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Building Improvement File

8-1/2" x 11", 16 sheets in loose-leaf folder, National Trust Main Street Center, $30. Table of Contents

Gather your design team to review the basic elements of downtown architectural traditions, develop a shared design vocabulary, and an understanding of what is unique and worth saving in your community.

The sheets discuss and illustrate the design and structural elements of typical commercial buildings, building materials, masonry cleaning, painting, energy conservation, infill construction as well as low-cost, effective design improvements and maintenance for signs, windows, doors, awnings, rear entrances, upper facades, and cornices.

A handy reference when developing design guidelines for your commercial district or discussing building improvements with property and business owners.

Table of Contents

1. Keeping up Appearances
2. The Main Street Architectural Tradition
3. The Traditional Facade
4. Facade Change as Evolution
5. Architectural Variety
6. Storefront Design
7. Doors
8. Window Displays
9. Awning and Canopies
10. Signs
11. Rear Entrances
12. Upper Facade and Building Cornice
13. Historic Architectural Decoration
14. Masonry Cleaning
15. Painting your Building
16. Energy Conservation
17. New Infill Construction

Your Guarantee of Satisfaction

Building Improvement File is guaranteed. If you are not 100% satisfied, you may return it within 30 days for a full refund.

About the Authors

Building Improvement File was written by a team of experts from the National Main Street Center in Washington, D.C.