Downtown Friendly Store Formats, Facades and Signs

Over the years I have seen downtown developers, landlords and store owners propose retail store formats, facades and signs that are appropriate only in a highway or shopping center setting. They invariably claim that the retail chain demands exactly what they are proposing. Sometimes they go on to claim that their way is the only way the chain does things. Consequently, I have tried to accumulate photos that can be used to disprove these assertions. I have tried to find examples that are “downtown friendly,” i..e., that have appropriate scale and acknowledge and encourage pedestrian activity. I have also included some that I just plain like — as well as examples of some things to avoid.

This posting is an elaboration of two earlier postings on this subject. More photos will be added periodically over time. A slide show on this posting is provided below.