Purpose of Guidelines:
These façade and signage guidelines were prepared to "provide recommendations for the protection, enhancement and preservation of building, structures, parking lots, area, places or works of art in the central business district which have special historic and cultural value."  The façade and signage guidelines ensure that future changes to the Marion Main Street District are in keeping with the area's significant architectural and historical character. Proven Economic Benefits to Historic Communities Who Have Followed Façade and Signage Guidelines:
- A positive impact on a property owner's investment by enhancing and stabilizing property values.
- A stimulus for heritage tourism which strengthens a community's economic development.
- A reinforced sense of community and a pleasing environment for residents by preserving the community's identify and uniqueness.
- An improved visual appearance helps convey an image of quality to potential clients and customers

Façade Guidelines:
Upper Story Configurations- The opening above the first floor should appear as "punches" opening within a solid wall, rather than as windows separated only by their frames or curtain wall as in the storefront.  A solid wall must appear to be the structural element.  
 Storefront Configurations- New and existing storefronts should include the basic features of a historic storefront.  There should be a belt course separating the upper stories from the first floor; there should be a bulkhead; the first floor should maintain 80%-90% glass.  Window signage should not exceed more than 5% of the storefront window area.  Recessed entries and transoms are encouraged as historical elements Façade Elements (click to open)
Materials- 
Appropriate rehabilitation and new materials for exposed surfaces should include the following:
- Brick
- Stone
- Split-face concrete block
Detailing Materials-
- Cast and molded metals
- Wood
- Fiberglass replications
- Gypsum detailing
- Structural glass when replicating a pre-1940 storefront design
Strongly Discouraged Materials on Visible Surfaces:
- Wood, vinyl or aluminum siding
- Wood, asphalt, or fiberglass shingles
- Structural ribbed metal panels
- Corrugated metal panels
- Plywood sheathing
- Plastic sheathing
- Structural glass, unless used to replicate a pre-1940 storefront design
- Reflective or moderate to high grade tinted glass
Appropriate Colors for Exterior Materials are:
- Colors found in natural materials such as browns, grays, deep reds, and deep greens.
Historical Elements:
- Existing elements not original to the building, which acquired historic or architectural significance should not be removed.
- Do not cover historic elements.  Where modern inappropriate materials conceal an original façade, these elements should be removed.

Traditional Storefront Design  VS  Non-Traditional

Windows:
- New windows should reflect the design of the original building or period.
- Window openings that have been blocked or screened by concrete block, brick or plywood etc. should be reopened to reestablish the original rhythm of the façade.
- When it is no longer practical to have all windows open into the interior, place a black panel behind the glass to preserve the exterior rhythm and character of the façade rather than covering the window from the exterior.
- Wood is strongly recommended as replacement door frame and wind frame material.
- Avoid using window openings for mechanical equipment (such as air conditioners, louvers, air exhausts)

Sign Guidelines:
 Shoppers use signs mainly to identify the names and locations of businesses but signs can also convey an image as well as a direct message.  Restrained and tasteful signs suggest a high-quality business.  A jumble of oversized and competing signs- even on a single downtown façade- can confuse the customer.  With signs, bigger is not always better.
- Wall signs shall not exceed the height of the building cornice.
- On street façade signs and display ads shall not exceed 10% of each main floor façade area
- Wall signs should be flush-mounted or painted directly upon the flat surface of the building.
- Wall signs should be places in traditional locations in order to fit within architectural features for example:
-Above transoms
-On cornice fascia boards
-Below cornices
- Brackets for projecting signs should be located under a second floor windowsill or a maximum of 15 feet from the street level.
- Projecting signs shall be no larger than 3' x 5'
- The use of sign symbols, logos, and cutouts, particularly in projecting signs is encouraged.
- Signage permanently painted on glass is encouraged when under 5% of glass area.
- When more than two businesses occupy the same building, identifying signs should be groups together in single panel.  Similar letterforms and backgrounds to make up a directory should also be used.
- Sign materials should be compatible with materials used in the building.  Painted wood and metal are particularly encouraged because these materials convey durability.  Individual letters affixed directly to a sign frieze may be used.
- Signs shall be directly or indirectly illuminated, or shall have separately backlit letters.
- Neon signs shall be used in building interiors only.  The use of neon on the building exteriors is strongly discouraged unless the facades are of the 1950's.
- Spot lighting to draw attention to sign and architectural details is encouraged.  Light spillage on adjacent properties is strongly discouraged.
- Signs designs based upon designs, in use earlier or later than construction date of the building, are discouraged.
Awnings:
 
- Fabric awnings are encouraged.
- Awnings shall fit storefront opening or individual window openings.
- If possible, top edges of awning shall be mounted to align with the top of the transom or with the framing above the main display window.
- The use of awning valances for signs is encouraged.
The Use of the Following are Strongly Discouraged in the Main Street District:
- Internally lit and or plastic awnings
- Internally lit signs
- Flashing signs
- Pedestal signs and pole-mounted plastic signs
- Mass-produced blow mounted plastic signs
- Billboards of all types and sizes attached or free-standing
- Portable trailer signs
- Historically incompatible canopies, awnings, and imitation mansard roofs made of metal, rough-sawn wood, plastic, shakes, or asphalt roofing.
- No vending machines dispensing food or drinks shall be permitted on the exterior of any structure.
Graphics are from "Keeping Up Appearances. Storefront Guidelines" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation/ Main Street Center.

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