Sawyer Furniture sits on Wilson Avenue, the main thoroughfare at the heart of the city of Prichard. Recently, the city has launched the Prichard Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project, aimed at bringing both an economic and aesthetic revitalization to the city and its businesses. This project called for the removal of the aging metal canopies that had long sheltered the sidewalks and a dramatic renovation of the entire block of storefronts with new paint colors on the walls.
Removing the old canopies gave the street a much more open feel but it also created a new problem for Sawyer Furniture, whose large glass storefront was now left exposed to a great deal of sun and rain. To address this concern, Sawyer Furniture set its sites on an awning, something that the mayor and city officials had referred to in their streetscape planning as a “Fairhope” feel. Not only would the awning efficiently solve Sawyer’s problem, it would also help reshape the
look of their storefront.

Sawyer Furniture was looking for a durable and traditional style awning to provide the maximum shade and weather protection. Artcraft Awning Company suggested they add a center marquee to the awning so it could do even more. The striped sides of the marquee provide an eye-catching and sophisticated look accenting the signage on the front face. John Jones of Sawyer Furniture is quite happy with the storefront’s new appearance, saying that the awning has
“changed the whole look of the building”. |
 As the renovations in Prichard demonstrate, downtown Fairhope has become a source of inspiration for many cities hoping to beautify their environments. A quick drive through Fairhope will reveal that part of the city’s charm comes from
the prevalence and variety of awnings that adorn its storefronts. Businesses are not the only users of awnings in creating a distinctive look. Many Private residences in Fairhope, such as the home of Marti and Ned Schnacke, incorporate awnings both as a design element and to provide more basic practical benefits. First
time she saw the sun streaming into her new screen porch.
Traditional curtains could have cut down on some heat and
glare, but she wanted to transform the porch into a comfortably
furnished outdoor living room. To keep her furniture protected,
she would need something that could stand up to the rain as
well as the sun.
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The Schnacke’s were interested in awnings to protect newly installed wood and glass doors that had an insufficient eave overhang for protection from the elements. They chose convex style awnings with vibrant stripe patterns. The
awnings provide both visual appeal and excellent cover from the sun and rain. Mrs. Schnacke also covered the patio furniture cushions in the same awning fabric which gives the entire outdoor living space a comfortable and pleasing décor. With their awnings in place, the Schnacke’s have a charming and enjoyable patio space.


Artcraft
Awning Company, a division of Engineered Textile Products,
Inc., is a Professional Manufacturer of Awnings and Canopies proudly serving the Gulf of Mexico Regions of
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Northwest Florida.

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