(a) Primary storefront entries in downtown Zanesville are often recessed from the front face of the building. Some primary entries are located at the corner to gain maximum pedestrian exposure. Primary storefront entrances traditionally used tall doors with full glazing. The doors could be used individually or in pairs and often had glass transoms above them.
Secondary doors are most often used to provide access to the upper floors or the rear of the building and were simple in design. They could be either recessed or flush with the rest of the building. Secondary entrances traditionally used full or half-panel windows or solid wood panels. If a secondary door is part of a front elevation, it is an important part of the storefront design.
(b) Recommendations for Entrances and Doors.
(1) Maintain the locations of existing entrances. They often reflect an original or significant location. Retain the original size of the doors and their openings.
(2) Retain important entrance features, such as steps, railings, fencing, ornamental door surrounds, and lighting fixtures.
(3) If an entrance will no longer be used, consider leaving the door in place rather than removing and filling in with glass or other materials. A small sign could be used to indicate that another door is to be used.
(4) Keep replacement doors simple in design, unless historical evidence indicates otherwise. Avoid adding false "historic" elements to a door, such as crossbuck doors, pediments, or ornate grilles.
(5) On main or side facades, secondary entrance doors should be compatible with the main storefront entrance.
(Ord. 96-115. Passed 8-26-96.)
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These paired doors with a transom above are typical of commercial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Note the simplicity of the overall design of the entrance. The recessed doors provide weather protection. |
A single door serving a commercial storefront is common practice. This example has no transom but instead has glazing covering nearly the entire door, both to admit light and to permit customers to see into the store. |
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It is important not to overlook a historic building's secondary entrances, which may be placed on the main facade or along a rear or side wall. As this doorway illustrates, these entrances often received nearly as much attention to detail as the main entrances. In this example, an additional tall transom provides natural light for an interior stairway. |
RECOMMENDED TYPES OF REPLACEMENT DOORS
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