The introduction of air conditioning and improved lighting systems required retrofit into the old buildings. This created a new market for lowered ceilings. Sadly, as the dropped ceilings were installed to hide wiring and ductwork, so were the sight of the transoms and decorative pressed tin ceilings. A storefront with prism glass and transoms is an emotive, changing environment of light and pattern. These are spaces are unlike the ultra-merchandised, homogeneous chain stores that litter our landscape.
Historic facades contribute to the historic streetscape.
They complete the design of the buildings in which they were originally built. The combination of magnified natural light and a highly decorated ceiling made each storefront a dazzling place to visit. I wonder how many children, bored with shopping, have stood and stared rapt at an adorned ceiling as passing clouds varied the light cast upon it through the panes of prismatic glass. Look at your downtown. Compare the buildings with and without their transoms revealed.