2014 town of griffith façade guidelines update

Town of Griffith Façade Improvement
Program Guidelines
Program Overview, Goals, Guidelines,
Design Examples, 2014 Project Updates
James Douglas Smith, AIA Architects Inc.
310 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
James Douglas Smith, AIA, Project Architect

Program Guidelines Table of Contents
• Page 1 Program Guidelines Cover
• Page 2 Table of Contents
• Page 3-4 Program Overview
• Page 5 Facade Design Concepts
• Pages 6-64 100 Block Design Concepts
• Pages 108-112 Scattered Site Design Concepts
• Appendix Design Criteria
• Pages 114-120 Program Methodology
• Pages 121-129 Urban Aesthetics -Design Elements, Signs, Storefronts
• Pages 130-131 Urban Graphics – Exterior Mural Examples
Copyright – James Douglas Smith, AIA, Architect, Inc.
2

Program Overview
• This design guide sets out a comprehensive, flexible guide for the facade
restoration program of Downtown Griffith Indiana. The design suggestions for
reshaping of existing storefronts are also intended to reshape the perception of
the Griffith business district by drawing out the structure and identity latent in the
present confusion of shapes and colors, improve the quality of the districts
image and perception by the residents of the Town and the many people that
pass through Griffith every day, to make this revitalized district a destination
rather than a thoroughfare.
• Griffith is not an ancient town with rows of historic buildings to restore as in some
neighboring cities, but Griffith does have an interesting railroad heritage which
could be amplified and has several examples of recent façade restoration that
can be used to develop a down town identity. We have set forth alternative
design styles, with an emphasis on craftsman style and organic materials and
colors.
3

Program Overview
• The designs presented show possibilities but are not mandates. The
purpose in the design suggestion is to show a direction. Each individual
property or business owner is responsible for detailed development and
would submit plans to the Town for review.
• All façade program suggestions are made in the spirit of keeping business
going as usual while improvements are being made.
• This study presents real building design examples using elements from the
example standards of storefront, window, signage and murals for
development of the 100 through 300 blocks of Broad as an inspiration for
spreading the improvements throughout the Town.
• As buildings are improved, this presentation will be updated to show the
effect and influence on the downtown.
4

The following are side by side comparisons of existing building
storefronts and suggested design enhancement renderings. In
most cases, simple changes make dramatic improvements.
The existing mix of ages and building types is widely varied. The
new designs respect the existing visual environment by using as
much of the existing building shape and materials as possible.
As program participation is embraced by the downtown building
owners, we will update this study to include the improvements.
5

• Most densely commercial block with businesses on east
and west sides of Broad Street.
6

100 Block-West
Aerial View of Broad Street,
West Side- 100 Block
Existing Street view of the 100 Block of Broad, West
side, looking south west.
7

100 Broad- Chase Bank ATM Corner
The Chase Bank ATM is lost in the
corner lot. If development is
planned by the Bank in the
immediate future, then it will add to
the down town. If there are no plans
to build, the design study
recommendation is to bring some
activity to the lot including urban
sculpture, additional landscaping,
street vendors and a major Down
town entry marker such as a clock
tower
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SITE.
8

100 Broad- Chase Bank ATM Corner
9

106 Broad- Pittsburgh Paint
As-is view. Building has stone face in need of cleaning and tuck pointing,
entrance is not defined. Graphics are minimal, storefront is dated.
10

106 Broad- Pittsburgh Paint And view of the west
streetscape
11

106 Broad- Pittsburgh Paint
Clean and restore existing stone, replace storefront with insulated glass and thermal break
storefront and new , matching updated doors. Update awning to emphasize the entry and
provide new brighter colors and company graphics and prominent street number.
12

110- 112 Broad
This retail building houses two businesses, an interior design firm
and a boutique clothing store, beauty parlor. The buildings stone
façade needs cleaning and tuck pointing the store front is dated
and there is no clear identification signage or delineation of
entry.
13

110- 112 Broad
Clean and tuck point stone, upgrade storefront and
doors with contemporary designed, energy efficient
storefront. New entry canopy to clearly define the
entry and individual signage for each business.
14

