2005 Design Services Workshop - September 22, 2005

On September 22 the Michigan Main Street Architect was in Muskegon to lead a workshop providing an overview of the design services available to property owners in the Muskegon Main Street district. The workshop introduced property owners and Main Street committee members to the basics of historic preservation and detailed the services she is able to offer to property owners in Muskegon for their property improvement plans.

In order to take advantage of the services owners must attend a design services workshop. There is one more chance to attend a workshop and qualify for services. That workshop will be held in Grand Haven on October 27 at 5:00 p.m. Contact the Main Street Manager at 231.724.3180 or by email at drinsema-sybenga@muskegon.org if you would like to attend. Below you can find a description of the services offered to building owners who take advantage of the design services offered.

Michigan Main Street Design Services

Michigan Main Street communities in the first, second and third year of the program receive design training and consultation services. Each Main Street community will receive three individualized design service packages as part of the Michigan Main Street design services. Applications for the design services package are available from the Main Street manager. The three selected applicants from each Michigan Main Street community will receive the following:

Site Visit. The Main Street Architect will meet with the three selected applicants from each community to discuss each façade improvement project. The meeting will be scheduled for two hours, and will include the design committee chair (or representative), the main street manager and the applicant. The meeting will include a tour of the entire building and a consultation with the applicant to determine the scope of work and proposed budget for a façade improvement.

Design Package. The Main Street Architect will take the information from the site visit and complete the design. The complete façade design package will include the following and must comply with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation:

• Schematic façade drawing. This will be a computer-generated color rendering of the proposed façade rehabilitation. The drawing will include a color photograph of the existing conditions, and a historic photograph of the building, if available. The drawing will also include any pertinent detail sketches, paint chips, color swatches, notations, etc.
• Specifications. The drawing will be accompanied by written specifications detailing the proposed work, products, etc.
• Cost Estimate. An itemized cost estimate with a per unit cost shall be included to provide guidance on the cost of the proposed façade improvements.
• Cover letter. The completed design package will be presented to the applicant with a cover letter explaining the proposal.
• Follow-up. The Main Street Architect will be available by telephone or email to answer any questions regarding the project from the applicant or the program manager.