The Village of Itasca is utilizing design guidelines drafted by Teska to encourage new development that is in keeping with the traditional scale and character of its historic downtown.
Teska was hired to create architectural and streetscape design guidelines and a zoning ordinance update. The guidelines are intended to promote the vitality and economic health of Itasca’s downtown by providing design direction on the type, character, and quality of the built environment that will distinguish Itasca from other communities. The purpose of the guidelines is to implement the general policies and recommendations of the “Village of Itasca Downtown Strategic Action Plan”, prepared in 2003, by Teska Associates, Inc. and Business Districts, Inc. Some of the main concepts of the design guidelines include:
• Preserve and maintain the traditional scale of downtown businesses
• Promote pedestrian-oriented access
• Encourage shared parking lots and parking in the rear of buildings
• Limit building heights to maintain pedestrian scale
• Encourage continuation of existing streetscape improvements
• Promote monument signs while limiting the use of free-standing signs
• Recommended lighting and landscaping guidelines
• Specific architectural recommendations, including building orientation mass, height, facade & roof treatments and building materials
