND EXPENSES $43,530.00
3.1 Conduct community workshop, to include property owners,
Downtown Develoment Authority and Downtown Business
Association and the HPC.
4.3 Submit final Design Guidelines to Landmark Preservation
Commission and to City Council for Adoption
City of Fort Collins - Old Town Design Guidelines Update and Transition Area Study
Page 2 of 2
Page 14 Winter & Company
Diagrams will be provided in the design guidelines that assist the user in understanding the steps to
be taken for planning a preservation project.
PROJECT EXAMPLE
APPENDIX
SAMPLE OUTLINE
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Winter & Company
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SAMPLE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DESIGN GUIDELINES OUTLINE
This outline reflects a typical downtown historic district guidelines document. It is
included as an example of what may be produced for the Old Town guidelines, not as
proposed contents for the project. An outline for the Old Town Design Guidelines update
would be developed to reflect issues and trends specific to Old Town.
Introduction
The Introduction explains the basic organization and function of the design guidelines
document.
A. About this document
• What are Design Guidelines?
• Why have Design Guidelines?
• The Process
B. Background of the Design Guidelines
• Policies Underlying the Guidelines
• Comprehensive Plan
C. Historic Preservation and Sustainability
• Cultural/Social Component of Sustainability
• Environmental Component of Sustainability
• Economic Component of Sustainability
D. Development of Waxahachie
• Historic development patterns
I. Using the Design Guidelines
This section provides an overview of design guidelines and Waxahachieʼs design review
system, as well as case study examples of how to apply the design guidelines.
A. Design Guidelines Organization
• Which Chapters Apply to a Project
B. The Design Review System
• Design Review Tracks
C. Where the Design Guidelines Apply
• Zone Districts
• Character Areas
D. Design Guidelines Components
E. Case Study Projects
• Phased storefront rehab
• Upper floors/additions
• Rear addition
• Mixed used/mixed building (new and rehab)
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II. Planning a Preservation Project
This section establishes the theoretical principles for preservation, and provides steps to
follow in planning an improvement project. This will help property owners chart an
appropriate approach for improving a historic property.
A. What does Historic Preservation Mean?
• Determining Historic Significance
B. Overarching Preservation Guidelines
C. Planning a Preservation Project
• Accepted Treatments
• Inappropriate Treatments
• Choosing a Treatment Strategy
D. Historic Architectural Styles
• Descriptions
• Key features
• Using these in design review
III. Treatment of Historic Resources
This section provides the bulk of the guidance related to historic properties.
A. General Historic Design Guidelines
• Architectural Details
• Materials and Finishes
• Building Components
B. Treatment of Specific Building Types
• Historic Commercial Storefronts
• Industrial Properties
C. Additions
• Historic Additions
• New Additions
D. Special Considerations
• Adaptive Reuse
• Phasing/Temporary Designs
• Accessibility
• Building Maintenance
• Energy Conservation and Generation
IV. Design Guidelines for All Projects
This section provides guidance for all projects throughout the downtown area.
A. Connectivity
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B. Outdoor Amenity Space
• Small Public Plazas and Courtyards
• Patios and Outdoor Seating
• Site Furnishings
• Public Art
C. Surface Parking
D. Lighting
• Site Lighting
• Building Lighting
E. Service Areas and Building Equipment
F. Awnings and Canopies
G. Color
H. Archaeology
VI. Design Guidelines for New Construction
This section provides guidance for new buildings throughout the downtown.
A. General Principles for New Construction
• Architectural Character
• Building Orientation
• Materials
B. New Construction and Sustainability
C. New Commercial Building Design
• Mass and Scale
• Building and Roof Form
• Commercial Facade Character
D. Civic Facility Design
VI. Signs
This section addresses sign design and placement in the downtown area.
A. Treatment of Historic Signs
• All Historic Signs
• Historic Wall Signs
B. Design of New and Modified Signs
• Sign Character, Content and Lighting
• Sign Installation on a Historic Building
• Design of Specific Sign Types
Appendix: Glossary of Terms
Winter & Company
1265 Yellow Pine Avenue• Boulder, Colorado 80304 • 303-440-8445 • fax: 303- 443-0725 • winterandcompany.net
Urban Design • Historic Preservation • Design Review
Enhancing livability, protecting cultural resources and providing
delight in the community experience — these are the focus of design,
preservation and planning services at Winter & Company.
