Overview of Design Guidelines

The City of Adel developed and approved design guidelines for the Adel Public Square Historic District in 2023 and 2024. This District contains a beautiful collection of 19th and 20th century commercial architecture. The design guidelines may not load on some mobile devices or networks. Feel free to contact us if you would like a copy by email.

Guideline Objectives 

  1. Encourage property owners to retain the visual and historical integrity of the district and the buildings within it.

  2. Protect and enhance property values.

  3. Aid in quality design decisions, based on the “Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.”

  4. Aid in qualifying for financial incentives.

The guidelines also represent a resource to help the Adel community understand the historic architecture of the Public Square District so that it can appreciate and encourage the preservation of its historic architecture.

If you would like access to a paper copy of this document, please contact the Adel Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) by clicking here.

Map of Historic District

Look at the map below to see if you own or rent a building in the historic district. If yes, then read through the following tips on how to best use the guidelines.

Using the Guidelines

  1. Read through the guidelines and become familiar with them.

  2. Identify areas of the guidelines that are applicable to your building.  Research further any topic that’s especially relevant to you.

  3. Develop, prioritize, and implement project(s) to preserve the history of your building in alignment with these design guidelines. Base your design decisions on the history of your building – using the historic photographs and historic materials remaining.  Avoid creating a “false past” for your building.  

  4. Determine if your project is eligible for the City of Adel Historic Preservation Grant for Historic Downtown Courthouse Square District for $5,000 or $10,000. Consult with the Adel Historic Preservation Commission (AHPC) to see if there may be additional grants or funding opportunities for your project (scroll to next section to contact us).

Assistance

Contact the ADHP using the form below if you want free consultation on understanding the design guidelines, how to apply them to your building, and grants that may be available to help with funding.