Storefront Design Guidelines Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, Washington

Preliminary Concepts - 10 October 2006

Harborside Shops Association Streetscape Committee - Facades Kathy Collantes, Angelo’s Cafe Keith Fakkema, Property Owner Kristi Jensen, Property Owner Terry LeDesky, LeDesky Architects KC Pohtilla, PCI Chris Saxman, Saxman Architecture Jill Schacht, Casual House/Fox Pointe Ltd Rob Sebo, Northwest Cabinets & Flooring Dennis Sullivan, Wind &Tide Bookstore Phil Sikes, Harborside Merchants Association/Wild Bird Staff and Consultant Steve Powers, Director of Development Services Tom Beckwith FAICP, Beckwith Consulting Group

Storefront design guidelines Most existing buildings on Pioneer Way were built in the 1930-1950s when downtown districts were transitioning from building styles that incorporated the pedestrian sidewalk features of the Victorian era with features that also appealed to and/or were visible to street oriented traffic. “Main Street Architecture” incorporated simple building styles with functional to elaborate cornice elements, brick or stone or concrete facing materials, large display windows with upper transom window wells, recessed entry ways, and colorful signage. Some buildings also featured awnings, blade signs, window signs, and sometimes neon sign or trim highlights. Main Street Architecture was eclectic, since it often included buildings from earlier and later periods, but colorful and funky. Significant portions of the Main Street Architectural style were covered over or ignored during the 1960-1970s when most downtown districts attempted ill-advised efforts to “modernize” their appearance. Building cornices were removed or covered over, window and transom windows were covered over or replaced with thin aluminum panes, colorful iconic and graphic signage elements were replaced with literate and wordy signs, wood and flagstone sidings were added along the window and walkways, and opaque awnings were installed to harmonize the individual storefronts into modern horizontal facings. All of these ill-advised efforts to modernize building appearances were applied to most of the buildings in downtown Oak Harbor creating a chaotic visual clutter.

The objective of these storefront design guidelines is, therefore, quite simple – restore the character, integrity, and visual appeal of existing downtown buildings by selectively emphasizing building cornice elements, large display and transom windows, natural façade materials, bright organic colors and accents, graphic and colorful wall and window signage elements, translucent and scaled awnings, and sidewalk furnishings and activities. Main Street Architectural restorations need not be overly expensive and may consist in most cases of removing unnecessary materials or treatments to allow the original building front to be seen. New paint and window treatments and even new signage need not be overly expensive to be good and effective design. The following guidelines illustrate the awning, signage, plantings, and other features of effective storefront presentations worth incorporating into the treatment of buildings located on Pioneer Way.

Storefront awnings Purpose - provide protection from rain, summer sun, and other weather elements to persons on the sidewalk in front of the store, or viewing into the windows, or sitting at street side tables and benches. An appropriately designed awning should be located above the storefront windows, no less than 8 feet in height, no more than 4 to 6 feet in width. Translucent materials with ultra-violet filters may allow sunlight. Design principles – KILA (keep it light and airy) using translucent materials to allow sunlight to filter through and provide views of overhead signage. Generally, use horizontal mountings to expose transom windows and provide space for overhead wall or blade sign mounts. Avoid – dark awning materials that cast shadows over the sidewalk, store entry, and window displays. Also avoid canopy signs that extend up the walls covering transom windows and wall surfaces limiting wall or blade signage. Also avoid wide awnings that extend over the sidewalk limiting the use of street trees or the visual and lighting impacts from street lights. Example – these overhead awnings are located over sidewalks and outdoor dining areas with the desired light and protection characteristics, and sufficient room for street trees and eating areas.

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Storefront signs - blade Purpose - identify the building or tenant using a sign that is wall-mounted perpendicular to the building and extending upwards and above the façade and/or outwards and over the walkway or parking area. Blade signs provide pedestrian scale store identification and advertising oriented to the pedestrian sidewalk. An effective blade or projecting sign should be mounted at least 8 feet above the pedestrian walking zone but within the view of the sidewalk. Design principles – KIL-AF (keep it lively- and fun) incorporating colorful graphics and artworks on white or light color backgrounds including illuminated or back lighted surfaces. Avoid – non-graphic wordy or literate content composed of upper case complicated lettering fonts that fill the blade sign background and signs that project horizontally rather than perpendicularly over the walkway. Examples – these examples are hung above the walkway as blade signs with colorful graphic content and lighting.

