 This photograph shows the impact of preserving historic storefronts. The one on the right has been totally obscured by a "modern" front added in the 1950s. Photo: NPS files. |
Where an architecturally or historically significant storefront
no longer exists or is too deteriorated to save, a new front should
be designed which is compatible with the size, scale, color, material,
and character of the building. Such a design should be undertaken
based on a thorough understanding of the building's architecture
and, where appropriate, the surrounding streetscape. For example, just because upper floor windows are arched
is not sufficient justification for designing arched openings
for the new storefront. The new design should "read"
as a storefront; filling in the space with brick or similar solid
material is inappropriate for historic buildings. Similarly the
creation of an arcade or other new design element, which alters
the architectural and historic character of the building and its
relationship with the street, should be avoided. The guidelines
on page 8 can assist in developing replacement storefront designs
that respect the historic character of the building yet meet current
economic and code requirements.
Guidelines for Designing Replacement Storefronts
1. Scale: Respect the scale and proportion of the existing building
in the new storefront design.
2. Materials: Select construction materials that are appropriate
to the storefronts; wood, cast iron, and glass are usually more
appropriate replacement materials than masonry which tends to
give a massive appearance.
3. Cornice: Respect the horizontal separation between the storefront
and the upper stories. A cornice or fascia board traditionally
helped contain the store's sign.
4. Frame: Maintain the historic planar relationship of the storefront
to the facade of the building and the streetscape (if appropriate).
Most storefront frames are generally composed of horizontal and
vertical elements.
5. Entrances: Differentiate the primary retail entrance from
the secondary access to upper floors. In order to meet current
code requirements, out-swinging doors generally must be recessed.
Entrances should be placed where there were entrances historically,
especially when echoed by architectural detailing (a pediment
or projecting bay) on the upper stories.
6. Windows: The storefront generally should be as transparent
as possible. Use of glass in doors, transoms, and display areas
allows for visibility into and out of the store.
7. Secondary Design Elements: Keep the treatment of secondary
design elements such as graphics and awnings as simple as possible
in order to avoid visual clutter to the building and its streetscape.
A restoration program requires thorough documentation of the historic
development of the building prior to initiating work. If a restoration
of the original storefront is contemplated, old photographs and
prints, as well as physical evidence, should be used in determining
the form and details of the original. Because storefronts are
particularly susceptible to alteration in response to changing
marketing techniques, it is worthwhile to find visual documentation
from a variety of periods to have a clear understanding of the
evolution of the storefront. Removal of later additions that contribute
to the character of the building should not be undertaken.
"Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts" an Historic Preservation Brief