Winter & Company consults nationwide to public agencies, downtown
improvement committees and private property owners. Collaboration
with regional planning and design professionals is a specialty. Services
include urban design plans, neighborhood conservation strategies,
cultural facility feasibility studies and design guidelines. Projects span
more than 150 communities in 48 states and Canada.
Streetscape planning takes into consideration the historic context
of a downtown, urban design policies and economic development
benefits. Issues commonly examined include pedestrian circulation,
wayfinding, street furnishings and sidewalk design.
Winter & Company actively engages stakeholders, residents and
property owners in creative ways of team-building and problem solving.
Community workshops, open houses, and stakeholder interviews
are planned to be lively, informative and constructive.
Sustainability design standards and guidelines help ensure that taller, higher density development in Galveston, Texas,
considers view corridors and breezeways along the streets leading to established neighborhoods.
Form-based standards in Denver, Colorado,
provide for a range of building types which
are then calibrated to differing contexts.
Neighbors in Greenville, South Carolina,
define key features of their historic district.
Services:
Community Character Management Systems
• Neighborhood conservation plans
• Design and historic preservation guidelines
• Design review systems
• Preservation plans
Form-Based Design Codes
• Neighborhood-based design regulations
• Context-sensitive design standards
Historic Resource Planning and Management
• Historic building master plans
• Adaptive reuse feasibility studies
• Heritage tourism and historic survey strategies
• Commission training
Public Participation and Community Outreach
• Hands-on participatory planning workshops
• Community-based charrettes and visioning
Urban Design
• Downtown and neighborhood plans
• Streetscape design and wayfinding systems
• Corridor plans and guidelines
• River corridor plans and development standards
A development prototype in Monterey, California, illustrates the objectives of
new downtown design guidelines.
Use traditional roof
forms.
Step back upper story
building heights to re-
flect traditional building
heights.
Provide a pedestrian
connection to enhance
through connections.
Provide a variation in
wall plane and building
heights to reflect tradi-
tional building modules.
Orient building entrance
towards the street.
Locate storefronts at
street level.
Reflect traditional solid-
to-void (window to wall)
ratio.
Provide a base, middle,
and cap.
Calle Principal
The use of awnings,
canopies and balconies
is encouraged.
Pacific Street
Development Prototypes
Alternative models for West Palm Beach,
Florida, illustrate the effects of lot coverage
standards.
Wayfinding sketch (Georgetown, TX)
Streetscape sketch (Truckee, CA)
Gateway concept sketch (Aurora, CO)
Winter & Company • 1265 Yellow Pine Avenue Boulder, CO 80304 • (303) 440-8445 • winterandcompany.net
Noré V. Winter
Principal & Owner
Winter & Company
Noré Winter is an urban design and planning consultant with more than twenty-
five years experience nationwide. He specializes in serving communities with
special amenities, distinctive natural settings and traditional resources. He
assists governments in establishing town identity, promoting sustainability, and
protecting community resources.
His work in urban design includes downtown plans for Bellingham, Washington;
Boulder, Colorado; Flagstaff, Arizona; Georgetown, Texas; Fort Collins, Colorado;
Monroe, Washington; Monterey, California and Walla Walla, Washington.
He has developed corridor plans that enhance the entryway experience and
promote connections to downtowns in Bozeman, Montana; Durango, Colorado;
and Lexington, Kentucky. He has also supervised the initial form-based code
character analysis/visioning process in Arvada, Colorado; Boulder, Colorado;
Denver, Colorado; Galveston, Texas and Raleigh, North Carolina.
He has also developed design guidelines that address new development in
established communities across the country, including San Antonio, Texas;
Denver, Colorado; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Bellingham, Washington; Monterey,
California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Smaller communities he has served include
Brattleboro, Vermont; Dubuque, Iowa; Juneau, Alaska; Ste. Genevieve, Missouri;
Lahaina, Hawaii and Oysterville, Washington. He has also developed design
guidelines for historic and conservation districts.