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Storefront signs - wall Purpose - provide pedestrian scale store identification and advertising within view of the pedestrian sidewalk with a highly graphic content. An effective sign should be mounted to be viewed from the pedestrian walking zone or principal traffic corridor. Design principles – KIC (keep it colorful) incorporating colorful graphics and artworks painted or mounted on wall surfaces that are visible from the pedestrian walkway. Avoid – non-graphic wordy or literate content composed of upper case complicated lettering fonts that fill the wall surface but lack any color or graphic identity. Example – the top examples are painted onto the wall surface and combine business identification as well as graphic icons and symbols. The lower wall sign is designed as a porthole to reflect the restaurant’s theme and displays the menu selections within view of the sidewalk.

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Storefront plantings - pots and baskets Purpose - provide color, detail, and other planting accent that is easy to maintain, in a flexible configuration, that can be removed or replaced during different seasons. Design principles - planter pots and hanging baskets are more flexible than fixed planter beds and can be clustered to create an accent, or moved to provide space for special events, cleaning, or during winter periods. Planter pots and hanging baskets should be located adjacent to light standards at the edge of the walkway or adjacent to way-finding signs in curb extensions or within the 2 foot sidewalk zone in front of stores to obtain sunlight and avoid intruding upon or reducing the walkway. Avoid – high plantings that intrude into the visual zones of display windows or signage, or overly wide plantings that extend into the walkway. Also avoid planting materials that are toxic to children or animals or that drop leaves, berries, or other debris onto the walkway. Example – these planter pots and hanging baskets are located to provide accent outside of the principal walkway zones. As shown, vegetation may be compact to fit within the pot zone or somewhat overflowing depending on the desired affect. These examples are perennial plants that can remain year round. Seasonal plantings can also be used and removed after the flowering season.

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Storefront signs - canopy Purpose - identify the building or tenant using a sign that is painted onto the face or edge of an awning or canopy that is mounted to the building facade. An effective canopy sign should be mounted on the canopy face to be viewed within the pedestrian walking zone or principal traffic corridor. Design principles – KIS-BR (keep it simple – but readable) incorporating simple lettering fonts in upper and lower case, white or light lettering colors on strong color canopy background with ample space between words. Avoid – busy filled-in complicated lettering fonts that fill in the canopy space leaving little or no room between words and the canopy background. Example – these examples are painted and hung on the building frontage within view of the sidewalk and of a pedestrian scale.

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Storefront signs - awning Purpose – awning signs identify the building or tenant using a sign that is hung from and below an awning or canopy that may extend outwards under the awning or canopy and over the walkway or parking area. An effective awning sign is hung at least 8 feet above the walkway directly over the store entryway. Design principles – KIS (keep it simple) incorporating simple lettering fonts in upper and lower case, white or light lettering colors on strong color background, and secured sign attachments. Avoid – busy filled-in complicated lettering fonts that fill the awning sign leaving little or no room between words and the awning sign background and dangling or marginally secured sign mounts. Examples – these examples depict awning signs used to identify multiple store outlets along major pedestrian walkways.

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Storefront signs - wall Purpose – wall signs identify the building or tenant using a sign, mural, or graphic message that is attached parallel to, or flat against, or painted on the wall or exterior of the building or structure. An effective upper story wall sign is 3-dimensional, colorful, and very graphic sometimes applying the lettering or graphic in free-form applications onto the wall. Design principles – KIL (keep it lively) incorporating colorful graphics and artworks on white or light color backgrounds including illuminated or back lighted surfaces possibly incorporating neon. Avoid – non-graphic wordy or literate content composed of upper case lettering fonts with little or no visual interest. Examples – these examples use color, backlighting, and graphics to attract attention within relatively small amounts of the storefront wall space.

