Visibility

Signage

A sign is your first chance to speak to your customer and entice them to come into your business. Your sign can show passersby the style and personality of product you have for sale or the dining experience one will have. Signage can be simple or exuberant; small or large. In combination with dynamic window display, a well-designed sign will make a statement about your business at the street level and will have a significant impact on your sales. Further, in conjunction with other dynamic signage and storefronts, the Boulevard will feel more inviting as whole and attract more people to Kenmore.

Location

Business signage can be placed in a variety of locations on your building. One typical location is the area above the storefront or the sign frieze. Signs can also project from the building, perpendicular to the sidewalk. These signs can be located in different locations including above the storefront, on the pier next to the storefront, or at the corner. It is recommended that signage be located and scaled in a way that is in keeping with the architecture and proportions of the building. Additionally, it is recommended to consider visibility and sightlines when determining the location.

Because the buildings along Kenmore Boulevard are primarily masonry structures, it is strongly recommended that great care be taken to locate signage in a way that does not damage historic details. Further, sign bracket fasteners must only penetrate mortar joints and never bricks.

Design

Signs can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and illumination. The illustrations here show examples of potential designs. The City of Akron Planning Department prefers projecting signage for Kenmore Boulevard, as does the KNA Design Committee. Contact the Committee for assistance in developing your sign concept and identifying a qualified sign contractor.

The City of Akron’s Form Based Code for Kenmore Boulevard provides standards for size, scale and location for your signage on your building. You are highly encouraged to be creative within these parameters.

See Resources for information on Zoning and Permitting, then contact the KNA Design Committee.

Opposite page: Examples of storefront signage