Storefronts are a key aspect of commercial districts providing a comfortable pedestrian environment, engaging streetscape, and important element for interpreting the building history and significance. Storefronts are unfortunately one of the most altered aspects of commercial buildings, with many wooden doors and windows replaced with aluminum versions. The addition of awnings or canopies can be decorative, protect pedestrians from inclement weather and provide a shady space to walk, and reduces the amount of sunlight entering the building and thus the energy used to cool the building.
Character Defining Features
Protection
The 1884 Schwarz Paper Building at 747 O Street features a cast iron storefront with engaged Corinthian colonettes, central pier, rosettes and terra-cotta capitals.
The above storefront has a modern aluminum frame with the original roller awning intact above. The unpainted metal stands out from the buff brick facade and is not a recommended replacement.
The Occidental Saloon at 735 O Street appears to also be cast iron but is instead the Victorian storefront is carved out of wood.
Repair and Replacement
In the example above, the storefront has been greatly altered with modern materials and a design that removes the historic glass display windows and is not a recommended approach.
Awnings and Canopies
The historic awning above has been carefully preserved and provides protection for pedestrians from inclement weather in addition to reducing glare into the large glass windows. It is also a good example of a chain supported canopy.
Post Supported Canopy
Suspended Aluminum Canopy
More Information