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Storefront signs – window signs and displays Purpose – identify the store name, operating hours, or other promotional product event using a sign displayed on the inside of the glass or in close proximity to the window and intended to be viewed by persons outside of the building. And create an attractive window display that draws the pedestrian into the storefront shop. Design principles – KIS (keep it simple) incorporating simple lettering fonts, logos or graphics in bold colors in a manner that is readable from the walkway or street and does not obscure the or overpower the permanent contents of the window display. Avoid – non-graphic wordy or literate content composed of upper case lettering fonts with little or no visual interest that is not readable from the walkway or street and that obscures or overpowers (clutters) the permanent contents of the window display. Examples – these examples illustrate eclectic and attractive displays that showcase the store’s wares and purpose.

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Storefronts – bars and taverns Purpose – identify the drinking establishment and provide an interesting storefront that extends the pedestrian streetscape past the business. Incorporate picture windows, outdoor eating and drinking areas, planters, and other features that create an inviting atmosphere. Design principles – KII (keep it inviting) incorporating windows and glass doors, graphic window signs, awnings, plantings, outdoor seating areas, and other amenities that are inviting to the pedestrian and customer. Avoid – covered over or walled up storefronts that mask the front of the building creating a foreboding appearance to the passerby and potential customer. Examples – these examples illustrate the open and inviting storefronts created for a number of adult drinking and eating establishments.

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Storefront – sandwich signs and sidewalk displays Purpose – identify a promotional product, event, or sale price using a sandwich or a-frame sign on the walkway in front of the store or retail establishment. Design principles – KIS (keep it simple) incorporating simple lettering fonts, logos, or graphics in bold colors or on bold color backgrounds that relate the special promotion or price that are readable from the walkway. Place the sign in the 2 foot zone in front of display window or in the 2 foot zone from the curb out of the principal pedestrian walkway. Avoid – non-graphic wordy or literate content composed of upper case lettering fonts with little or no visual interest that is not readable or obscures sight lines or walkway areas. Avoid over-using sandwich signs every day or they lose their impact and become an obstacle and nuisance on the walkway, detracting from the promotional impact and aesthetics. Examples – the examples generally illustrate effective sign and other display treatments along the walkways.

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Storefront - sidewalk cafes Purpose – create outdoor eating and activity areas that increase interest along the walkway to the passerby and customer alike. Design principles – KIA (keep it appropriate) locating the tables, chairs, signage, and other furniture within the 2-4 foot zone directly adjacent to the storefront. Where necessary, frame the space with plantings or grillwork particularly where codes require separation for alcohol consumption. Provide umbrellas, radiant heaters, lighting, and other furnishings necessary to make the space functional and inviting. Avoid – haphazard placement on the sidewalk that intrudes into the walkway or appears cluttered or creates a barrier to pedestrian movement. Example – these sidewalk cafes are located within the zone adjacent to the restaurant windows out of the walkway area – and in one example, under the overhead awning. The fenced examples provide alcohol.

Storefront design applications The following examples depict existing building facades within the Pioneer Way downtown district that exhibit features found to be highly desirable by the Street Committee – as well as discordant treatments that should be removed. The descriptions provided with each example list the building, awning, window, signage, paint, and other features found to be desirable and representative of treatments that could be emulated by other buildings within the district, as well as suggestions and sketches of what the restored buildings could look like. The desirable features may be incorporated into a downtown design guidelines manual and/or ordinance to provide graphic examples of principles to be followed for building remodels or reconstructions.

The descriptions also include comments relating to some of the above features that could be amended to improve the building presentation even further. The undesirable features may also be incorporated into the downtown design guidelines as treatments to avoid.

PBY Memorial Museum Structure Former gas station converted into a naval history museum with exhibits, artifacts, and other materials. Positive design features Elegant 1950s era building with simple

building lines and form follows function design. Building maintained in good condition with

simple blue and white paint treatment. Roll-up garage windows provide scale and

interest to the façade. Columns on drive-through create some

vertical scale to the flat roof, low profile building. Negative design features 1950s era buildings present very low profile

compared with other buildings on the street – should add some element with height to provide scale. Signage is understated, does not identify

building use or tenants very well – could install a blade sign onto the drive-through structure that would provide visual identity and scale. Building is almost too understated – clean

but without interest – could use stronger color and graphic treatment on the molding above the overhang. Building windows are almost too small and

do not provide visual interest to draw passer-by into the space. Could install more window treatments on the roll-up garage doors to draw customers into the building.

