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The goal of the Design Committee is to better the physical appearance of the downtown area to create an attractive, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. The Design Committee encourages adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, and restoration of existing structures instead of demolition. It encourages sympathetic new construction and the development of sensitive design management guidelines. It provides information and encourages decision making based on historical accuracy, design aesthetics, and old fashioned common sense.


TEA 21 Streetscape Enhancement
  • Continue involvement in streetscape project.
  • Create program for benches to be placed downtown.
  • Get appropriate new trash receptacles.
  • Select appropriate "business-friendly" trees. Coordinate rededication program.
  • Purchase appropriate new banners for downtown aesthetics.
  • Other possibilities include flower planters, bike racks, black street signs, etc.
   Future objectives:
  • Secure grant funding for streetscape enhancement to continue east of Morrison and/or west of Seminary.
  • Seek funding and cooperation to beautify and "soften" the entrances to downtown with trees and landscaping at the intersection of Combs and Main and at the Rt. 159 zig-zag.
  • Find funding and cooperation to study and return Main Street to two-way.
  • Provide information from the Main Street/National Trust perspective for the Rt. 159 widening / bypass situation.

Façade Improvement Program
  • Promote and encourage downtown property owners to participate in the Façade Improvement Program.
  • Create new brochure highlighting program participation with the new Community Development Director.
  • Promote the use of historical photographs for the rehab and restoration of buildings.
  • Provide free architectural and design assistance to property and business owners from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
  • Provide information and assist with the decisions on paint, colors, materials, awnings, windows, signage, graphics, lighting, etc...
  • Provide resources, from architects to contractors, during all aspects of the project.
  • Assist applicant with required paperwork and documentation.
  • Present projects to the City Council for approval of funding.
   Future objectives:
  • Review and expand downtown TIF area to include more properties.
  • Actively seek new projects for Program.
  • Work with Community Development Director to increase participation in program.
   Continuing projects:
  • Scissor Shak
  • Flower Basket
  • Computerease
  • Debbie's Beads & Beyond
  • Tejada Building
  • Collinsville Beauty Salon
  • RJN
  • Viviano Heating and Air Conditioning

Public Art
  • Catalog and inventory of historic advertising wall murals (ghost signs) and encourage appropriate preservation efforts with building owners.
  • Restore advertising mural to side of Ike Haisler's (Computerease) building.
  • Review situation with Bull Durham sign and explore graffiti situation.
  • Explore possibility of painting the quansit hut near police station.
  • Assist with the restoration and preservation of historical commercial signage and encourage the appreciation of them as public art.
  • Catalog and inventory of public and private statuary in the downtown area and encourage appropriate preservation efforts with owners.

Governmental Policy Issues
  • Review of city sign ordinance to possibly be more appropriate for downtown business and property owners. Research and provide Main Street/National Trust information.
  • Review and expand downtown TIF area to include more properties.
  • Create appropriate rehab/restoration guidelines for existing structures based on historic preservation. Realizing that different buildings from different eras can each be architecturally significant in their own right.
  • Create design guidelines for new construction/infill sympathetic to the context of the site and based on the historical look and feel of the surrounding area.

Historic Preservation Advocacy Issues
  • Coordinate design and architectural assistance from Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for downtown property and business owners.
  • Provide Main Street/National Trust information and encourage adaptive reuse.
  • Take a proactive role in the preservation of downtown buildings, be they private or publicly owned.
  • Exhaust all efforts before succumbing to the ridiculousness of demolition.

Design Training
  • Provide training seminars for volunteers, property owners, and others as needed.

Downtown Collinsville, Inc.
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Downtown Collinsville, Inc. Main Street Program
216 East Main Street • Collinsville, Illinois 62234
618.345.5598 phone • 618.345.5699 fax
info@downtowncollinsville.com
 


This site is presented by Downtown Collinsville, Inc., a non-profit organization implementing the Illinois Main Street Program and dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and revitalization of the downtown Collinsville area.