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Virginia Highlands Glass Storefronts
Virginia Highlands Glass Storefronts
Trying to modernize your commercial property with a storefront system that reflects quality, professionalism, and contemporary design standards? DIY installations or budget contractors create problems that cost more to fix than doing it right initially while damaging your business reputation daily. Explore how Glass Governor’s glass storefronts deliver custom commercial entrance systems engineered for beauty, durability, weather resistance, and business success in competitive retail markets.
What About Glass Storefronts?
“Glass storefronts” are commercial entrance assemblies that combine structural framing with large insulated glass panels to create an inviting, code-compliant storefront. The right storefront system balances three things:
Product visibility vs. privacy needs
Structural strength vs. a clean, light look
Design consistency vs. tenant flexibility.
Glass Governor installs Glass Storefronts throughout for retail, restaurants, offices, salons, and fitness spaces that want a professional exterior and a brighter interior. When customers can see light, movement, and product through the glass, walk-in confidence goes up. For many businesses, that translates into more foot traffic and stronger first impressions.
We handle everything from glass selection to door hardware to finishing details so your storefront looks sharp and performs like it should, day after day, season after season.

Where Glass Storefronts Fit In
Specialty store glass fronts
Location & Integration
In retail boutiques and specialty stores, glass storefront systems create inviting entrances that showcase merchandise while protecting inventory and supporting premium brand positioning. Floor-to-ceiling glass storefronts maximize visibility from sidewalks, allowing displays to attract foot traffic and draw customers inside. This approach performs exceptionally well in upscale shopping districts where visual merchandising drives purchasing behavior. Proper storefront design balances transparency with security, weather protection, and thermal performance suited to local climate conditions.
Installing & Pairing
We design retail storefronts with narrow-stile framing to maximize glass area and sightlines. Glass options include tempered safety glass or laminated security glass for high-value retail. For boutiques, low-E coatings reduce solar heat gain while preserving natural light. Hardware includes commercial-grade closers and locking systems designed for frequent daily use. Installation is coordinated with security, electrical systems, and interior finishes, scheduled during closures to minimize business disruption.

Cafe storefront glass
Location & Integration
Custom glass storefronts in hospitality venues create transparent entrances that drive spontaneous dining while supporting operational performance.
Installing & Pairing
We fabricate storefront systems using hospitality-proven materials addressing moisture, heat, and noise. Design flexibility supports unique concepts, with installation scheduled to avoid revenue disruption.

Corporate lobby storefronts
Location & Integration
Custom storefront systems in professional office environments enhance marketability while delivering reliable performance for building operations. Quality entrances demonstrate commitment to tenant experience and contribute to long-term retention.
Installing & Pairing
We fabricate office storefronts using commercial-grade methods suited for wind loads, energy codes, and security needs. For properties with architectural or historic considerations, we develop custom solutions balancing preservation with modern standards. Installation includes quality control, testing, and coordination with all relevant trades to ensure reliable operation from day one.