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WAIF Thrift Store Structure 2-story building housing the Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF) Thrift Store and Cat Adoption Center on the ground floor and Frontier Car Detailer on the upper floor. Positive design features Elegant 1950s era building with simple

building lines and form follows function design. Building maintained in good condition with

simple white paint treatment. Building location next to sidewalk provides

pedestrian scale to the street and structure. Side windows increase the transparency of

the building space providing interior light and increasing visual interest. Recessed building entry provides safe access

way and visual interest. Negative design features Building lacks a pronounced top with which

to define an edge – the cornice element could be increased to provide definition and scale. Awning element covers over portions of the

display windows reducing the ground floor scale and visual interest and shortening the building’s vertical potentials. The horizontal awning also violates the vertical columns created between lower and upper floor windows working against the buildings simple design – should be removed. Window signage is too small and obscures

window displays and customer interest. Wall signage elements should be added to the building face to increase visibility and de-clutter window displays. Blade mounted sign is out of scale and

located in the wrong place – should be replaced with a wall sign mounted above the upper windows and below the cornice. Aluminum window frames are dated and

lack depth – could be framed or painted as in lower floor.

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Empty (Memories Antique) Store Structure Single-story retail building with two store fronts housing an Antique shop in both outlets Positive design features Building design is based on multiple

storefronts that reduce the scale of the frontage to single store size consistent with Main Street retail architecture. Building cornice provides scale and visual

interest that reinforces individual store definitions. Red brick provides color and detail at the

street level. Large display windows provide visual

interest and views for potential display of interior wares of interest to passers by. Recessed entry provides safe access way and

visual interest. Negative design features Awning creates horizontal design element

that conflicts with and overpowers storefront definition. Awning is also out of scale and opaque casting shadows onto window displays and sidewalk - should be removed. Display windows have been covered over by

awning and with shades reducing transparency and hiding store wares and may mask interior lowered ceilings – awning and curtains should be removed to provide visual displays. Drop down ceilings should be removed to showcase interior building volumes and original building design. Store signs are out of scale and place due

partly to the placement and scale of the awning. Signs are also bland in color and font size – should be replaced with colorful horizontal wall sign mounted above the windows. Aluminum signs and doors are dated and

lack depth – should be framed and/or painted to provide visual interest. Building paint color is too bland given red

brick treatment – should be repainted with red, brown, or accent color using brick shading.

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Paint Your World/Whidbey Wild Bird/Oak Tree Antique/Shady Ladies Structure Two-story building with multiple store fronts housing Paint Your World, Whidbey Wild Bird, Oak Tree Antiques, and Shady Ladies on the ground floor and office uses on the second floor facing a rear parking lot and entries. Positive design features Building design is based on multiple

storefronts that provide scale within the large horizontal frontage of the building consistent with Main Street architecture. Building cornice elements provide scale and

visual interest that reinforces individual store definitions in the space between the columns. Red brick provides color and detail at the

street level. Large display windows provide visual

interest and views for potential display of interior wares of interest to passers by. Recessed entries provides safe access way

and visual interest. Negative design features Awnings create repetitious horizontal design

element that overpowers the window storefronts and creates a homogenous facade. The awnings also cast shadows on the window displays and hide the transom window features that darken the high ceiling building interiors – the awnings should be replaced with horizontal elements using glass to provide light and transparency. Awnings also mask storefront sign potentials

such that store signs are displayed on window fronts rather than building face – new wall mounted signs should be installed in the defined spaces below the columns, and signs hung from the new awnings to identify stores on the sidewalk. Aluminum window frames are dated and

lack depth – should be framed and painted.

