The Historic Architecture of Annapolis - Part 4 - Vitality of Retail Storefronts

Annapolis store fronts have a distinctive scale. The display windows are wide and allow visual penetration deep into the store. The doors are recessed from the sidewalk edge, coaxing passersby to step off the sidewalk for a closer look at additional display windows. The store fronts also have small roofs above the display windows, frequently with clerestory windows above. These roofs hold awnings and larger store signs that are visible from across the street.
Apart from the similar function of the display windows, the store fronts exhibit a great deal of variety due to modifications by retailers over time. There is also a great variety at the vertical plane of the property line. Most buildings are placed directly at the property line, and many store fronts project into the sidewalk right of way. This increases display area and visibility into the store.
Variety continues at the upper levels. There is a wide range of cornice heights on Main Street - from 14 to 38 feet above the sidewalk. The former building at 184-186 Main Street had a cornice height of 38 feet. Some cornices are heavily bracketed Italianate, while others are very plain with slightly recessed panels.

One interesting example of Annapolis retail architecture is the unique variation of depth in the wall plane at 203 - 207 Main Street (see photo above). Here the design takes a grand swing at referencing the Basilica (see photo at left), Palladio's masterpiece at Vicenza, Italy. The facade at 203 - 207 has it all (most): repetitive arches, symmetrically flanking oculus openings and grand gesture balustrade; however, the facade is flattened down to the point where the second floor colonnade has become a shallow perch and, rather than Carrara marble blocks, it is built of two wood frame walls. Still a clear expression of living above the shop, and the messy vitality of retail.