116 -118 Broad
Similar to the previous building, this houses two businesses, a fitness store and a
popular deli that has been in the community for decades. The buildings brick façade is
salvageable but in need of cleaning and tuck pointing the store front is dated and
there is no clear identification signage or delineation of entry for the fitness shop. The
Deli needs an image upgrade and offers an opportunity for outside dining which is a
desirable addition to downtown activity.
15

116 -118 Broad (Streetscape view looking south from 118 to 106 Broad)
16

116 -118 Broad
Brick façade is salvaged. New storefront and doors add energy efficiency as well as visual
interest. Signage clearly defines both businesses. The deli is opened up to provide a serving
counter to service lunch clients at outside patio setting. New building lighting illuminates
signage and the architectural features.
17

116 -118 Broad
18

120 North Broad
American Natural Resources is the first building of two, connected inside. This unique business
retails rustic furnishing and furniture and has an active taxidermy side as well. The exterior speaks
to the unique character of the business, but is a bit cluttered and needs touchup and brightening
of the wood exterior. At first it is not obvious that the south door is the main entry to both
buildings.
19

120 North Broad
The design study recommendation for both buildings is for touching up the finishes, make it obvious
that the entry is no longer below the north gable. Further recommendation is to remove the
decorative, white water fowl marching across the roof/ While it is humorous it is more of a detraction.
20

120 North Broad
21

126-128 North Broad
The 126-128 building is a continuation of the American Natural Resources building but they are not internally
connected and are not part of that operation. The south entry is Oak Tax and accounting, the north entry is for
the American Natural Resources shop. As for the adjacent buildings, the study recommends cleaning up the existing
materials, and for these two buildings, new signage, entry doors and store front would add greatly to a fresh
appearance.
22

126-128 North Broad
23

130 North Broad, C&R Stationary
C&R Stationary occupies all of the next building. Stonework needs cleaning and tuck pointing. Signage needs
improvement to call the business out and define the entry. The storefront needs upgrading
24

130 North Broad, C&R Stationary
As an alternate to cleaning and exposing the brick this design adds EIIFS over flat wall surfaces, a cornice
and pilaster treatment to clearly set this building out from the two adjacent. New brightly colored awnings
and updated blade sign add interest and unique identity. The storefront and entry door is also replaced
with new energy efficient materials.
25

132 North, Griffith Public School
Administrative Center
The stone front required cleaning and tuck pointing, or as an alternate, replacement with thin set
brick or EIFS for brighter look. Replace awning with an up dated metal canopy with suspended lights
and replace the upper and lower windows. Provide new individual letter signage and school logo
panel at the entry. For accent, add cornices at parapet and above window band.
26

27

28

134 North, Varsity Sports
Add distinction and liveliness to the building with a resurfacing and reshaping with EIFS pilasters, new gable
above upper windows, upgraded storefront and entry door, bright individual store identification letters
and new gooseneck lighting.
29

30

31

32
• Varsity Sports has recently revived their storefront, based upon the Design Guide example

138 North, Blythe’s Sports Shop
Provide new surface treatment with cornice trim for definition. Redistribute and replace lettering and flat
painted signs with coordinated individual letters.. Upgrade storefront glass and metal and provide new
attractive entry doors. Additional elements to be considered include replacing perpendicular sign with a
new illuminated blade sign and adding gooseneck or other appropriate surface lighting.
33

34

35

36
• Blythes Sports Shop recently redesigned their storefront. While they did not duplicate the Design Guide
example, they have provided a significant upgrade to the block

142-144-146 North Broad
This building is on a prominent corner that should draw people to the businesses and
should add to the overall impact of the block, but the confused shapes and colors offer no
visual interest. Unattractive features include contrasting stone and black sided upper story
with random punched windows and random signage.
37

142-144-146 North Broad
The study suggests unifying the upper and lower parts of the façade by re-facing with EIFS, providing
decorative articulation with horizontal cornices to add to unifying the building, upgrading the storefront
entry doors and signage for building unity and to better showcase the individual businesses.
38