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Academy of Dance/Sports Card Structure Two-story building with multiple store fronts housing Academy of Dance on the upper floor, Uechi Ryu Okinawan Karate and ….. on ground floor. Positive design features Building design is based on multiple

storefronts that provide scale consistent with Main Street architecture. Building cornice element establishes a cap to

the building and unifies the recessed facade. Red brick provides color and detail to the

building frontage particularly around the upper floor windows. Large display windows provide visual

interest and views for potential display of interior wares to passers by. Green wood window and door facades

provide accent that is coordinated with green cornice and upper story window frames. Negative design features Awnings create repetitious horizontal design

element that overpowers the window storefronts and creates a homogenous facade. The awnings also cast shadows on the window displays and hide the transom window features that darken the high ceiling building interiors – the awnings should be replaced with horizontal elements using glass to provide light and transparency. Awnings also mask storefront sign potentials

such that store signs are displayed on window fronts rather than building face – new wall mounted signs should be installed in the defined spaces between the columns, and signs hung from the new awnings to identify stores on the sidewalk.

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Zorba’s Structure Two-story multiple outlet building housing Zorba’s Restaurant on the upper floor facing onto Pioneer Way. Separately accessed lower floor is occupied by a residence and shop. Positive design features Building is designed within a frame defined

by a distinct cornice and side columns that provide scale to the storefront. Blue and rose paint colors provide accent

particularly around the display window frames and surrounding the wall sign. Recessed entry breaks up the storefront,

adds interest, and masks the raised floor of the restaurant avoiding steps. Zorba’s wall sign adds color and visual

excitement to the building. Negative design features The upper portions of the transom/display

windows have been masked to provide space for the wall sign – but truncate the scale and potential translucent quality of the interior building space. The mask could be removed around the wall sign to match the upper window space over the entry door if the lowered ceiling allows. One of the original storefront entry doors

has not been removed, creating an awkward transition along the façade and within the interior restaurant space. The entry door and recess should be removed. The white chevrons on the side columns are

busy and detract from the presentation – they should be removed. The recessed entryway is functional, and a

pleasing space – but lacks excitement. The rose accent color could be applied to the frames and a menu directory or other detail added to the window space to provide interest.

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Dave’s Bistro Structure One-story building housing Dave’s Bistro on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way Positive design features Building is designed within a frame defined

by a distinct cornice and side columns that provide scale to the storefront. The red brick provides color and detail – as

does the green paint colors on the cornice and above the awning that provide accent. Recessed entry breaks up the storefront and

adds interest. Dave’s Bistro window sign and the red ban

highlight add color and visual interest. The tables, chairs, sandwich sign, and

planter in front of the window add amenity to the sidewalk and integrate an inside/outside activity of the space. Negative design features The upper portions of the transom/display

windows have been masked by the large, over scaled green awning. The awning overpowers the storefront and creates shadows on the windows and entry – it should be replaced with a horizontal glass awning element to provide light and scale. The white awning sign is out of scale, not

necessary, and distracting – and should be removed. The wood frame around the windows and

entry are painted a light color that is not repeated elsewhere – and should be repainted green to compliment the cornice and carry through the color scheme. Dave’s Bistro should be incorporated into a

wall sign and mounted above the windows to provide interest and identification from the street.

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Wind-N-Tide Book Shop/Baby-N-Me Structure One-story multiple outlet building housing the Book Shop and Baby-N-Me retail outlets on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way Positive design features Building is designed within a frame defined

by a distinct cornice and side columns that provide scale to the storefront. The red brick provides color and detail – as

does the white painted brick edging feature below the cornice and on the side columns. The recessed entries break up the storefront

and add interest and symmetry to the outlets. The Book Shop wall sign adds color and

visual interest. The table and chairs in front of the Book

Shop window add amenity to the sidewalk and imply an inside/outside activity of the space. Negative design features The upper portions of the transom/display

windows have been masked by the large, over scaled white awnings. The awnings overpower the storefronts and create shadows on the windows and entries – they should be replaced with horizontal glass awning elements to provide light and scale. The white awnings, white brick window

front, and white Baby-N-Me sign are stark and not complimentary of other building colors – and should be repainted with a bold but earth color to compliment the red brick. The wall signs are functional but flat and

uninteresting – and should be replaced with bolder, more graphic signage elements. Likewise, the window signs are stark,

understated, and distracting – and should be replaced with bolder graphic elements – see Dave’s Bistro window sign next door. The table and chairs provide amenity, but

look tentative - and should be replaced with furnishings that are more substantial including planted pots and sandwich signs.