Mr. Winter has evaluated design review processes for Raleigh, North Carolina;
Juneau, Alaska and Fort Collins, Colorado. He has provided design review
training for a wide range of locations, including the commissions of New York
City, Boston, Indianapolis, and Seattle. He has conducted statewide and regional
training workshops in design review in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas,
Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, South
Carolina and Washington.
Mr. Winter is frequently a featured speaker at conferences and conventions,
including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service
and the American Planning Association. From 1992-1996, he served as Chairman
of the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. He has received awards
for “Contributions to the Built Environment” from the Colorado and Western
Regional divisions of the American Institute of Architects. Winter also served
the National Main Street Center as a member of its Resource Teams, which
visited Main Street communities in week-long assessments.
Mr. Winter is based in Boulder, Colorado.
Education:
B. Architecture
Tulane University, New Orleans
M. Architecture and Urban
Design
UCLA
Winter & Company • 1265 Yellow Pine Avenue Boulder, CO 80304 • (303) 440-8445 • winterandcompany.net
Julia L. (Julie) Husband
Director of Urban Design Studio
Winter & Company
Julie Husband offers eighteen years of experience in architecture, urban design
and related fields. She has worked for Winter & Company for the past fifteen
years on design guidelines, design review, urban design, historic preservation,
and architectural rehabilitation projects.
Currently, Julie is the project manager for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District
Design Guidelines in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Downtown Framework Plan and
Design Guidelines for Arvada, Colorado and the Neighborhood Development
Criteria project for the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is also producing
character analysis development scenarios for the Raleigh, North Carolina form-
based code (subconsultant role).
She has helped draft design standards and guidelines for downtown districts,
historic districts, conservation districts, entryway corridors and new neighborhoods
throughout the country. Such assignments include guidelines and standards for
Bellingham, Washington; Durango, Colorado; Lexington, Kentucky; Bozeman,
Montana; Salt Lake City, Utah; Raleigh, North Carolina and San Antonio, Texas.
The guidelines for the Third Street area of Durango won awards from Colorado
Preservation, Inc.
She also was also instrumental in following projects: the Galveston Height
and Density Study for Galveston, Texas; Bellingham City Center Plan in
Washington, and the North 7th Avenue Design and Connectivity Plan for
Bozeman, Montana.
On many planning and design projects, Ms. Husband has generated computer
and/or hand-drawn illustrations to model the effect that alternative development
scenarios might have on an area. This modeling of the design implications of
alternative development scenarios has helped communities make informed
decisions about policies they may adopt.
Education:
B. Architecture
Montana State University
URBAN DESIGN SERVICES
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Framework Plan
Design Standards and Guidelines
Olde Town Arvada, Colorado
Arvada is an inner ring suburb on the western edge of Denver,
with a population of 100,000. The city is experiencing substantial
growth, focused around new transit stations that are part of
Denver’s light rail system. The historic heart of the city, Olde
Town, is revitalizing with rehabilitation and new construction
projects.
Challenged with the prospect of attracting development while
respecting community character, Winter & Company is developing
a framework plan, form-based standards and design review
guidelines for Olde Town. A portion of the area is a historic
district, and other parts are designated a conservation district. An
abutting neighborhood defines a sensitive edge to the commercial
and mixed-use portions of Olde Town, where transitions in scale
are a concern.
At issue is how to accommodate reinvestment that is compatible
with the traditional scale and character of the area, while increasing
density to support transit systems. The planning process includes
hands-on public workshops, focus groups and one-on-one
interviews. Key public agencies are also actively involved,
including the City’s Planning Department, the Redevelopment
Agency, the Downtown Business Association, and neighborhood
organizations.
Services:
• Framework plan
• Design guidelines
• Policies for scale and
character
• Code update
Client:
Cheryl Drake
Senior Planner
Community Development
Department
City of Arvada
Date: 2009-2010
A computer model illustrates a combination of commercial and residential building
types.
Buildings in Olde Town Arvada
Residential edge in Olde Town
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The project has three components:
Framework Plan
The framework plan establishes different “character areas,”
with differing goals related to land use, building character and
scale.
Form-Based Standards
The design standards define a series of building types, with
prescriptive, dimensional standards for building massing,
setbacks, and street character.
