The Howard Village Center Project

Thomas J. Juza Custom Home & Design, Inc.


Howard Village Center
Space Available in the Village Square
Thomas J. Juza Custom Home & Design, Inc. is currently seeking to lease available square footage in the Village of Howard's new "Howard Village Center." Commercial and mixed-use zoning offers new construction built to suit lessees needs. For more information please contact Barb Klevesahl at 920-406-9292 or use our contact us form The following information, provided by the Village of Howard, describes the intended development plan. (A complete copy of the Village of Howard's Master Plan, regarding the Howard Village Center, is available for download.)

Village Square
The village square district is the heart of the new Village Center neighborhood. The integrated mixture of neighborhood scaled commercial and office uses offer the day-to-day goods and services for neighborhood residents. Commercial uses such as a deli, coffee shop, dry cleaner, specialty retailer and drug store will enhance street life while serving the needs of pedestrians and local neighborhoods alike. The upper story residential in the mixed-use buildings will infuse this core area with liveliness and add to the security of the area.

Design Objectives
Promote "vertical" mixed use buildings Frame the Village Square with building height and minimized building setbacks Create easy, attractive, and convenient pedestrian connections Accommodate outdoor gatherings and events of various sizes Encourage "round-the-clock" activity Focus on the pedestrian while accommodating the automobile Provide for local and regional goods.

Land Use
The Village Square comprises a mix of highly planned mixed use, commercial, civic and Open Space features. Mixed Use development in the Village Square refers to vertical mixed use. The intent is to promote ground floor retail beneath office or residential space. Commercial uses may include neighborhood and more regional serving businesses such as grocery stores, banks, general office, and similar uses. Existing civic uses are also incorporated into the planned use mix. These uses are designed around the Village Square, a planned public gathering place at the heart of the Village Center.

Building Types
The following building types are allowed in the Village Square District: Vertical Mixed Use (Ground Floor Retail below office or residential) "Stand Alone" Commercial, Retail and Office Buildings meeting all design standards.

Block Design and Building Relationship to the Square
Individual buildings should create coordinated blocks and blockfaces. Buildings should be located parallel to streets and be placed to frame the Square. Buildings along the Square should be built up to the right-of-way edge. The right of way should serve as the "build-to" line for blocks in this district. "Build-to" lines should be used to guide building placement verses conventional setback lines. At a minimum, 70% of any block should have buildings at the right-of-way line. Portions of buildings not built to the "build to" line may be recessed, typically up to 4 feet, in order to provide planting, plaza space, or to differentiate large building facades. Buildings that terminate vistas should provide design elements and articulation that respond to the location. Plazas and related focal features may also be appropriate at key terminating vistas. Parking should be located behind buildings along the Square

Individual buildings should form coordinatied bocks. Minimal sebacks will create an attractive streetwall to "frame" the Village Square. At least 70% of any given block in this district should have buildings up to the right-of-way line.

Building Size and Mass
Two to 4 story buildings are recommended to provide the designated height needed to appropriately frame the square. Building facades with street frontage in excess of 60 feet should be broken up every 30-60 feet through variations in materials, color, recesses or projections and other details that create the appearance of smaller buildings or bays.

Materials and Façade Composition
Visible sides of buildings should include details that complement the front façade. Front Elevations: 100% of all materials used on street (front) elevations shall be acceptable materials as defined under the general building guidelines. Accent and secondary materials should comprise no more than 30% of the solid (non-windowed) portion of any elevation. Commercial uses should have at least 70% of their ground floor front elevation in clear windows. The inclusion of awnings is encouraged to enliven the streetscape and provide shade and cover to storefront entries. Upper floors should have a maximum transparency (window coverage) of 60%. Prominent Side Elevations: Side elevations that abut a primary public street or the square shall follow design standards for front elevations. The requirement for entrances and window coverage will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, per the building's location, use, and site layout. Other Side Elevations: Side elevations with limited visibility that do not abut a primary public street, public walkway, or principal parking area shall be required to utilize 60% acceptable materials as listed in these guidelines, provided all materials complement the front façade and are both durable and appropriate for exterior use. Rear Elevations. On buildings where the rear elevation faces the street, the building should be treated as a front elevation. On structures in which the rear elevation is highly visible to the public, such as those fronting on parking areas, the rear elevation should utilize 60% acceptable primary materials and include features such as porches, plantings, awnings and other considerations.

Windows, Doors, and Entrances
Windows, doors, and entrances should create a rhythm or pattern of openings. Building entrances should be the focal point of the façade. They may be highlighted and articulated through awnings, signage or other features. Street facing entrances should be recessed from the front building plane. Non-store front windows should generally be oriented vertically (taller than they are wide). Other orientations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.