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Design Mavens present Fair View schematic plans emphasizing accessibility, historic restoration
Summary
Design Mavens and McLean County staff presented schematic designs to convert the Fair View building into a mixed-use county facility with restored historic features, added accessibility, a new courtyard and 42 additional parking spaces; schematic refinement and a construction-manager budget estimate are next steps.
Cassie Taylor, McLean County Administrator, told the Property Committee on June 3 that the county hired Design Mavens last November to provide architectural and engineering services for preconstruction of the Fair View rehabilitation project. "Since that time, design mavens and staff here at the county have been busy and engaged participating in the analysis, feasibility, and assessment phase of the project," Taylor said.
Jean of Design Mavens walked the committee through the schematic site plan and programming, saying the design aims both to "show and feature the historic character of the building" and to bring 21st-century technology and full accessibility to the site. Jean said the site plan adds 42 parking spaces and a circular drop-off lane to improve circulation and pedestrian safety.
The designers proposed public meeting and event spaces in the building's original dining and reception areas, flexible conference rooms, a telecommunications "touchdown" space for video calls, and a courtyard/patio that can serve as an indoor–outdoor event area. Jean said the plans include multiple accessible entries and ramps so people with mobility needs can use the site without added barriers: "One of the most important requests is that this building be fully handicap accessible," she said.
Design Mavens showed departmental layouts for the Veterans Assistance Commission (including a pantry and staging area for deliveries), building and zoning, regional planning, information technology and administration. The designers emphasized flexible "touchdown" office space and shared conference rooms to meet current and projected needs.
Jean described plans for the basement to be enclosed and finished for mechanical systems and secure departmental storage, and said sprinklers and a fire pump will be added. She noted the building's listing on the historic register constrains exterior alterations but allows restoration-focused work: "We're not planning on doing any additions or change the materials. We want it to look like the original building as much as possible," she said.
Committee members praised the concept and asked about next steps. Jean said the team will continue schematic design work, produce 3D views and a project narrative, and the construction manager will prepare a budget estimate at the end of schematic design — a milestone the team expects to reach in roughly three months.
Member Bell, who described a personal connection to the site, urged controlled access and secure spaces for the Veterans Assistance Commission so veterans with trauma-related needs can be served safely. Jean and Cassie Taylor said the design team will incorporate controlled-entry strategies and circulation separation where feasible.
The committee received the schematic presentation for information. The designers and staff will return with refined plans, budget estimates and further documentation to guide decisions about scope and funding.
