Rear Facades
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The rear facades of buildings are often a neglected and forgotten resource downtown. The rear facades offer customer as well as service entries. By being able to enter directly from a parking lot, via an attractive entry, the customer is made to feel welcomed.

The visibility of the rear façade from parking lots increases the need to revitalize these surfaces. Like the storefront, the rear entry requires identification and should be made attractive and inviting.

This does not, however, imply an elaborate or expensive undertaking. Rather, since the rears of buildings are usually plain and unadorned, the revitalization can be undertaken in a simple, straightforward manner. In general, the same recommendations apply to the rear as to the front facades.

 

Fig. 25 – Rear Store Entrance
 Fig. 25 – Rear Store Entrance

Fig. 3 – LaSalle Street 1900
Fig. 26 - This

 
LaSFig. 4 – LaSalle Street 2003
Fig. 27 – Not This

Guidelines:

  1. The rear facade should be clean and well-maintained. The intent is to welcome customers, not threaten them. Although the two are similar, the rear entry should not compete with the storefront in importance. In most cases, the entrance should occupy a relatively small part of the rear facade and retain more of a utilitarian character. Still, it should be maintained and developed to support the overall appearance and convenience of the commercial district.

  2. Like the storefront, the rear entry requires identification. It should be inviting and attractive. A window panel in the back door is one way to open the store to potential customers.

  3. A small sign on or near the door is another way to identify the store. Be sure to keep it small and do not clutter the area with too many signs.

  4. Original doors or window openings which are now blocked should be reopened to their original dimensions and filled with appropriate doors or windows.

  5. Compatible display windows should be provided at ground level.

  6. An awning can be added for visual identification and convenience.

  7. If there is enough sun, planter boxes might be added.

  8. Like the storefront, the rear entry should respect its next-door neighbors. Make the entry compatible with neighboring stores. It would be wise for merchants to get together and plan out an attractive approach to the rear facades.

  9. Service entries should be clearly marked to avoid confusion.

  10. Normal service activities such as trash collection, loading, shipping and storage must occur with ease. It is possible to accommodate these functions and at the same time make the rear spaces more enjoyable people places.

  11. If possible, pick a central location for trash collection which will serve several stores efficiently. Grouping the containers makes them appear less cluttered.

  12. Simple enclosures can be constructed to hide refuse containers and prevent clutter. Before construction, consult the refuse collection company to ensure that the enclosure will not disrupt their activities.

  13. A neutral color should be used to paint or stain refuse enclosures. Bright or loud colors will draw attention when the purpose is to camouflage. Choose colors that blend with those of the rear facade.

  14. Weeds can be a problem and should be kept under control.

  15. Snow removal is yet another consideration. Just as front walks need to be shoveled, remember to clear snow at back entrances.

  16. The recommendations established in other parts of these guidelines should be followed.