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D&D Building/Art & Antiques Structure Two-story multiple outlet building housing apartments on the upper floor and Art & Antiques retail outlet on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way Positive design features Building is designed within a frame defined

by a distinct cornice with art deco sculptured brick accents across the front and down the side columns that provide scale and visual interest. The beige and brown painted brick provides

color and detail – as does the painted upper window recesses. The recessed entries break up the storefront

and add interest to the outlets. Negative design features The upper portions of the transom/display

windows have been masked by the large, over scaled beige and patterned awnings. The awnings overpower the storefronts and create shadows on the windows and entries – they should be replaced with horizontal glass awning elements to provide light and scale. The beige awnings are bland and not

complimentary of other building colors or features and cover over building details above the windows that could be better used for wall signs. The window signs are understated and

uninteresting – and should be replaced with bold graphic wall and window sign treatments. The entry to the apartments, and even the

apartments and building are not identified – and should be provided identification signage and an accent. The filler below the display windows,

especially the flagstone, is distracting - and should be replaced with an accent color complimenting the building. The sidewalk spaces are barren – and should

be furnished with potted plants, sandwich signs, and other accents.

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Fox Pointe Gallery Building Structure One-story multiple outlet building housing Fox Pointe art gallery and home furnishing store on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way Positive design features Remodeled building is designed within a

frame defined by a distinct cornice with art deco appliqués mounted across the upper façade and below the columns that provide scale and visual interest. The bold brown painted stucco façade

provides color – as does the painted dark window frames and entry recess. The recessed entry breaks up the storefront

and provides a dimension to the building. The window displays provide visual interest

and draw the sidewalk passerby into the space. The exterior wall mounted lights provide nice

accent. A blade sign located below the larger awning

identifies the gallery to pedestrians. Negative design features The dark colored awnings appear to be after

thoughts and mask what would be store wall sign spaces – they should be replaced with horizontal glass awning elements to provide light and scale. The store lacks signage in the windows or on

the building front and appears to be an anonymous space – bold wall signage should be added for accent and identification. The sidewalk spaces are barren – and should

be furnished with potted plants, sandwich signs, and other accents.

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Brenda’s Front Porch Building Structure One-story multiple outlet building housing Brenda’s Front Porch interior design outlet on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way Positive design features Remodeled building is designed within a

frame defined by a distinct cornice and columns that provide scale and visual interest. The large windows and display spaces

provide visual interest and draw the sidewalk passerby into the space. The overhead lights provide accent and the

semblance of a theme. The crisp white paint makes the building

look fresh and updated. Negative design features The oversized gray awning covers the

transom windows truncating the building frontage and masking what would be store wall sign spaces – they should be replaced with horizontal glass awning elements to provide light and scale. The store lacks signage in the windows or on

the building front and appears to be an anonymous space – bold wall signage should be added for accent and identification. The sidewalk spaces are barren – and should

be furnished with potted plants, sandwich signs, and other accents. The crisp white paint is overdone and

bleaches out the window and cornice details – a bold color theme should be introduced on the cornice and window areas to frame the building and draw the eye into the window display spaces.

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The Stamping Pad/Today’s Dog Structure Three-story multiple outlet building housing The Stamping Pad and Today’s Dog on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way, apartments on the upper floor, and The Bubble Tea Shop on the ground floor facing Bayshore Drive. Positive design features The cornice and cap on each retail space, the

vertical columns provide definition to the stores consistent with Main Street architecture. The brick facing provides color and scale

that integrates and distinguishes the retail spaces from the wood faced upper story residential building. The large windows and display spaces

provide visual interest and draw the sidewalk passerby into the space. The blue accent paint around the window

frames and entry doors compliments the building and makes the window areas stand out. The Stamping Pad window sign is graphic

and of visual interest – as is the window display. Negative design features The transom windows have been fitted with

blue translucent panels that truncate the building frontage and mask what would be interior light and transparency – they could be made transparent to provide light and increase scale. The building lacks awnings that would

provide weather protection to the entries and a connection over the sidewalk – horizontal glass awning elements should be added between the display and transom windows. The stores lack signage on the building

fronts and appear to be anonymous spaces – bold dimensional wall signage should be added for accent and identification. The sidewalk spaces are barren – and should

be furnished with potted plants, sandwich signs, and other accents.

