[OMS_MANAGERS] Facade and Streetscape Design Software Program

[Karen Auborn]

Subject: Help for Main Street Projects 

I thought I would send a quick note to other Main Street managers to let everyone know of a resource that Main Street has been using in Coos and Curry counties.  We looked into purchasing software to help with façade improvement but to do an effective job, it was very expensive and required a considerable amount of expertise. 

We have been working with EdobaVirtual (www.edobavirtual.com/mainstreet/) to have design concepts created for the projects that we envision and compellingly show community stakeholders the benefits of our target projects. 

EdobaVirtual has developed a very cost-effective means to realistically picture a Main Street project in situ and we are finding it very helpful for our efforts. 

It's one thing to talk about the impact that a facade change, for example, can make to a beautiful old building in your downtown. But if you're able to show it, to accurately visualize the dramatic improvement, that can make all the difference in trying to drive consensus and create support in the community. 

We have found that using the design concepts has been a key factor in moving our organization forward. Our property owners have become enthusiastic and started exploring options. City and civic organizations have joined the effort to develop funding. Local contractors can see what a dynamic billboard a high-visibility project can be for them and are willing to discuss reduced rates. 

5% goes to Main Street 

And now, EdobaVirtual has graciously chosen to support Main Street efforts by donating 5% of their fees back to the appropriate 501(c)(3) Main Street organization through whom the project originated. 

To find out more about this remarkable new technology and see examples, please visit their site. I hope you find it as helpful as we have. 

Karen Auborn

Executive Director

Port Orford Main Street Revitalization Association

On Mar 14, 2011, at 1:52 PM, Alene Allen wrote:

> Debbi, Thanks for your foresight in applying to them for information on the design software.
> I had wondered if it would help to see if they had any information on just how Albany for instance, got their act together on how to form a plan to proceed with their urban renewal, what problems they dealt with, how they proceeded to get the business/property owners to agree to be on the same page. And how long this process has been going on. I don't remember if it was an Urban Renewal dist. or the Oregon Mainstreet or if they worked together. We  had so much information thrown at us it was hard to pick out the most important points.
> I guess I am still confused, doesn't 'streetscapes' include the facades/awnings as well as the sidewalks??
> Alene
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Debbi Reeves
> To: oms_managers at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
> Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 11:34 AM
> Subject: [OMS_MANAGERS] Facade and Streetscape Design Software Program
> 
> The Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency is looking for input on design software programs for visual presentations to business and building owners in our downtown area.  If your city uses a design program could you please let me know which program you use and what kinds of designs you have done using the program.
>  
> We are currently looking at assisting downtown businesses with façade design and also looking at developing a streetscape test block and need a program to help us with visuals.
>  
> Any help you might be able to give us would be appreciated.  Thank you.
>  
> Debbi Reeves
> Assistant to the City Manager
> and Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency (TURA)
> *****my regular office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday thru Wednesday*****
> City of Tillamook
> 210 Laurel Avenue
> Tillamook OR  97141
> (503)842-2472 Ext. 3463
> FAX (503)842-3445
> Email: dreeves at tillamookor.gov
>  
> 
> 
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