Design Guidelines
The design guidelines provide a more focused set of review
criteria that are used with the City’s existing development review
and permitting process.
Framework Plan & Design Guidelines
Olde Town Arvada, Colorado (continued)
A framework plan identifies areas where rehabilitation of existing buildings is a focus and locates other parts along the
Ralston Road corridor where infill is targeted. This map will then inform new design guidelines and code revisions for
the area. This information will also be used by the City's Redevelopment Agency in its efforts to attract investment into
the area.
To Arvada Square
Shopping Center
To Transit
Village
To Arvada
Arts Center
To Downtown
Denver
Old Wadsworth Blvd.
Ralston Road
Mixed Use Infill
opportunities
Rehab and small
scale infill
opportunities
Wadsworth Bypass
Rail Line
Primary Circulation
Neighborhood Access
Downtown Gateway
A low-scale portion of the historic
district in Olde Town
Rail Station
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The Old Wadsworth Boulevard
corridor in Olde Town Arvada
Framework Plan & Design Guidelines
Olde Town Arvada, Colorado (continued)
The new library
Wayfinding in Olde Town
Computer models of different building types give workshop participants a sense
of character and scale of different building types. In workshops, they determined
which building forms are appropriate for the designated character areas.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Sustainability Design Guidelines for
Residential Neighborhoods
Boise, Idaho
Services:
• Public workshops
• Analysis of design contexts
• Digital Modeling
• Sustainability design
guidelines
• Preservation design
guidelines
Client:
Matt Halisky
Historic Preservation Planner
Planning and Development
Services
City of Boise
Date: 2010 - 2011
The City of Boise, situated on the Boise River, is the most
populous city in Idaho. The city includes a traditional downtown,
commercial corridors, an industrial area and established
residential neighborhoods. The City of Boise developed Historic
Design Guidelines for its residential historic districts in 2004 and
most recently revised them in 2006. Since then, issues related
to sustainability arose. Winter & Company created an update to
the guidelines to address sustainability in the residential historic
districts.
The new guidelines recognize the inherent connection that
preservation has with resource conservation. As investments
are made in the city’s residential historic districts it is important
they maintain and enhance the districts’ distinct identities as
well as support economic viability and community sustainability
initiatives. The update provides clear guidance to help property
owners plan for improvements and to assist the City in making
informed decisions about the appropriateness of sustainability
projects. A wide range of sustainable development topics are
addressed at the building, site and neighborhood scales. The
guidelines also provide criteria for reviewing technologies which
do not yet exist, focused on minimally invasive strategies for their
use and maintenance of the historic building's key features.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Sustainability Design Guidelines for Residential
Neighborhoods
Boise, Idaho (continued)
This diagram summarizes a general strategy for energy conservation on a traditional
residential building. These measures can enhance energy efficiency while retaining
the integrity of the historic structure.
The use of compatible new awnings
is encouraged as they are both
traditional building elements and
greatly enhance the energy efficiency
of a home. An operable awning,
as seen here, regulates internal
temperatures throughout the year by
providing shade in the summer while
allowing solar access in the winter.
The use of rain barrels and other
such rain water collections systems
can be a key component of a system
to maximize water efficiency in a
landscape.
Winter & Company winterandcompany.net
PLANNING SERVICES
Services:
• Analysis of different design
contexts
• Design guidelines
• Computer-generated
illustratives for marketing
by the EDC
• Design proposals for
specific opportunity sites
Client:
Lara L. Fritts
City of Cudahy
Director of Economic
Development
Date: 2009 - 2010
The City of Cudahy, a suburb of Milwaukee, is situated on the
western shores of Lake Michigan. With over 18,000 residents,
the city includes a traditional downtown, an industrial area,
and established residential neighborhoods and commercial
corridors.
Winter & Company recently developed Design Guidelines for
commercial, industrial and mixed-use properties. They contain
a set of guidelines for new construction that apply to downtown
transit-oriented development and key corridor areas. Rehabili-
tation design guidelines for downtown historic properties are
also provided. The Economic Development Commission is us-
ing the guidelines to market specific sites to developers.
