Standards and Guidelines 2023-0607

Metadata

Thumbnails

Annotations

City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 80 For More Information: Awnings, Canopies, Marquees and Lighting Awnings, canopies, and marquees’ primary role is to provide shading from the sun and protection from the rain . Along the way, they also introduce color to the façade of the building and a place for business signage and information . Here is a link for an excellent resource about awnings on historic buildings produced by the National Park Service: What’s the difference? Awnings, Canopies, Marquees and Lighting An AWNING is typically a fabric covered light metal frame attached to a building . The metal frames can be fixed or operable allowing the awning to fold up in inclement weather . Some awnings include lettering of the business name on the valence . A CANOPY is a fixed structure attached to a building with a rigid roof material, usually metal . It may be flat (horizontal) or sloped. Canopies often contain chains or other rods to assist their structural support . Some have glass or fabric valances along their bottom edge . Signage is not typically a part . A MARQUEE is a large fixed sign usually associated with a movie theater . A marquee is usually lighted both internally behind a sign board advertising upcoming movies, as well as externally with chaser or fixed lights. Modifying sidewalks and other walkways Installing new awnings, canopies or marquees requires sensitive consideration of the historic materials and design of the building . Avoid anchoring to decorative elements and investigate previous anchoring locations in masonry to avoid further damage to the materials . Best Practices • Minimize damage to historic materials when mounting canopies and awnings by avoiding anchoring directly into architectural features, when feasible . • Historically, fabric awnings, both operable and fixed, are what were most used . • The awning should fit above the storefront and not extend unbroken across several bays . • Use colors that are compatible with the overall color scheme of the façade . • Simple shed shaped are appropriate for rectangular openings . Bullnose and bubble shaped awnings are not recommended . • Attach awnings between the window display area and the signboard or second floor windowsills. • When historic prism glass is present, install awning between the storefront windows and the prism glass . • Install awnings so that the valance is no lower than seven feet and six inches above the sidewalk at any point . • The Commission will generally not approve Internally illuminated awnings . Return to the Table of Contents • The Use of Awnings on Historic Buildings, Repair, Replacement and New Design—here . • Historical background here . • Preserving an existing historic awning here . • Installing a new awning here . • A more in-depth reading list here . • Adding Awnings to a storefront entrance—here . The National Main Street Center in their Keeping Up Appearances guidelines here .