DESIGN GUIDELINES for COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS

Transcription

1 DESIGN GUIDELINES for COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS Improving the appearance and functionality of a building supports local businesses and can have a significant impact on the attractiveness, security, and marketability of the commercial corridor. The following guidelines are intended to be flexible to encourage creative building design while encouraging pedestrian visits, and preserving distinctive materials and architectural features inherent in the corridor s character and style. All designs will be developed in a collaborative process including the business owner/property owner, the designated architect, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD). New storefront improvements and new storefront components, such as signs, awnings, and security gates, will be consistent with the architectural features that establish and sustain the aesthetic, historical, and architectural value and significance of the San Francisco corridors. All designs must meet the requirements of the San Francisco Planning Department and the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection and will be reviewed by OEWD, funders, and city staff for compliance. The following are guidelines and in no way override Planning Code. Upper Façade and Building Cornice To start, use the architectural features of the entire building to provide guidelines for the design of the storefront. For example, the existing architectural elements around the shop windows and the cornices should be maintained, and wherever possible, historical features should be preserved and restored. The storefront design should be compatible with these features. Examples of materials you need to preserve include wood, iron, cast iron, and tile. Examples of significant architectural features include cornices, brackets, railings, columns, shutters, window and door molding details, marble steps, and arches. City and County of San Francisco 1

2 Signage Signs serve dual roles to communicate the name of your business and add visual interest for pedestrians. With signs, the store owner can advertise, identify, and promote the business image. Signs should be simple utilizing the name and logo of the business. Light letters on a dark background provide the easiest reading (see image for example). Clean, fresh and classic typefaces and logos go a long way to projecting an impression of a successful, prosperous commercial district. A secondary sign may be used to add to the messaging. Examples include hanging, window, awning, or a sign that is located below a primary sign. If a projected sign, such as a blade sign, is proposed, placement is critical to avoid obscuring adjacent signs. Signs should not obscure significant features of the building, but rather promote the details of the building which are incremental to suggest a motif for new signs. Signs should also respect neighboring buildings, and not overpower adjacent structures. In deciding the number of signs, keep in mind that too many signs with too much information result in visual clutter. Accordingly, the size of the sign matters and big does not necessarily mean impactful. Smaller, lower signs that are visible to pedestrians are more effective at announcing business presence to passersby. Pedestrian scaled signs can combine with the entire storefront to become more meaningful than just the sign itself (see image). As commercial corridors revolve from auto-centric to pedestrian-focused, signs should be developed to attract pedestrians. Because of the vast array of options for letters and font types, it is required that a design company be consulted. Bayview Hunters Point Center for Arts and Technology (BAYCAT) and designated architects from SF Shines provide design services such as branding and logo design that may be applied to all areas of the business including façade, packaging, menu boards, business cards and brochures, as well as branding on a website. Note, the specific number and size of signs allowed is regulated by the Planning Code Article 6. City and County of San Francisco 2

3 Security Grilles Opaque, solid roll-down security gates and scissor gates make the commercial corridor feel unsafe and do not allow shoppers to see the merchandise. The purpose of security grilles is to provide overnight building security, and should not be visible during the day. Interior mounted open-mesh security grilles are preferred to maintain storefront transparency at night so window shoppers see the merchandise. Stores that have security gates and/or grilles installed are eligible for grants to replace or remove exterior gates and installation of new interior security grilles, cameras, and/or alarm systems. If security grilles are requested, a roll-down security grille is preferred and may be mounted on the interior of the storefront so that the grille rolls down on the inside of the display window and door. Alternatively, an external security grille may be mounted if the grille base is installed on the interior of the storefront, or the outer face of the grille base is recessed so as not to protrude beyond the building street wall. In some cases, rolled up coils of the base can be hidden behind projecting awnings or within soffits. Explore various types of transparent security grilles to find the one that best fits the look of the shop and compliments the building façade. BEFORE AFTER (security grilles are installed behind the windows) City and County of San Francisco 3

4 Awnings The awning is an important design element that has a practical application and an added tool to showcase a store s appearance. Awnings provide shelter for pedestrians from sun and rain, add color and interest to storefronts, provide another location for business signage, and act as a transition between the storefront and the upper façade. They also serve as an energy saver by keeping unwanted sunlight out. Awnings can also be used to mask security grilles. Awnings come in a variety of materials, colors, and shapes. The size of the awning must be scaled to the size of the building and its relation to the commercial corridor. Do not cover any architectural features behind awnings. Use awnings that have a simple shape and use fabric made of weather resistant material. Do not use aluminum, vinyl, or plastic materials. The awning may be retractable or fixed. City and County of San Francisco 4

5 Windows: Transparency Storefront windows and display windows should be transparent to encourage pedestrians to see inside the business. Use large windows to provide the maximum amount of visibility into the store. Per Planning Code, opaque, highly tinted or reflective glass is prohibited in most districts by the Planning Code. Except for approved, permanent signs, windows must remain transparent. Mirrored, highly reflective glass should not be used except in limited applications as an architectural or decorative accent. Sale or seasonal holiday signs are limited to a maximum of 25% of window area and must be removed after no more than 30 days. City and County of San Francisco 5

6 Windows: Displays Opening up a window provides a way to stimulate interest in new products and services. Use the windows to display merchandise. It is advisable to change the display often to keep the pedestrians interested and to continually draw in a potential customer. For example, a bakery should display its bread and cookies and creatively display the prices. Keep in mind that cluttering a window with too much merchandise or disorganized displays will prevent customers and pedestrians from seeing inside the store. A little product with a simple message goes a long way. Windows: Lighting Lighting a window serves many purposes. Lighting may draw attention to window displays, signs, store information and a building s architectural details. A well lit display window after hours provides a sense of safety to the street and keeps the commercial corridor lively. To conserve energy, a timer may be used to turn the lighting fixtures on at dusk and off at dawn. Do not use flashing, pulsating or moving lights. Framing the display window with neon tubing is also not recommended. Such lights are not recommended because they are distracting and often compete with the building architecture. Use exterior fixtures that complement the entire façade. City and County of San Francisco 6

7 Doors As with windows, the objective is to allow passersby to see inside the store to create an inviting environment. Doors should be made of glass and not be opaque as this would make the space feel unsafe and unwelcoming. To add to the quality of the commercial corridor, doors should be compatible in scale, material and shape with the overall façade. Residential doors should be avoided for commercial entrances. Accessibility Accessibility improvements should be made according to all current applicable regulations. At a minimum, entrances should not be crowded with merchandise, trash cans, or plants. Eliminating steps and narrow doors to provide access to persons with mobility limitations should be a high priority. Landscaping/Planting Plant containers provide a distinct area in front of a store that can be eye catching and inviting. Flower boxes and planted trees provide shaded areas and reduce pollution and noise. Planning regulations should be taken into consideration for sidewalk areas within the public right-of-way. If you use plants for your storefront or within, use plants and trees that are native to the areas and can be easily maintained. City and County of San Francisco 7