How To: Pedestrian Retail
1. Large clear windows face the street, making the inside of the store the display.
2. The sill on the storefront should be as low as possible, and no higher than 18".
3. The door should be recessed and swing out.
4. Shade and define this window with a horizontal shading element: awning or trellis, located between 8 and 10 feet above the sidewalk. These make a great place for pedestrian oriented signage as 6"-8" high letters along the front edge and for hanging small blade signs perpendicular to the sidewalk.
5. Design a signage band for larger signs, above or integrated into the storefront.
6. Design an architectonic bay that frames the individual store, organizing it and allowing the store to be relatively chaotic. A typical bay would be 15' to 40' wide.
7. A store depth of 40' is functional. A service corridor allowing for shared bathrooms and receiving and trash/recycling is a great feature.
8. Ceiling heights are better higher, with a minimum of 12', 15' is better, and 20' is great
9. For smaller, local tenants build a "warm shell" with electrical, lighting, and mechanical installed as part of the basic building. This will aid lease up.
10. Rules are meant to be (thoughtfully) broken!