Don't Sweat the Rite-Aid Windows

By Eric Richardson
Published: Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at 09:57AM

Eric Richardson

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Ever since the new Rite-Aid emerged at the corner of 5th/Broadway it's been sporting some serious window etching on the windows. I've heard people worry about that, remarking how they should have made sure to install roll-down gates before taking down the scaffolding.

In fact, the building's windows are just fine. To prevent etched windows smart buildings will put special surface protecting tape over the glass. The tagger may still come and do their thing, but instead of having to replace the glass all you do is peel off that strip of tape and put up a new one. You can check out 3M's window protection tape, or just do a search to find some more information.

So right now the Rite-Aid may looked a little scuffed up, but once they finally get their act together and start moving it'll quickly look good as new.

Comments

David Kennedy writes:

Good news. I was one of those fretting about this. I found it hard to believe the corporate overseers would be so clueless. But, in the absense of hard information, it was easy to despair. Thanks for finding this out. I also derive strange pleasure in the cat and mouse game between the taggers and the property owners. Chock one up for the good guys.

I'd also comment on this kind of tagging. I've seen it happen first-hand and what strikes me most about the effort is just how mindless and dull it is. I recall seeing these taggers pull out their tool and make their mark. No pleasure or craft in the effort. Tedium seemed the operative word. Mindless wanton destruction seemingly manifested from some profound anti-social neurosis.

# on Mar.14.2007 AT 10:21 AM

Su writes:

The MTA also does a nifty job of protecting their glass.

# on Mar.18.2007 AT 11:30 PM

Jay Beswick writes:

The window films offer a less intrusive impact to shoppers. Using roll down doors, cages or security bars suggest that the area is not safe. 3M is only one of many such products. Vandal Shield was tested in the 1995 University of Dayton study, funded by the US Transportation Research Board. An addition now is the means of restoring damaged glass, instead of replacement. At less than 40% of the replacement cost storefronts can see both remediation and the mylar or polyester type film in case of future attacks. Because of a cooperation with Service Magic, contractors are also available in most areas of the lower 48 states.

Here is a 2 minute video of this process; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suJW8HHI6b4

Also these same films are used to prevent robbery; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGqqPLsT-iQ

Thanks/Jay Beswick Deputy Director of nograf www.nograffiti.com

# on Feb.12.2008 AT 08:16 PM