Primary entranceways should be inviting to the public and enhancing to the character of the building and the business. They should make a positive statement about the business within.
The primary front door should be as close as possible to the original design, most likely a traditional wooden frame with large glass panels that enable the customer to see inside. Recessing the doorway and keeping the main display windows at the sidewalk level helps to emphasize the doorway and maximize exposures. The doorway also becomes a sheltered entry for customers. That's an important principle in inviting customers to the district as a whole.
The windows should be complementary to the architecture of the building. Check out early photos of your building at the Imlay City Historical Museum. The size, placement, and style of the original windows should be duplicated whenever possible. Aside from giving the customer a view inside, windows help provide natural light within the building and artificial light to the sidewalk. The height and design of the windows should be consistent with that of the doors.
Window displays are important to attract customers. They provide an attractive area for display of goods and services, and should tell the business's story simply but with interest. Think of the most effective window displays you have seen. Some of the best have the fewest items. Changing displays frequently adds interest, and helps keep our whole district looking good. At the very least, windows should be washed as often as needed!
To get a good picture of what your façade looks like, cross the street and view your storefront from the opposite side of the road.
In summary:
» Keep recessed doorways for shelter, glass panes for visibility
» Attractive window displays and clean windows are important | 
