Downtown Policies

The City of Lake Mills policies allows for internal modernization and rehabilitation of buildings of historic interest to improve their economic viability, while protecting the integrity of their historic exteriors and, where practical, interior spaces. It also requires new development in the downtown to be compatible with the historic architectural character of existing buildings. It desires to work with developers and the Main Street Program to encourage reinvestment in historic buildings.
Business and developer resistance to locating in our downtown generally stems not from an unwillingness to locate in two or three story structures, but from obsolescent buildings that are deficient in ceiling height, utilities, insulation, space for HVAC equipment and other aspects. In some cases, the costs of renovations, even when physically possible and incentives are available, are substantially more expensive then new construction would be. In cases where it is not possible or desirable to save or rehabilitate existing buildings, the City has taken the position of standing firm on its requirements for new buildings with characteristics necessary to preserve the historical pattern and character of the City of Lake Mills’ downtown.
Requiring new structures and renovations that are consistent with valued historic structures is important not only to retaining the historic appearance and unique community character of a district but preserving its long term viability and vitality as a center for commerce and civic activity. To ensure that the integrity of the entire downtown is preserved, the City will work to adopt standards to ensure the architectural compatibility of new buildings and renovations throughout the downtown. For buildings on blocks and street frontages with an established historic pattern, new buildings will be required to respect the established context of the downtown. In other areas of the downtown that lack a similar context, a similar, unified pattern should be promoted, though some latitude on specific details such as building height could be considered. Any transitions in style between buildings and blocks should be gradual rather jarring and haphazard.
This policy will tend to increase building vacancy during a slow economy and possibly result in declining property values. The long term results will be to maintain the character of the downtown, if not the structures themselves.