Multi-tenant retail glass
Location & Integration
In mixed-use developments, shopping centers, and multi-tenant commercial properties, coordinated glass storefront systems create cohesive architectural identity while accommodating diverse tenant needs. Consistent storefront standards elevate overall property presentation while providing tenants with quality entrances that support operations. This approach works especially well in mixed-use projects and retail centers where design consistency improves marketability and tenant appeal. Storefront programs must balance property requirements with tenant flexibility for branding, visibility, accessibility, and performance.
Installing & Pairing
We design multi-tenant storefront systems using modular commercial-grade components that support consistency and cost efficiency while allowing approved customization. Base specs often include aluminum framing in property-approved finishes, insulated low-E glass, and commercial hardware meeting durability and code requirements. For developments, we help establish storefront standards that balance control and flexibility, including approved finish palettes, glass types, and door configurations. Installation coordinates with phased leasing and tenant improvement schedules, and we can provide preferred pricing and streamlined approvals for tenants to maintain consistency across the property.
Comparing Your Glass Storefronts Options
| Storefront Frame Type | What It Is | Visual Impact | Energy Efficiency | When You'd Choose This |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard Aluminum Storefront
|
Traditional 2-3" aluminum frames around glass
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Frame is visible - classic commercial look
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Basic - no thermal break, condensation possible in cold weather
|
Budget-friendly commercial spaces, standard retail, temperate climates
|
|
Narrow-Stile Storefront
|
Thinner 1.75" aluminum frames
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Less frame, more glass - sleeker appearance
|
Basic to moderate depending on options
|
Contemporary aesthetics on a budget, maximizing glass visibility
|
|
Thermally Broken Storefront
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Aluminum frames with thermal barrier inside
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Frame visible but prevents temperature transfer
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High - prevents condensation, improves insulation
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Cold climates, energy-conscious buildings, preventing interior condensation
|
|
All-Glass Frameless System
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Minimal hardware - glass panels joined with small fittings
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Maximum transparency - almost no visible framing
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Limited - typically single-pane glass
|
High-end retail, luxury brands, architectural statements, wow-factor entrances
|
|
Heavy-Duty Commercial Frames
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Thicker, reinforced aluminum framing
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More substantial, robust appearance
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Varies - can include thermal breaks
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High-traffic areas, severe weather zones, security concerns, durability priority
|
|
Security-Rated Storefront
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Reinforced frames designed for security glass
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Substantial appearance, security-focused
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Varies
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Jewelry stores, banks, high-theft areas, security is top priority
|
|
Automatic Sliding Storefront
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Frame system integrated with automatic doors
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Modern, accessible appearance
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Good when closed - insulated glass typically used
|
High-traffic retail, ADA accessibility requirements, touchless entry desired
|
About Virginia Highlands
With Glass Governor, we take pride in providing professional Glass Storefronts services in Virginia Highlands. Recognized as a leading team in Georgia, we are familiar with the unique styles of houses and local companies in Virginia Highlands. Our team blends craftsmanship with local knowledge, giving you solutions that are built to last and aesthetic.
If you’re investing in your property’s value, or improving a retail space, homeowners and local shops in Virginia Highlands choose us for quality Glass Storefronts. Our projects often involve designers to install innovative solutions. By staying up to date on the most popular styles, we make sure your project matches your property.
Backed by our strong presence throughout Metro Atlanta and our track record of successful projects in Virginia Highlands, Glass Governor delivers more than just Glass Storefronts—we deliver peace of mind. All work we perform is done with expert craftsmanship, so you can feel confident your project will add real value and provide enduring performance.
Important Details Virginia Highlands Businesses Must Understand About Glass Storefronts
Glass storefronts in Virginia‑Highlands must balance the neighborhood’s early 20th‑century architectural character, heavy pedestrian retail use, and Atlanta’s humid subtropical weather—hot, humid summers, strong seasonal storms, and occasional freezes—that affect thermal performance, condensation, and seal longevity. Choosing tempered or laminated safety glass, low‑E coatings, thermally broken frames, and UV and anti‑fog finishes improves comfort and merchandise protection, while historically sympathetic muntins and setback details preserve streetscape character. Proper flashing, weep systems, anchoring for wind loads, and regular seal inspections extend durability. Glass Governor’s local experience with Virginia‑Highlands design guidelines, city permitting, and proven installation techniques delivers tailored storefront systems that meet preservation needs, energy goals, and high pedestrian traffic demands while minimizing long‑term maintenance.
Virginia Highlands Points of Interest

