The Design Guidelines are intended to direct streetscape and building improvements and new construction, with the aim of creating a high-quality public environment that promotes economic development.  As part of this mission, the guidelines have five key objectives:

• To create a more coherent and unified image for downtown Fitchburg;
• To develop and reinforce the identity of downtown's four major streets:  Main Street, Boulder Drive / Broad Street, North Street, and the Route 12 Corridor;
• To ensure that new development is compatible with surrounding buildings, streets, and open spaces;
• To preserve and enhance existing historic buildings and structures;
• To ensure that public areas are safe and inviting.

In many downtown areas across the country, design guidelines have proven to be a critical tool for economic development.  Design-coordinated rehabilitation and new construction improve the image and marketability of a district.  Guidelines also encourage investment by creating greater certainty about the quality and character of future development.  Finally, guidelines provide a framework for the objective evaluation of development proposals.  By documenting standards, guidelines allow property owners and developers to design projects that are in accordance with the City's vision for downtown.

These guidelines were developed as part of the Nashua River Corridor Revitalization Plan, under the jurisdiction of the Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority.  The guidelines apply to all properties located in the Fitchburg Urban Renewal Area that share a boundary with one or more of the following streets:  Main Street, Boulder Drive / Broad Street, North Street, and Route 12 / Water Street.  The guidelines are to be followed by all property owners, business owners and developers seeking building permits (new construction or rehabilitation), demolition permits, approvals for changes in use and approvals for new signs.

For individual area guidelines, please contact the Fitchburg Economic Development Office.

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