Design Guidelines
Cudahy, Wisconsin
Packard Avenue study models
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PLANNING SERVICES
Design Guidelines
Cudahy, Wisconsin (continued)
Before: Tats Restaurant - existing
After: Tats Restaurant - rehabilitation
case study
Winter & Company winterandcompany.net
DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Downtown Design Guidelines
Dubuque, Iowa
Dubuque is noteworthy as one of the most livable small cities
in the nation. It retains a robust collection of historic resources,
sits at a strategic point on the Mississippi River, and enjoys a
quality of life that many other communities aspire to achieve.
The historic core of Dubuque has served as the cultural center
of the region for many years and retains numerous buildings that
convey its early character.
The Downtown Design Guidelines cover the downtown core and
the Historic Millwork District. The warehouse district was recently
listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The district
is attracting investment with opportunities for loft housing and
other mixed use projects for adaptive reuse.
The Downtown Design Guidelines were financed in part by
federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department
of the Interior. The State Historical Society of Iowa administered
the funding. Winter & Company closely coordinated the review
of documents with both state and city authorities.
Services:
• Analysis of existing
conditions
• Guidelines for treatment of
historic properties and new
infill.
Client:
David Johnson, Planner
City of Dubuque
Date: 2008-2009
Dubuque is the northernmost port city on the scenic Mississippi River.
The Dubuque town clock and City
Hall are two of the many historic
resources that grace downtown.
In November 2009, the downtown design guidelines
were awarded the Best Design Education/Preservation
project by the Dubuque Main Street organization.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
The Design Guidelines:
The design guidelines addressed four character areas. They
include the Neighborhood Corridor to the north, the Warehouse
Area, the Downtown Core Area and the Downtown Transitional
Area.
Downtown Core historic resource
Warehouse area context
Neighborhood area context
Downtown Design Guidelines
Dubuque, Iowa
Winter & Company winterandcompany.net
DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Downtown Design Guidelines
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is in an extraordinary setting in Lake Huron
and is valued by residents and summer visitors alike. Downtown
Mackinac Island is the heart of business and cultural activity in
the community, in which the distinct physical character contributes
to its vitality. The concentration of historic commercial buildings,
active businesses and public amenities are important assets that
people cherish. A rich diversity of building styles, details and
materials enhance the quality of the area. Many have historic
significance and contribute to the value of the area as a National
Historic Landmark.
When people plan improvements to their properties, questions
sometimes arise about the best methods to repair historic
features, to design alterations and to plan for compatible new
construction. In this project, Winter & Company assists the City
in preparing a handbook of design solutions for property owners
to help them plan successful improvement projects. It also will
help to clarify the City’s criteria that it uses under the existing
architectural review process.
The handbook will focus on the areas along Market and Main
Streets, from Fort Street to the school. The process includes
workshops that elicit residents' input as well as contributions of
City staff, boards and commissions.
Services:
• Public meetings
• Commission meetings
• Design review
• Design guidelines
Client:
Kelly Bean
City of Mackinac Island
This site includes some state-
owned landmark buildings that
date from an earlier period than
most of the buildings in the
downtown.
Main Street
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DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Design Guidelines for
West Boulevard Historic District
Rapid City, South Dakota
The West Boulevard Historic District is the oldest neighbohood
in Rapid City. The newly created design guidelines assist
property owners in developing projects in the district that will
preserve historic resources, accommodate change and maintain
the character of the district.
The guidelines build on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards
and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation while
also addressing the specifics in Rapid City and reflecting the
distinctive characteristics of the historic resources found there.
The design guidelines address key characteristics of the
neighborhood, including its eclectic building styles, wide
boulevards and the relationship of the historic district to downtown.
Client
Karen Bulman
Growth Management
Department
City of Rapid City
Services
• Analysis of different design
• contexts
• Design guidelines
• Computer-generated
llustratives
Date
2011
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DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
West Boulevard Historic District Design Guidelines
Rapid City, South Dakota (continued)
The design guidelines illustrate and model alternative designs for residential
properties.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Town Center Design Guidelines
Simsbury, Connecticut
Services:
• New design guidelines for
the Town Center
• Updates to the existing
form-based Simsbury Cen-
ter Code
• Community workshops and
stakeholder meetings
Client:
Hiram Peck
Town of Simsbury
Planning Director
Date: 2011 - 2012
The Town of Simsbury, Connecticut, is updating the regulatory
system that shapes development in its historic center. Winter &
Company recently worked with a consultant team to implement
Connecticut's second form-based code in the Simsbury Town
Center, and has drafted new design guidelines that will integrate
with the code to protect historic resources and promote compatible
redevelopment.
