Facade and Interior Building Improvements

These Design Guidelines provide building owners and tenants general information regarding the renovation of existing buildings within the NYMS targeted area of downtown Warsaw. 

CALL 786-2523 OR 786-8646.

Overall Goals

The Greater Warsaw Chamber of Commerce encourages renovations and improvements which create a unique and attractive image for each business while respecting the original design parameters of its facade as well as those of its neighbors.  The Program encourages solutions which achieve these goals affordably so that business and property owners are benefited rather than burdened by the revitalization process.

Facade Guidelines  

Facade improvement projects are to protect and preserve the authenticity of downtown Warsaw as it existed around the turn of the 20th Century.

All facade and/or architectural improvements are to be in the spirit of the renderings provided by In Site: Architecture.  Alternative design proposals may also be submitted.

Facade:  A facade is considered the front (or face) of a building facing a street.  For buildings that have frontage on two streets, there will be two facades.

• Proposals should work with any pre existing building patterns.
• New facades should attempt to coordinate heights with relative heights of adjacent buildings.
• Elements such as windows, doors, bays, etc., should complement the size and scale of neighboring buildings.  Each should also be of a consistent proportion to each other.
• The use of period appropriate decorative designs and adornments are encouraged as long as it is consistent with neighboring buildings.
• Long areas of blank wall space are discouraged.
• Design construction on the ground floor is to be complementary to the facade layout above.
• Street numbers should be clear, simple and contrast well with the background numbers they are placed on.
• Primary signs are to be simple and restricted to displaying the name of the business and immediate relative information only.  Secondary information should be reserved for window signs.  Signage should be incorporated into the facade itself.  Colors must be kept to a minimum.  Colors are to complement the colors found on the building.
• A series of similar sized small awnings is preferred over long continuous awnings.
• Exterior box-type backlit, moving, flashing, neon signs are to be discouraged.
• Building materials and colors are to complement adjacent buildings and are to be historically correct.  Colors selected are to be represented in the historic period color charts supplied by major brand name paint distributors.
• A single material and color should be used to dominate the theme of the facade while multiple materials and colors are to highlight and accent only.  
• Modern vinyl or aluminum  or other coverings not in keeping with facade improvement guidelines should be removed prior to making facade changes. 

Building Materials and Colors.

• Building materials and colors are to complement adjacent buildings and are to be historically correct.
• Colors selected are to be represented in the historic period color charts supplied by major brand name paint distributors.
• Applicants must provide the name of the paint, color and number from a major brand name paint distributor.

INTERIOR BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

There are no design guidelines for interior building improvements.   Applicant/owner or tenant should develop a proposal which establishes the work will complement existing interior building features and will be done in a workmanlike manner and in compliance with the New York Fire Prevention/Building Code and Energy Code.

REQUIREMENTS -  ALL FACADE AND INTERIOR BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

     Sweat Equity.  Interest in a building that a tenant or an owner acquires by contributing his/her own personal labor to its renovation or maintenance. 

     Applicant/owner will not receive reimbursement for any value of sweat equity contributed to a facade improvement project or an interior building improvement project.

1. Contractors.
• The applicant may be his/her own building contractor.
• You may secure estimates for any work such as electrical, painting, masonry, carpentry, signage or awnings from any vendor or contractor as defined herein.
• Contractor:  A contractor is certified or licensed or reputable or experienced and is currently in the business of performing services in a workmanlike manner for others.
2. Quotes.
• Applicants must secure two (2) quotes that include a description of the work to be completed along with materials proposed to be used.
• Description must also include any necessary preparation work or materials to be applied before completion finishes are installed.
3. Applications.
• Applications will first be reviewed by the building improvements administrator who may request additional information.
• Similarly, the review panel may request additional information.