146 N. Broad - 101 West Columbia
Continuation of the 142-146 building around
corner.
39

146 N. Broad - 101 West Columbia
Extend the same design theme all around the building. Add to the Columbia entrance for more interest, better
business identity and to complement the two story section on Broad Street.
40

100 Block-East
East Side- 100 Block
Existing Street view of the 100 Block of Broad, east
side, looking south east.
41

145 North, Jacks’ Heating
The angled orientation and corner
location give this building a superior
street presence however the dated
mansard roof and subdued color
and lack of building signage cancels
any advantage the unique site offers.
These elevations are equally visible from
the street and both in need of updating.
The study suggests replacing the old
mansard with a new brighter wood look
fascia, new gabled entry canopy, new
windows and entry door. Signage on the
building and surface lighting give the
façade character and life.
42

Streetscape view showing the updated facade in relation to the adjacent upgraded buildings/
43

Detail view of the proposed new entry and new materials. The main body of brick may be salvaged with
cleaning and tuck pointing. Possibly stain the brick using epoxy treatment that retains brick texture to
equalize the obvious fill-in areas.
44

45

Jacks’ Heating has followed the Design Guide suggestions greatly improving the appearance of the corner.
46

135 North – Spare Room Lounge
Very large brick masonry and stone building that has been a bowling alley and lounge. The
building is for sale and some potential buyers have discussed converting to a multi-use. The
design study recommendations include salvaging as much stone and brick as possible, cleaning
and tuck pointing overall, creating new design features to unify the structure visually and to
provide emphasis on the existing entry ways which are now just holes punched in a wall.
47

New EIFS band at top, build up parapet on the north to match the south end; new entry porticos at north and
west; additional coordinated window treatment; a combination of surface mounted letter signs and blade signs;
surface lighting to illuminate the entry and signage; Brick and stone to be cleaned and tuck pointed.
48

49

135 North – Spare Room- (Mural Location)
Provide urban mural on south face where it can be easily seen from the street, in the existing parking area.
50

127 North, Wholesale Houses
One of several buildings in this block that are good examples of what can be done to improve an existing
façade. Little needs to be done here except rethinking the signage and adding prominent street address
numbers.
51

127 North, Wholesale Houses, (Mural Location)
Suggested treatment for business signage and street numbers. The north face is another ideal place to consider
a major urban mural.
52

125 North, History of Pharmacy
Just as its neighbor to the north, this building is already a good example of façade upgrading and can be
considered as a good example to use as a model for others.
53

125 North, History of Pharmacy
54

125 North, History of Pharmacy,
Possible Mural Location
55

111 North Broad, Town Hall, Mural
Location
56

111 North Broad, Town Hall
Griffith Town Hall is another example of a building to use as a model of excellent maintenance and upgrading.
57

111 North Broad, Town Hall
58

109-101 North, Joe’s Center Cut Cafe
Multi tenant building on one of the most prominent Griffith corners. The potential marketing value of this
corner position is defeated by the dated, drab and beat up mansard and vinyl siding. Entrances to the
various businesses is not clear and names on signs don’t correspond to signs in the windows below.
59

Similar dull appearance along the south façade. The design study suggestion is for a
dramatic change in appearance, keeping the same general building shape and size but
creating interest and clarity for each of the tenants.
60

Suggested building improvements: thin brick veneer all around base ( an alternate is to expose existing stone
below the vinyl siding and salvage if possible); replace the mansard with a new EIFS surface and border with
premade polyurethane crown molding by “Fypon” or equal. Note the information kiosk between Town Hall and
this building. Where appropriate, these urban furniture elements add life and interest to the general downtown
experience
61

Construct prominent entry tower at corner of the restaurant, with a design giving the flavor of a
railroad structure following the rail theme where possible for all improvements to the downtown. New
window and door treatment with entry porticos and unified signage to distinguish the tenants.
62

63

• 200 Block-East side is dense, varied commercial use
with a wide range of use from church to office to
restaurant and auto repair. The west side of Broad is
school property
64