Simsbury is located at the northern end of the Farmington River
Valley, on the outskirts of metropolitan Hartford. It's Town Center,
on and around Hopmeadow Street, features historic New England
residential, commercial and civic buildings, as well as newer
development focused on retail and services.
A design charette conducted in 2009 by Winter & Company and
Code Studio of Austin, Texas, helped articulate the community's
vision for protecting the historic development pattern along
Hopmeadow Street while encouraging compatible, mixed-use
development closer to the Farmington River. The form-based
Simsbury Center Code provides a critical first step toward
implementing the vision. The Town Center Design Guidelines
provide an additional level of discussion and coordinate with the
Code to provide innovate and flexible design solutions.
Town officials and residents helped shape the design guidelines and ensure that
they are properly coordinated with the recently adopted form-based code for the
Town Center.
The Town of Simsbury seeks
to protect its New England
village character while creating
opportunities for higher-density,
mixed-use development.
The design guidelines illustrate
strategies for integrating higher-
density development with the
traditional village character of the
Town Center.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Town Center Design Guidelines
Simsbury, Connecticut (continued)
The design guidelines help protect
views towards the rural landscape
of the Farmington River Valley and
maintain the distinctive character of
neighborhoods.
The complete Code and Design Guidelines system includes:
• By-right code standards with flexibility provided through
alternative compliance review using the design guidelines;
• Extensively illustrated design guidelines to help shape
development in several unique contexts throughout the
Town Center;
• An updated historic preservation system that is closely
coordinated with the existing Simsbury Center Code and
new Town Center Design Guidelines.
The project was completed in 2012.
Town of Simsbury Guidelines for Community Design Page 73
Town Center Guidelines
Architecture in the Town Center
Draft - June 18, 2012
building modules
Reflecting Traditional Lot and Building Widths
Traditional Building Widths. The traditional development pattern in the Town Center is composed primarily of
smaller buildings reflecting the original pattern of underlying lots.
4
New Construction Reflecting Traditional Lot and Building Widths. While a new structure may be wider than
was historically typical, it should incorporate design features that break it down into smaller modules that suggest
the underlying historic lot pattern. Changes in building configuration, articulation or design features can help visually
break the structure down into smaller modules
The design guidelines illustrate strategies for reflecting traditional lot and building
widths in larger scale redevelopment.
Winter & Company winterandcompany.net
DESIGN GUIDELINES SERVICES
Downtown Design Guidelines
Waxahachie, Texas
Services:
• Analysis of different design
contexts
• Design guidelines
Client:
Anita Williamson
Heritage Preservation Officer
City of Waxahachie
Date: 2009 - 2010
Waxahachie, at the southern edge of metropolitan Dallas/Fort
Worth, retains a robust collection of historic resources. The
city's Heritage Preservation Commission seeks to promote
compatible downtown rehabilitation and redevelopment to protect
Waxahachie's image and high quality of life.
Winter & Company assisted the City with development of
downtown design guidelines. The guidelines address rehabilitation
of historic resources and compatible infill development. Prototype
development scenarios also help illustrate adaptive reuse of
historic resources and compatible new construction on real
downtown sites.
The design guidelines document includes "development tracks"
to help users find the sections that pertain to specific types of
projects. The track differentiate small scale historic rehabilitation
projects from larger projects that could include both rehabilitation,
building additions and new site or parking features.
• Design guidelines
2003
Downtown Design Guidelines
Mackinac Island, MI
• Design guidelines 2012
Cannery Row Conservation
Program
Monterey, CA
• Design guidelines
• Ordinance revisions
• Framework plan
2002
Mare Island Historic District
Design Guidelines
Vallejo, CA
• Design guidelines 2005
Curt Smith,
Direc. of Planning
and Development
City of Fort Collins, CO