Design Guidelines Ready for Review!

Download a draft of the Van Buren Design Guidelines Manual by clicking on the bottom! If you have thoughts or comments, please make sure to share through the contacts page of this website.

overview

Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future

The City of Van Buren, Arkansas, has always treasured its rich history, a legacy that weaves together stories of resilience, growth, and community spirit. Our historic architecture, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serves as living witnesses to the milestones that have shaped our city's identity.

As stewards of this remarkable heritage, the City of Van Buren has initiated the Van Buren Historic District Design Guidelines Project. This visionary planning process represents a collective commitment to preserving the past while shaping a vibrant future for our community.

The Lakota Team proudly leads the charge in advancing historic preservation design guidelines in alignment with the 2009 Van Buren Historic Preservation Plan and the Van Buren Economic Development Action Plan. These guidelines are essential for ensuring the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of the Van Buren Historic District's architectural treasures, all while adhering to the principles outlined in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Buildings and Standards for Rehabilitation.

This initiative is a natural extension of the Van Buren Historic Preservation Plan of 2009 and the Van Buren Economic Development Action Plan. Both initiatives underscore the significance of our downtown historic district as a "quality-of-place amenity" capable of attracting new residents and fostering community pride.

Our mission is clear: to safeguard the soul of Van Buren by providing comprehensive, well-informed guidelines that balance the need for growth and development with the imperative of preserving our rich heritage. Explore the journey of the Van Buren Historic District Design Guidelines Project as we collectively work toward this noble goal.

PARTICIPATE

Engage with Us in Shaping
Van Buren's Future

At the heart of the Van Buren Historic District Design Guidelines Project lies the spirit of community involvement. We invite all residents and stakeholders to actively participate in this transformative initiative. Your voice matters, and your insights are invaluable.

  • Stakeholder Interviews:

    The consulting team, alongside the City of Van Buren, will be conducting stakeholder interviews and listening sessions over the course of two days. Stakeholders and local organizations who have an active role in historic preservation will have the opportunity to share their initial thoughts and define goals for this initiative.

  • Upcoming Events:

    Stay informed about public meetings, workshops, and events where you can contribute your ideas and opinions. Check the project website regularly or sign up for e-newsletters for upcoming opportunities to engage with the project team and fellow community members.

  • Share Your Thoughts:

    We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with us. Your input will help shape the future of the Van Buren Historic District. Use our contact information to get in touch, or look out for surveys and questionnaires to share your perspectives.

We are committed to transparency. Find regular updates on the development of the Historic District Design Guidelines. Stay tuned for the latest news and reports.

what’s next?

Charting the Course for Van Buren's Future

The Van Buren Historic District Design Guidelines Project is an ongoing endeavor with distinct milestones and a clear roadmap.
Stay informed about what lies ahead in our journey towards preserving the heart of our city.

Project Timeline: Get a glimpse of the key milestones and important dates that mark the progress of the project as it unfolds through a three-phased process. From planning to implementation, this timeline keeps you informed and engaged in our journey.

Van Buren’s Historic Gems!

Discover the Treasures of Van Buren

Delve into the intriguing history and remarkable stories that define Van Buren’s historic resources. This section highlights historic gems within the community. We selected a few photos for you to enjoy the variety of architectural styles in Van Buren, including Romanesque, Second Empire, Italianate, Mid Century, Queen Anne, and more!

Who’s involved?

Meet the Team Behind
the Vision

At the heart of the Van Buren Historic District Design Guidelines Project lies your involvement. The success of this project rests in the hands of a dedicated and experienced team. Get to know the individuals and organizations passionately working to make this vision a reality.

  • The commission is authorized to make an investigation and report on the historic significance of the buildings, structures, features, sites or surroundings included in any proposed historic district. The commission is also authorized to recommend an area or areas to be included in a historic district or districts and from time to time recommend amendments to established districts or additional districts. The Commission alongside The Lakota Group is guiding the development of the Historic District Design Guidelines.

  • The Lakota Group are experts in bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, ensuring the project's success. With a diverse portfolio showcasing preservation planning projects, neighborhood and commercial district planning, building assessments, and more, from communities across the country. The Lakota Group will be leading the planning effort for the Van Buren Historic District Design Guidelines.

As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to be an active participant, a storyteller, and a guardian of Van Buren's historic legacy. Together, we will ensure that our cherished city continues to flourish while preserving its unique character for generations to come.