SERVICES

Mayer Jeffers Gillespie, Architects is committed to providing each client with professional, attentive service and have been pleased to see many clients return again and again.

Remodeling or Additions to Existing Residential Buildings:

These projects are often for home owners who wish to make alterations to a house that they own or are purchasing. Often they have never worked with an architect before and are unsure of what to expect and how to proceed.  For a residential remodeling or addition project, our first meeting is often at the building. It is helpful for us to see the space and surrounding area to begin to understand what the possibilities and limitations might be. We want to hear what the goals of the project are. (Completely gut and re-organize the building? Add a Master Bedroom Suite? Create a useable basement? We’d like a really professional kitchen? How can we get a Family Room?)

If an addition is part of the program, we will discuss the zoning implications. Then, we will send you a formal proposal for services. If this is acceptable, we will follow that with a Contract.

New Residential Construction:

Sometimes our new construction residential clients are new to the construction process; others are professional developers. Regardless, we will discuss the requirements of the Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, and practical and budgetary aspects of a project as well as providing an attractive design that fulfills the requirements of the program.

Multi-Family Residential, Commercial, and Institution Projects:

With Multi-Family Residential Projects, there is generally an early Feasibility Study when a client is first considering a piece of property and wants an idea of what could be built on the site. The typical questions are: how many dwelling units can I build here? What about parking? How much open space is required? How much will it cost?   Would it be beneficial to apply for a Planned Unit Development? Should I try to get a Zoning Change or a Zoning Variation?

These projects are sometimes in an existing building that will be re-purposed to residential or commercial use, but the basic questions remain the same.

Commercial or Mixed Use projects have the same sorts of feasibility issues—How many, how big, how much? Will I want a Zoning Change or a Zoning variation?

Historic Preservation Projects:

Some projects, both commercial and residential, are eligible for the tax breaks associated with Historic Certification. An Owner Occupied residence can be eligible for a property tax freeze.

http://www.state.il.us/hpa/ps/taxfreeze.htm A commercial property can be eligible for tax credits.

http://www.illinoishistory.gov/PS/taxcredits.htm

We have successfully completed these processes for a number of clients and have also worked with Historic Preservation consultants for these projects.