Newnan Design Guidelines

In early 2022, TSW was retained by the City of Newnan, Georgia to update their Downtown Design Guidelines. The project’s original scope was to focus solely on the historic downtown area, but it was later decided that the guidelines should be used city-wide by various City departments when granting permits. This expands the application of the guidelines to include the entire city, and will ensure that the character and style of the historic downtown is preserved and maintained throughout the entire city.

The updated guidelines are intended to provide a comprehensive guide for the façade and exterior rehabilitation and modifications of historic buildings in the City of Newnan. The document identifies the most commonly used commercial and residential architectural styles within the city and demonstrates how they should be used, providing guidance on how to maintain and enhance the character of the existing buildings. The document will also include “dos and don’ts” regarding basic design principles for new construction when appropriate.

The guidelines will be an important tool for architects, builders, and property owners, providing a clear set of standards and best practices for maintaining the unique character and style of Newnan’s historic buildings. Additionally, the guidelines will serve as a reference for City officials and staff when evaluating permit applications and making decisions on exterior changes to existing buildings and new construction projects.

The process of updating the guidelines will involve extensive collaboration with the community, including public meetings, online surveys, and outreach to property owners and developers. This inclusive approach will ensure that the guidelines reflect the needs and desires of the community, and will provide a framework for the preservation and enhancement of Newnan’s historic downtown and the entire city.

In summary, the City of Newnan retain TSW to update their Downtown Design Guidelines early in 2022, the guidelines intended to guide façade and exterior rehabilitation and modifications of historic buildings in the City of Newnan. The guidelines are not only going to focus on the historic downtown but it was later decide that it should be used city-wide by various City departments when granting permits. TSW will be working closely with the community, including public meetings, online surveys, and outreach to property owners and developers to ensure the guidelines reflect the needs and desires of the community, and will provide a framework for the preservation and enhancement of Newnan’s historic downtown and the entire city.

This document gives guidance on the following:

• Architectural styles: the way that doors, windows, and building details are designed and organized on a façade of a variety of building types;
• Design principles that give recommendations on how to ensure visual attractiveness; and
• The design of public spaces.

The design guidelines standards are not intended to be inflexible or make limitations to design but instead, they focus on embracing the diversity of styles, building forms, and public spaces found throughout the city.