200 Block-East
East Side - 200 Block
Existing Street view of the 200 Block of Broad, East
side, looking north east.
65

245 North, Topps Transmissions
Prominent corner location with rundown
appearance. Suggest major upgrade to the
building to replace dated mansard, brighten
the colors in line with the downtown theme
and provide attractive building face and
signage.
66

Replace siding and mansard
with new EIFS surface all
around. New entry tower with
new storefront, entry doors
and signage.
West elevation
North elevation
67

Street view of Topps, east side looking southeast.
68

239 North, TD’s Express
Dated brick building with little character.
Restaurant has attempted to add interest with
signs and awnings but does not tie together
visually. Potential here to open the front for
street dining.
Elevation view looking
east from Broad Street.
69

Remodeled exterior includes tuck pointing and cleaning of brick, addition of “Fypon” cornice and detail,
continuous awning with entrance emphasized, new windows and doors and opening the dining area to a new
patio.
70

Update signage on north wall and
combine with mural that has old shopping
street theme.
Detail view of patio.
71

237 North, All Insuror's Inc.
Brick needs cleaning and tuck pointing. Awning and storefront are dated and
need upgrade for more attractive and energy efficient front. Some additional
treatment needed to frame and offset the building.
72

Updated awning, storefront and signage. Premade urethane trim (Fypon or equal) for cornice
and pilaster trim to frame the existing brick and other new work..
73

Detail street view of storefront.
74

235 North, 219 Cuts
Visual impression of building is a red brick box with holes cut into the surface. No character,
nothing to make anyone look twice. Recommend to salvage the existing brick and add new interest.
75

235 North, 219 Cuts
New life to the existing brick, new cornice for decorative articulation, new doors upper windows and
storefront for appearance and energy efficiency, new more lively signage and surface lighting.
76

235 North, 219 Cuts
Additional street view details. The south wall is visible from the
street and would be a suitable location for a mural.
77

231 North, Calvary Church
The church building and grounds are well kept and do not
require upgrading unless the congregation feels a need to
complement the commercial improvements. The study
recommends they add street number signage to match the
downtown standard.
78

231 North, Calvary Church
79

225 North, Jim & Carl’s Barber Shop
Well kept brick masonry building that appears to be in good
shape. Appearance could be improved to make the function
clear. Suggest adding decorative features and bold signage.
80

Street elevation view showing new decorative trim to frame bold signage. Upgrade to the
storefront and doors similar to the building designs three doors north would improve appearance
more.
81

Street view detail looking south east. Wall facing parking lot is a potential mural site.
82

223 North, Greenbaum Insurance
This is a brick masonry building that has been
remodeled to make more residential in
appearance. The effect would be better if the
brick can be exposed and repaired and new trim
treatments along with new storefront is added.
The building is much larger than it looks and has
the potential to house several tenants.
83

Street elevation showing recommended
improvements.
Expose brick; add new interesting
entry gable and two new storefront
entrances. Enlarge the storefront
and potentially create on one side
a café/ice cream type shop with
outdoor seating patio
84

Detail view of storefront at outdoor patio. New blade signage for the tenants would be appropriate. The outdoor
patio and the new street furniture provided by the Town is very complementary.
85

221 North Broad (vacant)
Currently vacant, this very narrow building has vinyl siding trim and window door combinations that
seem to be an attempt to convert a residential two flat to commercial use. A bold treatment needed
to make this work visually and be appealing to use as a business.
86

221 North Broad (vacant)
Combine thin set brick veneer and James Hardie board
trim to emphasize the verticality of the building.
Increase the windows and storefront and add a new
commercial style entry door. Colorful canopy awnings
add eye catching interest as well as providing places for
shop names.
87

219-217 North, Medical Offices
An uninteresting brick box with punched hole doors and windows, dull wood mansard. While preserving
the brick, the mansard needs to be replaced with a treatment that will add life as well as visual function.
88

Decorative cornice trim, contrasting siding with attractive signage and defined entry canopies make it more
apparent what businesses are in the building and where to enter. Another important element is the addition of
new surface lighting sconces
89

View of the medical offices from Broad Street. Along with the new town street furniture, this
building will now get a second look.
90

