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Bow Island Facade Guidelines- Public Open House

The Bow Island Economic Development Committee invites the public to attend the Façade Guidelines Open House on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at the Community Meeting Room # 2 at Town Office. Created by Baird & Bergum Architects Ltd, the guidelines suggest cost effective yet impactful changes for buildings within the community.  Display boards with before and after pictures, of local buildings, will be showcased from 5:30 until 8:00 pm.

 

The guidelines are developed around the Western Prairie Style, a concept created by Frank Lloyd Wright. Choosing colors that represent nature and horizontal elements meant to blend with the flat landscape; changes present minimum alterations however enhance the existing structure.

“The committee’s goal was to help property owners who can potentially see increased revenues and property values when the community is attractive and encourages people to visit, invest and return,” said Caroline Grover, executive director for the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta. “We had a local photographer take photos of some buildings, so that the architects could then work with those images; at the open house we will have ten of the buildings’ before and after images displayed, but at the end of the night each property owner will take away a handout and copy of the suggested changes to their building.”

 Adopted by town council in August 2010, the changes revitalize the existing structures while providing suggestions that will add unity throughout the town.

“The façade guidelines will provide the businesses with creative ideas to improve the exterior of their buildings,” said Anna-Marie, Town Manager, Bow Island.  “An appealing exterior is an invitation to come into the store, take a look at the interior and see what the merchant has to offer.  Strong visual impressions are important to visitors as well as local residents therefore changing the façade could possibly help increase their business traffic and revenue.  We would like to work with the local businesses in “sprucing up” the downtown area and promote the Town as a place you would like to visit again.  Some of our specialty stores and as well as our much needed everyday businesses are well worth a second visit.”

The façade guidelines can be previewed at www.edalliance.ca, www.bowisland.com , or at the Town office. For more information on the façade guidelines or the activities being accomplished by the Bow Island Economic Development Committee contact (403) 488 7015.