The storefront is usually the most prominent feature of a historic commercial building, playing a crucial role in drawing customers and increasing business. It is not surprising that the storefront is also the feature most commonly altered in a historic commercial building. Many alterations have completely changed or destroyed the distinguishing features that give the storefront its historic character. Learn how to retain and preserve remaining functional and decorative historic features, such as display windows, signs, doors, transoms, lower window panels, and cornices; retain later storefronts that have acquired significance; replace deteriorated or missing features based on remaining physical evidence; and preserve the storefront’s character even when there is a new use on the inside.