Detail view looking north east
91

92

215 North, Bakery and Cafe
Replace dated mansard,
upgrade storefront and
entrance doors, integrate
signage to look as if it belongs
to the building and not an
afterthought. Pick more
attractive color combinations.
93

New bright colored awning with shop names integrated. Upgrade exterior finish with new
EIFS. New energy efficient windows and doors. New exterior lighting
94

Street vendors add life and color to a streetscape and should be encouraged where
appropriate.
95

96

201 North, Masonic Hall
The Masonic Hall building and grounds
are well kept and serve as a good
example to neighboring facilities.
97

• 300 block – The east side of Broad Street is
commercial at the north and south ends, with
residential in the center. The west side of Broad is
school property, part of Franklin School to the south.
98

300 Block, East
Presently being remodeled, the 343 North Broad building
is the only 300 block structure included in the façade
program at this time. The wood sided exterior covers
brick and block and also covers large storefront openings
that will be reopened in the remodeling.
99

300 Block, East
Adjacent commercial and residential
buildings on the 300 block, this view looking
southeast
View of the 300 block looking northeast from the corner.
100

343 North, Lucille’s
Work in progress has revealed large storefront
openings were covered in the past.
Proposed improvements to
the façade include
extensive EIFS re-surfacing,
wood trim and canopy
construction as well as new
storefront, open café-
patio new signage and
lighting
101

Detail street view looking southeast
102

Detailed street view looking northeast
103

104

Detail view of café patio
105

Detail view of the open serving area of the
new lounge showing the new storefront
and entry doors as well as new signage
and lighting
106

While not an exact duplication of the Design Guide rendering, Lucille’s
picked out the essence the design rendering and made a dramatic
improvement to the 300 block.
107

Scattered Site Improvements
• North and south of the three block target zone of the
Town’s façade improvement program, several
businesses have shown interest in making
improvements and a few have taken steps to get into
the spirit of the Design Guide suggestions.
108

216 South Broad
Niko’s Steak and Seafood
Niko’s Steak and Seafood had a clean appearance however the
entrance faced the street and the narrow sidewalk made for an
uncomfortable and unattractive entry. All of the customer parking is to
each side. In order to make the entry more inviting and ADA accessible,
we suggested two entrances, one from each parking area. The south
ramp now allows wheel chair access directly to the seating level.
109
Original facade
Façade Improvements
Design Guide facade

410 North Broad
Studio 4
Studio 4 salon was concerned with visibility of her shop from
Broad Street. The design guide suggestions included relocation of
their street sign and extending the existing canopy to three sides to
be easily seen from the north and south approaches. The owner is
considering options.
110
Original facadeDesign Guide facade
Design Guide facade

402-404 South Broad
Party Liquors and Hair Salon
Party liquors storefront required replacement and canopy required
upgrade. Our design suggestions included unifying the façade of both
buildings with a continuous canopy, new store front and cornice
treatment at the parapet. The north wall is also an ideal spot for one of
the urban graphic murals recommended by the guide. Party Liquors has
replaced their storefront and updated the canopy. The adjacent building
has not yet started improvements.
111
Design Guide façade
Original facade
Design Guide façade

402-404 South Broad
Party Liquors and Hair Salon
The south two story portion of the building is owned by another
individual. They are reviewing the suggestions to improve the canopy,
and parapet cornice treatment. Included in the suggestions are
improvements to the south side retail shop.
112
Design Guide south and east façade
Original south facade
Design Guide south façade

Design Criteria
The following text and graphics outline the initial project problems, plan of attack and
design criteria used to evaluate the buildings and generate the suggested improvements.
Much variety is possible combining the elements presented. Our hope is that as the
downtown merchants see their neighbors improve part of the block, they will become
infected with the spirit and expand the redesign progress.
113

Methodology
• Project applications will be taken by the Town for eligible
façade projects. Contact the Town Council President or
the Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC) chairman
for applications, Town Policies and Guidelines and extent
of your eligible Façade program Funding .
▫ The list of eligible work to be performed on facades must
be obtained from the DRC but in general will include the
following type of improvements:
114