Virginia Highlands Points of Interest

Make It Yours with Custom Designs
With deep expertise in Virginia Highlands’s glass industry, we deliver tailored solutions that meet your exact specifications. From design to installation, our team ensures quality and precision, creating reflective panels that elevate your interior.
What to plan for
If you need a restaurant or hospitality entrance: choose insulated glass units with thermal performance, consider operable wall systems for seasonal indoor-outdoor transition, and prioritize easy-clean glass finishes, critical for dining establishments where ambiance visibility attracts diners while climate control maintains comfort.
Design
Narrow Stile vs. Standard: Narrow stile systems use slimmer framing profiles maximizing glass area for retail visibility, while standard storefronts use heavier framing providing greater strength and durability; narrow stile creates contemporary aesthetic but costs 15-25% more and may have reduced structural capacity. For high-end retail, narrow stile delivers visual impact justifying premium pricing, while standard systems serve most applications cost-effectively.
Service the Greater Atlanta Area
Our client base spans 's commercial sectors: independent retailers and regional chains, restaurants from fast-casual to fine dining, professional service firms requiring prestigious office entrances, and property developers creating shopping centers and mixed-use projects. This breadth means we've solved storefront challenges across virtually every commercial building type and business sector throughout the metro area.
Virginia Highlands Glass Storefronts Company
Top Questions About Glass Storefronts
What's the investment for storefront installation in ?
Budgeting for storefront projects should account for multiple factors: aluminum framing system and finish, glass specifications from standard tempered to insulated low-E to laminated security glass, door hardware including closers and locks, installation labor varying by building conditions and access, and permit fees plus any structural modifications. For typical retail storefront replacements, budget 15,000 to 50,000 dollars depending on size and system specifications. Restaurant storefronts with operable walls or specialty features might range 30,000 to 100,000 dollars. Office building entrances vary from 25,000 to 150,000 dollars based on scope and finish quality. New construction storefronts generally cost less per square foot than retrofit projects requiring demolition and structural modifications. We provide transparent itemized proposals showing exactly where investment goes, enabling informed decisions balancing quality desires with budget realities.
What's the best glass type for storefronts?
Choosing glass for storefronts requires considering multiple factors: thermal performance with low-E coatings essential for energy efficiency in hot climate, safety compliance using tempered or laminated glass meeting building codes, visible light transmission balancing natural light with solar heat control, and security requirements varying by business type and inventory value. We help business owners and property managers evaluate trade-offs between performance and cost, explaining how glass specifications impact comfort, operating costs, and business functionality. For retail applications, maximum transparency often justifies premium ultra-clear low-iron glass, while offices might prioritize energy performance over absolute clarity. Restaurants might consider tinted glass reducing glare while maintaining adequate visibility.
Can you install storefronts without closing my business?
Storefront installation can typically proceed while businesses remain operational with careful planning and execution, though some disruption is unavoidable particularly during door replacement requiring temporary closures. For retail or restaurant businesses where revenue loss from closure is significant, we develop installation strategies maintaining operations: working outside business hours installing storefronts evenings or overnight, phasing work to maintain functional entrances throughout projects, or creating temporary entrances allowing business continuation during storefront replacement. Complete closure might be unavoidable for 1-3 days during critical phases but most businesses can remain operational throughout majority of installation. We coordinate with business owners developing schedules balancing construction efficiency with revenue protection, recognizing that business continuation during construction is often as important as final storefront quality.
Will my storefront pass inspection in ?
Special requirements for commercial storefronts in include compliance with Georgia building codes based on International Building Code, accessibility requirements under ADA and Georgia accessibility standards, energy code requirements for commercial buildings, and any specific local amendments or requirements in different jurisdictions. Historic districts may have additional design review requirements affecting storefront appearance and materials. Hurricane-prone coastal areas have impact-resistance requirements though metro area generally does not. Fire-rated assemblies may be required where storefronts are part of fire-resistance-rated walls, requiring specialty systems and materials. We navigate these requirements daily, ensuring storefront designs meet all applicable standards while achieving client aesthetic and functional objectives.
What if my storefront glass is broken in ?
Yes, we repair and replace damaged storefront glass and components in commercial properties, providing both emergency response for break-ins or accidents and scheduled repairs addressing failed hardware, broken glass, or deteriorated seals. Emergency glass replacement can often mobilize within hours, providing temporary boarding for security followed by permanent glass replacement within 24-48 hours minimizing business disruption and security exposure. For damaged glass panels, we template openings, fabricate or source replacement glass to match existing specifications, and install ensuring proper fit and weather sealing. Hardware repairs address failed closers, damaged locks, or worn weather sealing restoring proper door operation and security. Our service capabilities enable complete storefront maintenance from minor repairs through comprehensive system replacement when economical repair is impossible.

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Shower Doors
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Entry Doors
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