Design Guidelines
1.0 PROJECT SUMMARY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The purpose for these Design Guidelines are to reflect and enhance the historical character of the original downtown district which will create a pedestrian oriented place where the citizens of Lakeville can show their pride, experience their community’s history, and improve their quality of life. These Design Guidelines shall serve to set expectations for the City of Lakeville who will be assisting prospective developers with the planning of future projects.
Since these Design Guidelines will be used to evaluate how development should occur within the Fairfield District, the vision and image as developed in the Corridor and Gateway Design Study dated August 2, 1999 shall be incorporated into the Design Guidelines.
1.2 VISION AND IMAGE
During the Ideation Workshop held on February 23, 1999, the participants of this workshop developed a series of "Desired Image[s] and Vision[s]." Some of these images and visions have been reproduced as they relate to the historic character of Fairfield District.
- Preserve green spaces and open spaces that provide year round beauty.
- Preserve and enhance historic architecture.
- Preserve and enhance rural image/charm to maintain that small town feeling.
- Redevelop commercial and residential historic buildings.
Based upon these observations, the design vision for the Fairfield District of Downtown Lakeville shall be to enhance and re-establish this area as a vital urban commerce center while maintaining the historic character and small town feel of a rural community.
1.3 STUDY AREA AND
GATEWAYS
This study encompasses a Primary Focus Area and Focus Area (Figure 1.3a, page 2). The Primary Focus Area is located on Holyoke Avenue from 207th Street to 208th Street (north of Ace Hardware) and extends one block west to Howland Avenue and one block east to Holt Avenue.
The Peripheral Focus Area includes Holyoke Avenue from Upper 206th Street to Lakeville Boulevard (Highway 50) and extends one block west to Howland Avenue and one block east to Holt Avenue. Gateway intersections as determined in the Corridor and Gateway Design Study are defined as the North Gateway (at Highway 50 and Holyoke) and should be set aside for future planning of ornamental architectural entrances to the Fairfield District as determined and developed in the study. (See Figure 1.3b)
1.4 MAIN STREET
Holyoke Avenue was originally called Main Street. We recommend changing the name of Holyoke Avenue through the Fairfield District as Main Street. This area encompasses the historic core of the Downtown and consequently, where the principal historic structures are located. Based upon the vision and image previously described, redevelopment and new development should be focused on destination uses within this Primary Focus Area such as a Post Office, movie theater, restaurant, specialty shops, professional offices, service, retail shops, etc.
For the purpose of this report we are referring to Holyoke Avenue as Main Street.
1.5 HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
Founded in 1858 by a small group of settlers, Lakeville Township was established at what is now called the Dodd and Highway 50 site. In 1878, the village had a larger base population and organized the incorporation of the township. A fire destroyed the original downtown and subsequently the town of Lakeville was then moved to the current location of Holyoke Avenue between 207th and upper 209th. This area was formerly known as Fairfield, which provides the basis for changing the name of the downtown to "Historic Fairfield District of Downtown Lakeville."
Because of the immigrant population explosion in the latter half of the 19th century, a downtown sprang up overnight. A review of an 1881 map (see Figure 1.5a) of the original downtown shows that the downtown consisted of typical agrarian support companies such as a harness shop, two general stores, two butcher shops, two hardware stores, a Post Office, custom mill, blacksmith, carriage and wagon shop, two saloons and two hotels. The 1881 downtown was constructed in close proximity to the main railway supply lines which traveled diagonally crossing Main Street. This general area is where the present day historic downtown remains and is the Primary Focus Area of this study.
The buildings of the 1881 downtown were constructed quickly to facilitate the needs of the population boom with materials that were inexpensive, easily attainable, and quick to construct, such as wood frame structures and wood siding. Following a fatal fire in one of the general stores on Main Street in 1895 (now Holyoke Avenue), the City Government passed an ordinance that all buildings facing Main Street shall be constructed of brick or stone and be impervious to fire. Thus, the historic buildings which stand today are direct
descendants of that ordinance.
Much of the original historic architectural style still remains in the downtown. Wide sidewalks connect the heavily traveled Holyoke Avenue to the buildings. A City Park was established on a portion of the previous railway. Two story brick structures, which accommodate retail uses on the first level and offices on the second level, are hidden behind layers of paint and earlier decades of modernization. See Figure 1.5c for a view of the brick structures along Main Street during the 1940’s.
The original grid street pattern still
remains intact with some minor alterations. The 1881 Main Street is now called Holyoke Avenue. Front and Spruce Streets which traveled adjacent to and on either side of the railway were renamed 208th Streets. The other original 1881 street names were subsequently changed to corresponding numerical street names. See Figure 1.5b for a view of the grid street pattern
The remaining original historic buildings on Main Street include the Bank Building (now Mainstreet Coffee/This Week Publishing), the Fire Hall (now This 'N That), single story retail, and an original tavern (now The Vinyard Cottage).
Note: Some of the buildings listed above have been renovated since the study was written.
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