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Ernst Apts/Popsies/NS Frames Structure Three-story multiple outlet building housing Popsies Sweet Shop and NS Frames store spaces on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way, and apartments on the upper floor. Positive design features The cornice, cap, and sculptured brick facing

provide definition to the building consistent with Main Street architecture. The upper story windows, store outlet

displays, and apartment entry provide a symmetry to the spaces that balances the building facade. The large display and transom windows

provide retail scale and visual interest that draws the sidewalk passerby into the space. The beige and red accent paint on the

cornice, in the recessed windows, and completely around the window frames and entry doors compliment the building and makes the window areas stand out. The Ernst Apts wall sign is appropriate to the

period and provides visual interest. The recessed entries provide dimension and

room for steps into the store and apartments. Negative design features The building lacks awnings that would

provide weather protection to the entries and a connection over the sidewalk – horizontal glass awning elements should be added between the display and transom windows. The stores lack signage on the building

fronts and appear to be anonymous spaces – bold dimensional wall signage should be added for accent and identification above the transom windows. The sidewalk spaces are barren – and should

be furnished with potted plants, sandwich signs, and other accents. Popsies window sign is too large and

distractive – and should be made more transparent.

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Angelo’s Caffe/Creative Kitchenware Structure Two-story multiple outlet building housing Angelo’s Caffe and Creative Kitchenware stores on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way, and apartments on the upper floor. Positive design features The cornice defines the top of the building

consistent with Main Street architecture. The side of the building is recessed towards

the alley creating an outdoor alcove opportunity. The large display windows provide retail

scale and visual interest from the sidewalk. The wall sign is expressive and creates an

identity for the café. Negative design features The awning is overpowering and out of scale

– and should be replaced with a simple horizontal element located above the windows. The café display windows could be replaced

with sliding windows or doors that open into the recessed plaza during favorable weather to make use of the indoor/outdoor potential. The light colored paint bleaches the building

out and lacks accent – a bold earth tone color should be painted on the cornice, upper recessed window frames, and around the display windows and door to provide accent and depth. Angleo’s Caffe wall sign is graphic but

oversized – and should be replaced with a smaller, more graphic, dimensional wall sign once the awning is removed. The rooftop electrical connection is

distracting and should be replaced when the Pioneer Way streetscape project undergrounds power connections to the building. The cornice is undersized and truncates the

building – the façade could be extended to create more height. The exterior wall paneling on the retail face

is inconsistent with the rest of the building – and should be removed and replaced with stucco.

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Harbor Lights Tavern Structure One-story retail building housing Harbor Lights Tavern on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way Positive design features The elaborate cornice and brick

embellishments define the top of the building consistent with early Main Street architecture. The tufted stonework across the upper

window recess and on the side columns add detail and interest. Negative design features The blade sign is out of scale and

inconsistent with the building’s cornice design – and should be removed and replaced with a wall sign. The vertical boarded up display and transom

window are distracting and not consistent with the building’s architecture creating a hunkered down, uninviting appearance even for a bar. The boards should be removed and replaced with the original glass windows creating an open bar display ala FX McClory’s motif. The light pink colored paint bleaches the

building out and lacks accent – bold earth tone colors should be painted on the brick work with an accent color on portions of the flat cornice and around new window and door frames. Graphic and bold window signs ala Dave’s

Bistro – should be painted on the new windows to create an identity and visual interest. A new horizontal translucent awning could

be added above the new windows to provide weather protection and an connect the building with the sidewalk space. Potted plants, sandwich signs, and other

furnishings should be added to the sidewalk to provide amenities.

