The goal of the Design Committee is to support Staunton Main Street USA by improving the physical appearance of the downtown.

 

To accomplish this goal, the Design Committee will focus on the following objectives:

1. Educate others about good design.

2. Encourage quality improvements to private properties and public spaces.

3. Provide incentives for property improvements.

4. Influence appropriate public design and planning policies.

 

Since its inception, the Design Committee has been active in several issues significant to downtown Staunton. Perhaps most important is the development of Design Guidelines for use by business and property owners in conducting renovations to Main Street building facades. By establishing guidelines, the committee seeks not to control, but rather to ensure the integrity of each building's historical aspects and to assist business and property owners in selecting the most appropriate materials for the renovations.* In addition, the Design Committee has worked with a number of Main Street property owners by securing design services from state preservation personnel. A Façade Improvement Matching grant program is currently being offered, applications for which can be gotten through the Main Street Office.

 

An inventory of Main Street buildings has been captured through a set of pictures. These are important in documenting the present-day architecture. A committee member has a private collection of historic pictures, which provide views of many of the buildings in their original states. Living into its mission of elevating community awareness of Staunton unique historic buildings, local historian, Cindy Leonard, gives an annual 45-minute slide presentation to all 4th and 5th grade elementary classes. This informational talk is also available for civic and church organizations.

 

In conjunction with the Macoupin County Economic Development Commission and the Staunton City Council, a subcommittee is working on developing a strip of land that parallels Main Street on the north which will be called Duda Gardens. This project is the first phase of developing a trail head for forthcoming bike trail that will run from Edwardsville to Staunton.

 

Another exciting project revolves around local artist, Jim Makula, who has completed pen and ink drawings of three Main Street buildings. From these original works, the Design Committee has produced note cards, which can be purchased through the Main Street Office for $3.00 for a package of six cards and envelopes. Jim's drawing of the Gauer Building has been cast in brass to create a handsome Christmas ornament which can be bought in Main Street members' stores for $15.00. Jim is currently working on the Labor Temple and has plans to draw two additional buildings. These will be included in the second package of note cards which are in the planning stage.

 

The committee has developed three promotional brochures. One provides historic pictures and building information in the format of a walking tour of the Main Street buildings, one spotlights the post office and one centers on Staunton's Route 66 involvement. *

 

 

* Copies of brochures and the Design Guidelines can be gotten from the Main Street Office, City Hall and the Library.