STOREFRONT DOORS
Original wooden storefront doors were tall with as much glass as possible.

Decorative brass pulls and fittings made them both substantial and inviting. Doors were located in the recessed entry in the center or to one side of the store. A secondary door provided access to the second floor; although more modest than the front door, it was usually similar in size and design.

Guidelines for Storefront Doors
When the original front or secondary doors exist, they should be repaired, refinished and refit with appropriate hardware.

If the doors will be replaced, install doors which have large glass panels and interesting hardware appropriate to the style of the storefront. Options include salvaged doors, new wood doors to match the original, or new aluminum doors. Paint new aluminum doors or use an anodized finish to blend with the existing architectural features of the storefront. Insulated glazing with an appropriate seal system is recommended for protection from heat gain or loss.

Avoid solid doors, half-glazed doors, “colonial style” doors, and highly decorative doors that are not compatible with the historic integrity of the building. Avoid mirrored glass and deeply tinted glass. Tinted glass with a shading coefficient of less than 0.5 can be acceptable and offers some protection from heat gain.

Avoid storm doors because they make access difficult. If they are needed, they should either be authentic reproductions consistent with the style of the building, or clean-lined and unobtrusive.

For security measures, consider simple metal grilles or acrylic or lexan sheet glazing; such glazing can also be installed over existing doors to add energy efficiency to the project.