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New Retail/Commercial Construction

Building Height
There are no height restrictions for buildings in the plan area. Multi-story buildings are encouraged as well as wall extensions and towers to provide variety to the building facade, strengthen the district character and develop focal points. Towers are to be similar in detail to those in the Nomar International area and Spanish Colonial or Mission style architecture.

Exterior walls
Acceptable exterior wall materials include brick, stone, stucco and EFIS (simulate stucco). Stucco may be white or in colors reminiscent of the era or ethnic style of the building. Murals, building graphics and painted signage are encouraged but must be presented to a review committee before installation.

Roofing
Roofs on commercial buildings are not to have visible pitch but have parapets to hide the pitch and any roof top equipment.

Wall Openings and Building Entrances
Openings in building façades are to be proportioned to pedestrian scale and designed in a manner that encourages interest at the street level. Decorative metal grillwork can be added to wall openings for ornamentation or security over windows. Main entrances to buildings are to be delineated through the use of architectural detailing appropriate to the style of the building. Awnings or canopies are to be made of canvas, cloth or metal per the Nomar International color palette.

 

Lighting
Buildings are to be decoratively illuminated by the use of bracket lights, hanging lights and/or up-lights in the pavement. Lighting fixtures are to accentuate the style of the building.

Pedestrian Areas
Pedestrian areas are to be an extension of the streetscape with decorative unit pavers, light fixtures, site furniture, planters and trees. Outdoor activity areas are encouraged including café seating and outdoor vending space. Landscape within the Nomar International Overlay District is to be installed as per the provisions of the City of Wichita Landscape Ordinance using plant materials and methods as described in these guidelines.

Parking
Off-street parking is allowed in the street yard but limited to one drive lane with double sided stalls. Additional parking may be provided at the rear of the buildings. Parking is to be screened by a minimum three-foot-high screening wall or planting adjacent to any public street. The wall is to be of brick, ornamental iron, stucco or other approved materials that are compatible with adjacent architecture.

Small Building

Existing structures, no matter the condition or style, can be renovated into useful spaces that reflect the Nomar International theme. With a little creativity even these alleyway garages can be turned into retail shops, restaurants or offices.

1 Eyebrow canopies along building front entrances of Spanish barrel roof tiles and exposed wood backing or canvas awnings.
New roof tiles may be of clay or concrete.
2 Bright Nomar International images or signage painted on walls for decoration or store identification.
3 Wood window frames and doors painted in Nomar palette colors.
4 Existing garage doors and other openings transformed to glass store front windows and doors.
5 Colorful stucco, EFIS, stone or brick exterior walls.
6 Signage on building façade at entrances. Flush mounted or on brackets.
7 Period lighting fixtures to light buildings and walkways for evening merchant recognition and safety.
8 A continuous frontage wall is typical of the historical period of the district as well as the international theme. Infill construction is encouraged.
9 Unsound structures may removed to provide walkways that connect to other area shops but not to the determent of existing frontage walls.
10 Decorative metal work arches at alleyway portals signify entrances to shops beyond and add to the districts character.
11 New concrete pavement provides access to all development and shows district renewal.


12 Landscape furniture such as sitting areas and planters to provide human elements to welcome customers.
13 Parking in close proximity to shops when available. Parking areas are shared by all merchants and may be a short distance from some buildings.
Signage and architectural improvements are to be used to identify the entrances to buildings not adjacent to parking lots.
14 Parking lot trees and colorful landscape plantings.
Large Building

In Nomar International the existing larger, more visible, structures are located along street right-of-ways. These buildings usually have a unique character already but need renovation to bring their facades up to date, in line with the districts new theme and to better display the activities within. Typically these buildings have parking lots behind the buildings and the entrances along the street sidewalk. Making the street side of the building more comfortable for pedestrian use greatly increases the attractiveness of the facade.

1 If a building has a distinctive architectural style or detail, such as the building with tile roof on the corner or the decorative detail above the door to the right, continue the theme to all renovation improvements to strengthen the character of the building. The historic relevance of these structures is a strong theme of the Nomar District. If the façade materials have been covered, remove coverings and repair the original exterior. Reopen window or door openings, if able, without affecting interior improvements. Renovation and repair materials are to be as close to original as possible. In contrast, when installing new materials, such as when filling in a secondary opening or building on addition, use materials that contrast subtly with the original. This will show the evolution of the history of the building. Brick, cast stone, stucco or EFIS is to be used for building additions.

2 Blank walls are a great opportunity for signage, graphics and murals.
3 Bracket lights on building walls provide decoration and illumination for signage and safety. Use fixtures that match the style and date of the building.
4 Colorful awnings provide shade for the buildings and an opportunity for name recognition.
The Nomar International color palette should be used for all building finishes.
5 Glass storefronts provide a more welcoming entrance and better advertise the use of the building. Roll down window covers may protect the glass after hours.
6 Streetscape improvements such as planters, street trees, benches and decorative pavers increase pedestrian comfort levels and define district inclusion.
7 More streetscape space can be created by recessing shop fronts and creating patios or café space.
Areas can be further defined by decorative metal fencing or walls that match the building materials.
Streetscape Site Furniture

Benches, trash receptacles, ash urns, bicycle racks, fencing, walls and other amenities make up the palette of streetscape site furniture. These features are both decorative and functional. The inclusion of these items into the streetscape signifies to the public that the space is designed for pedestrian use. The styles selected complement the adjacent architecture character and strengthen the theme of the development. Scrolled metal work, historic detailing and modern simplicity are all combined to help merge new development with the historic 1930s structures of this area and the international theme.
Benches, tables, chairs, bus stops and bike racks cater to the public's need for rest, seating, shelter, and storage. Both public and private developments should select materials from this palette. Matching styles and colors can strengthen the district’s sense of place and seamlessly define the merchant’s inclusion in the overall development.

Planters & Pavers

Streetscape materials can be used to decorate, define, control and protect. Decorative tree grates and tree guards help to protect and sustain the plantings that are incorporated into the streetscape. Decorative pavement should be used in the landscape to draw attention to places of significance and give those areas a custom treatment not unlike a decorative rug within a residence. Unit pavers, exterior tile and patterned, colored concrete with an aged “Old World” appearance should be used.

Though usually thought of as merely decorative planter pots, fencing, walls and bollards serve as safety and security barriers. They also help to define specific use spaces and separate pedestrian and vehicular circulation. In many cultures fences and walls are a symbol of stature and success and are common-place in site design.

Roadway & Pedestrian Lighting

Site lighting fixtures fall into two specific scales; roadway and pedestrian. Roadway lighting is rarely thought of as decorative but is used more for security and safety in large, mostly vehicular oriented places. Pedestrian lighting is brought down to human scale and is selected for its visual character as well as its safety attributes.

To strengthen the definition of the Nomar International District, matching roadway and pedestrian lighting are recommended. Black standards with matching, simple, historical style bases complement lanterns that have an international flair. The street lanterns are very decorative and the roadway lanterns have a distinct design that is different from any other area. The inclusion of these fixtures will help define the boundaries of the district along the street right-of-way as well as within the pubic spaces. Each pole can be fitted with brackets that can display colorful and informative banners to further define the area.

Wall brackets and hanging brackets are available if a designer wished to incorporate the street lantern into architectural design.

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