MSM Design Assistance
Purpose
The Main Street program is historic preservation based economic development. Helping property and business owners enhance the existing physical assets while following historic preservation principles is the primary focus and intent of the Main Street McMinnville Design Assistance Program.
We provide property owners and tenants with recommendations for improving the physical appearance of their buildings while ensuring compatibility with the existing fabric of the Main Street district following historic preservation principles. The recommendations are offered in consultation with the property or business owner. If the building is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, Main Street McMinnville will consult with the Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office and the recommended design will follow the Secretary of Interior’s Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings. Design guidelines that have been adopted by the local Historic Zoning Commission will also be followed.
We also recognize the budget of the property owner or business. We will make every effort to make reasonable suggestions and save money whenever possible. The most important part of design assistance is the understanding of the client’s specific needs. The proper use of materials and resources can be very economical.
Eligibility
Main Street McMinnville Design Services are available for property or business owners in downtown McMinnville or within the McMinnville Downtown Revenue Finance Corporation boundaries. Buildings outside of that designated district are not eligible for this service.
Scope and Limits of Service
The scope of services to be provided will be discussed with each property or business owner. Any recommendations, reports, and drawings made are conceptual and are not intended for construction purposes, but can serve as a basis for discussion with contractors or with a registered architect if professional services are required for the project. Evaluation of deficiencies in structural capacities, compliance with applicable codes, or identification of the presence of hazardous materials are all beyond the scope of service provided by the Main Street Design Assistance Program. The time frame for delivery of recommendations, written or illustrated, will vary depending on the current workload of the Main Street McMinnville, the complexity of the request, and any unforeseen difficulties with the project.
Process
STEP 1—Property and business owners interested in this service should contact the Main Street McMinnville office
STEP 2—Discuss the project with the Executive Director and to schedule a site visit to the building.
STEP 3—The site visit by Main Street McMinnville includes a meeting with the property or business owner and photo documentation of the building’s existing condition. After the site visit, the Main Street McMinnville determines recommended actions. This could include one or all of the following:
- site visit verbal recommendations,
- written follow-up, or
- 3D images of the building.
A business or property owner may also opt for Professional Design Assistance. Professional Design Assistance includes a meeting with a professional designer with historic preservation experience, a written specification sheet, and color rendered or photo enhanced illustrated recommendations. (NOTE: professional design recommendations [facade drawings, color schemes and specifications] are produced for a fee of $2,500 and are contracted with the property or business owner. Main Street McMinnville is in touch with qualified Historic Preservation Specialists and Design Professionals who can help you with your buildings.)
STEP 4— Main Street McMinnville completes a written follow-up recommendations and sends them to the property or business owner for review. Main Street McMinnville will review the recommendations of a professional design assistance before sending the final copy to the property or business owner. If a property or business owner desires additional illustrated recommendations, an additional fee per illustration will be added.
Please note that funds may be available through Main Street McMinnville Design Grants to help with professional design assistance and your recommendations.