Storefronts

Opposite page and below: Example images of various storefronts, including historic renovations and new building construction Visibility

Transparency and lighting in storefronts are also important in the evening hours. It provides a sense of security on the street and inside the business. Additionally, having your window display visible during the evening enhances the look and feel of the Boulevard and presents an opportunity to promote your business to people outside of business hours. For this reason, security bars and shutters are discouraged. If such measures are unavoidable, solutions can be designed to be behind the window and discrete while providing the desired security.

Because transparent storefronts are important to the character and walkability of the street, the City of Akron’s Form Based Code for Kenmore Boulevard sets a standard that primary facades be at least 60 percent transparent (non-tinted) between two feet and 10 feet above the sidewalk where a display area is visible into the building’s interior.

See Resources for information on Zoning and Permitting. See also the Preservation Brief on Storefront Renovation, then contact the KNA Design Committee for more information.