Main St. facade meeting Aug. 20
The Olney Economic Development Corporation and Grossman Design/Build will hold a community meeting to discuss the Facade Program at 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Fort Belknap Electric Coop meeting room at 1302 W. Main St.
The Enterprise spoke with Eric Grossman about what attendees should expect from the meeting.
Enterprise: What are you hoping to accomplish as a result of this meeting?
Grossman: Our mission is to establish a set of standards and guidelines for future building projects that honor the historical integrity and unique character of Olney. We as the designers aim to create a framework that balances preservation with progress, ensuring that new developments complement our rich architectural heritage while remaining economically viable for property owners.
Enterprise: Please describe the process that you use to create our new Main Street look.
Grossman: Our approach to creating conceptual plans for the downtown Olney redesign begins with an initial consultation and visioning phase. During this phase, we actively seek input from business owners and residents to understand their desires and aspirations for downtown. We conduct historical research to capture the essence of Olney’s past, ensuring that our designs honor the town’s heritage. This is followed by a site analysis to assess the current condition of buildings and infrastructure, along with an environmental, traffic, and parking analysis. We will meet with the EDC on a regular basis throughout the project to provide them updates and revise the design as needed.
Concept development involves creating a cohesive architectural style that respects the town’s historical character while addressing the specific needs of Olney. We will then develop conceptual plans and produce detailed 3D images to showcase the proposed features of the downtown area, providing a clear and comprehensive vision for the future of Main Street. This stage is crucial for visualizing the potential enhancements and fostering community support for the project.
Enterprise: What are the elements of an appealing downtown area for a small town like Olney? How has that changed since the 1970s - the last time the downtown area had a full complement of businesses?
Grossman: An appealing downtown area for a small town like Olney incorporates elements such as historical preservation, cohesive architectural design, pedestrian-friendly streets, and accessible public spaces. Mixed-use developments that integrate retail, dining, entertainment, and residential areas create a vibrant community atmosphere. Green spaces, parks, and plazas invite community gatherings, while art and cultural activities enrich the downtown experience. We’re looking at towns such as Comanche, Coleman, Graham, McKinney, and to an extent Fredericksburg, showcase their successful revitalizations that blend historical charm with modern amenities, creating dynamic, attractive downtown areas. For Olney, this means a blend of historical integrity and modern functionality to ensure a thriving, appealing downtown for residents and visitors alike.
Enterprise: What information do you want the attendees to bring to the meeting?
Grossman: If people want to bring any historical photographs or personal anecdotes about their experiences with downtown that would be appreciated. We’d like to keep it more informal and just understand what people might be looking to see in Olney and for us to try and incorporate that information into our designs.
Enterprise: Who would you like to hear from at the meeting?
Grossman: For this town hall meeting on the redesign of Main Street, we are seeking a diverse group of community members to gather a comprehensive range of insights. We particularly encourage business owners to attend. Essentially all citizens of Olney are invited and encouraged to provide feedback.