Design Assistance

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• Rethos Main Streets: Minnesota Design Consultation is available to Designated or Network Rethos Main Streets: Minnesota communities. We ask that applicants completing construction projects based on design assistance concepts share final project costs, information, and photographs with the Rethos Main Streets: Minnesota program. This information will be helpful in future project cost estimating, planning, and promoting successful outcomes.
• Any drawings that are provided to the applicant are for illustrative purposes only and are not for construction. Design services by Rethos Main Streets: Minnesota are artist renderings and do not take the place of services provided by a registered architect. Rethos Main Streets: Minnesota Design Consultation provides preservation-based recommendations that follow the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation as developed by the National Park Service.  
• Rethos Main Streets: Minnesota is not responsible for the non-discovery of any defects in material, workmanship, or other conditions of the property. The property owner/applicant should consult with licensed professionals before embarking on any of the design ideas illustrated.  
• Rethos Main Streets: Minnesota Design Assistance does not guarantee approval nor does it constitute formal comment of a project under either the state or federal rehabilitation tax credit review process, does not fulfill review requirements pursuant to Minnesota state statute 138 or section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and does not supplant local review authority.

Spring is in the air!!! Is it time to think about sprucing up your signage or storefront with a new design? Wabasha Main Street, Inc. has the opportunity to provide free design consultation for Storefront/Façade and/or Signage Design Assistance to any business or property owner within the Wabasha Main Street District. This service is available once a year to Minnesota Main Street Communities, of which Wabasha is one of twelve. Wabasha’s Main Street District goes from Bridge to Bailey and the Riverfront to 2nd Street. See our website for more information:  www.wabashamainstreet.org

If you are considering re-envisioning your storefront, façade or a new sign, this program will offer you illustrations or design renderings to help you, as a property owner come up with design and preservation possibilities. Design consultation helps to identify historically significant building characteristics and to make recommendations on exterior improvements. Thoughtful sign design can effectively promote your business.

In order to be eligible to receive this assistance your building must be zoned commercial or mixed-use. The building does not have to be considered “historic” but at least 50 years old in order to be eligible. Individual owner-occupied residences or rental residences are not eligible to receive design assistance.

Applicants receiving the design services are required to share final project costs, information and photographs with the Minnesota Main Street program. Applications will be available until May 15, 2021.

Following submittal of a Design Consultation Request, we will schedule an on-site visit with our consultant with you. Historic photos are also an excellent resource for clues about the building’s original design. You will be provided with sketches and digital designs for your use after site visit and consult.

Wabasha Main Street has had two previous business owners participate in this free design service and have found it most valuable for future possibilities in both future façade work and signage.

For further information please contact Mary Flicek at wabashamainstreet@gmail.com or pick up more information or an application at 157 Main Street West, Wabasha.