Meriden’s downtown features notable examples of beautiful historic civic buildings.  Unfortunately, very little of this historical context remains in the redevelopment area.  Designers should review these significant structures as inspiration to create development that acknowledges and respects these well-detailed and crafted buildings symbolic of a community with a rich history.  Proposed development should not try to emulate a past point in time, but designers should strive to create improvements that can endure for future generations. 

Much recent development throughout the country lacks a recognizable sense of place.  The architecture and landscape architecture of the Meriden Green and Commercial Center should acknowledge and respect the climatic influences, harmonious colors, and historical context of southern New England.  Building materials, details, and finishes should identify proposed development as being a part of the region.  Primary exterior cladding should be brick masonry or concrete masonry.  Extensive areas of vinyl and synthetic stucco should be avoided.  Prototype restaurant designs featuring thematic exterior design, and building forms and materials characteristic of other regions, detract from an area’s inherent sense of place and should be avoided. 

Likewise, landscape development should feature the use of plants native to the region wherever possible.  Brick pavements, granite curbing, cobblestones, and stonewalls reinforce a regional vernacular.  Distracting exotic plant forms and garish plant colors should be avoided.

The synergy created by appropriate architecture, landscape, and streetscape detailing will establish this regional sense of place for the commercial center of Meriden and serve as a guide and stimulus for development beyond the project area.