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The Blue Dolphin Structure One-two story retail building housing The Blue Dolphin on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way and apartments on a rear upper floor facing Fidalgo Positive design features The cornice defines the top of the building

consistent with Main Street architecture. The tufted stonework across the upper

façade adds detail and interest. The dolphin graphics and blue paint provide

an accent color and motif. Negative design features The blue awning is out of scale and

inconsistent with the building architecture – and should be replaced with a simple horizontal element above the windows. The wood siding covers over the window and

column elements of the original building creating a disharmonious look – and should be removed to restore the building’s original lines. The window inserts are too small and

detailed – and should be replaced with the original display and transom windows to open up the building’s visual appeal ala RW McCormick’s motif. The blue accent paint should cover the

complete cornice element and be added around the restored display and transom windows and entry door to provide building highlights. The blue dolphin motif should be

incorporated into a graphic, dimensional wall sign and mounted on the building above the entry door ala Zorba’s. The window signs are cluttered with little

visual accent – and should be replaced with bold graphic signage ala Dave’s Bistro. Potted plants, sandwich signs, and other

furnishings should be added to the sidewalk to provide amenities.

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Island Cleaners & Laundry Structure One-story retail building housing Island Cleaners & Laundry on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way. Positive design features Elegant 1950s era building with simple

building lines and form follows function design. Building maintained in good condition with

simple white paint treatment. Recessed building entry provides safe access

way and visual interest. Negative design features Building lacks a pronounced top with which

to define an edge – the cornice element could be increased to provide definition and scale. The landscaping has overgrown covering up

the windows, building façade, and entry – the shrubbery should be replaced with lower planting elements including vines to hang over the planter onto the pavement. The wall sign is too small and literate –

should be replace with a larger graphic, dimensional wall sign over the recessed entryway. The blue accent paint on the entry window

and door trim is too refined to showcase to the street – as an alternative, the entire recessed area could be painted blue with white window and door trim.

18

ML Loan Company Structure Two-story multiple outlet retail building housing ML Loan Company – a pawnshop on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way and storage space on the lower floor facing Bayshore Drive. Positive design features 1950s era building with simple building lines

and large display windows. Red brick façade material provides color and

scale. Negative design features Wood siding on the upper portion of the

building is discordant material creating a truncated look to the top of the building – and should be removed to show the original storefront. Thin aluminum window panes lack depth –

and should be boxed within a frame to provide dimension. The windows around the access way have

been partially filled creating a truncated and uninviting entry – and should be restored as display spaces. The blue accent paint is discordant and does

not harmonize or compliment any building or material features – and should be repainted with a bold earth tone color. The window sign is literate and

underwhelming – and should be replaced with a bold, graphic wall sign on the restored façade. Awnings could be added between the display

windows and what are likely to be covered over transom windows to provide protection and definition. Potted plants, sandwich signs, benches, and

other furnishings should be added to the walkway instead of the trash container and planting bed to provide amenities.

19

Gallery Salon/Erawan Restaurant/Salad Shooters/Empty Structure Two-story multiple outlet retail building housing The Gallery Salon, Erawan Restaurant, Salad Shooters, and an empty outlet on the main floor facing onto Pioneer Way Positive design features 1950s era building with simple building lines

and large display windows. Red brick façade material provides color and

scale. Negative design features Blue aluminum material above the awnings

is discordant, does not harmonize with any other building elements, and creates a long dull building mass that loses the individual storefront identities – and should be removed. Transom windows are likely to be behind the siding and should be restored to provide height and depth. The opaque awning truncates the building

and display windows creating a crunched look to the sidewalk space, and adds to the linear building look – and should be removed or cut into separate segments defined by the building columns. The opaque awning covering should be replaced with transparent materials to increase light and openness. The covered over restaurant display

windows create an unattractive and uninviting mask to the space – and should be removed. The appliquéd emblems on the restaurant

graphic and visually interesting – and should be highlighted in new wall rather than blade signage over the restaurant. The individual storefront windows and doors

are of the same color – and should be repainted contrasting colors to create individual identities. Window signs are literate and understated -

and should be replaced with graphic, dimensional wall signs that create interest and color.