Methodology (continued)
• Typical Eligible Uses:
▫ Painting of Facades
▫ Signage, new and/or modification of existing
▫ Façade cleaning and tuck pointing of masonry
▫ Exterior lighting
▫ Awnings and canopies that complement the building and follow
Town Zoning/Building Ordinances.
▫ New doors and entryways.
▫ Window and storefront replacement. Emphasis on energy
efficient glass and frames.
115

▫ Painting of Facades
▫ Exterior lighting
▫ Awnings and canopies that complement the building and follow
Town Zoning/Building Ordinances.
116

▫ Painting or stucco (EIFS) treatment for Facades
▫ Exterior, permanent, lighting
▫ Awnings and canopies that complement the building and
follow Town Zoning/Building Ordinances.
117

Methodology (eligible uses continued)
▫ Carpentry for exterior improvements including wood
siding, new cornices or repair of existing cornices and
other decorative trim and EIFS treatments.
▫ Masonry veneer where appropriate.
▫ Non-historic façade removal/replacement.
▫ Repair/replacement of gutters and downspouts.
▫ Visible roof repairs or modifications.
▫ Handicapped accessibility improvements
118

• Typical Ineligible Uses of Funding:
▫ Refinancing existing debt or paying taxes.
▫ Property acquisition and/or new construction
▫ Interior improvements (unless approved and appropriate)
▫ Site plan building or sign fees.
▫ Expenses incurred prior to approval of application
▫ Any interior improvements unless directly related to the exterior work
being performed.
▫ New building construction.
▫ Roof repairs that are not visible
▫ Structural repairs unless directly related to façade work.
119

Public Right of Way
• Street improvements by The Town of Griffith have been
completed. They include new street pavement, new curbs,
parkway improvements including decorative street lights,
planters, benches.
120

Urban Aesthetics
• Illustrated Examples of Building Improvement
Signs and Banners
Storefront Designs
Building Element Examples and Terminology
121

The Downtown plans include: Decorative lighting,
new pavement and sidewalks, planters and parkway
trees, Information Kiosks, Banners.
122

Traditional and Contemporary Building Sign
Designs.
• The façade designs prepared
for individual buildings in this
study represent only one
possibility. Each building/store
owner can select signage that
complements the building and
fit the new downtown themes.
The following pages show
acceptable traditional and
contemporary examples.
Blade Signs.
Illumination from wall
mounted fixtures
123

Traditional Building Sign Designs.
Awning Signs.
Glass Etching.
Decorative Projecting Blade Signs.
124

Traditional Building Sign Designs.
Externally Illuminated Fascia Signs.
Individualized Lettering.
Externally Illuminated Decorative Wood Fascia signs
125

Contemporary Building Sign Designs.
Individual Letters – Stand off mounted, free standing
Individualized Metallic Lettering
Metallic Box Sign
126

Contemporary Building Sign Designs.
Dark Lettering on Glass or Metal Background
Fascia Signs Awning Signs
Artistic Signs Glass Etching
127

Traditional Storefront Elements
Introduce Decorative articulation by adding cornice
above sign, molding and trim around the display
windows.
Decorative door with signage above clearly identifies
the entrance. Awning, flags light fixture add visual
interest..
Use external illumination such as gooseneck lights to illuminate signs,
entrances and key architectural features
Carefully integrate landscaping to the storefronts to soften them and
add color. Use moveable planters to define patio areas and patio
seating areas.
128

Examples of Traditional Storefront Design
Examples of traditional storefronts with strong expression lines.
Traditional storefronts with decorative articulations- moldings-columns-transoms etc.
Examples of traditional storefronts that integrate awning signs, landscaping, lighting and patio elements.
129

Urban Graphics - Murals
• Large urban art many in the form of murals are a
popular way to liven a streetscape as well as be
instructional about the history of a town. The 100-300
blocks have several possible locations for murals.
Because of Griffiths original settlement origins, an
appropriate theme to consider is historic railroading.
130

Example of Rail theme Mural
Stock murals are available as well as
artists to paint original artwork with the
selected theme. The Town residents
could participate in creating some of
the murals as a team effort with a lead
muralist..
131

2014 town of griffith façade guidelines update

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