Historic Zoning Commission

Ft. Sanders NC: Level II

5-F-24-HZ

Applicant Request

Installation of new entry porch and vestibule on the front (north) elevation of the rear massing. The one-story, flat-roof porch will be supported by stained wood columns and access a one-story, flat-roof entry vestibule enclosed by full-light storefront systems to the left (east), adjacent to the church's right massing. The porch will be surrounded by a parge-coated knee wall with signage.

Site Info

Gable-roof church building with an exterior of brick veneer, a brick-clad foundation, and arched windows.

1. 1642 Highland Ave is a contributing resource to the Fort Sanders National Register Historic District and local overlay. The HZC previously reviewed the demolition (10-D-21-HZ) of the rear massing and the construction of a new addition closer to Highland Ave and 17th Street. This project was cancelled and the church building will receive basic exterior rehabilitation.

2. The Fort Sanders design guidelines focus primarily on residential development in the neighborhood, with minor recommendations for commercial or mixed-use buildings. Specific guidelines for institutional (or specifically, church) buildings are not included in the guidelines. However, the intent of the guidelines can be applied to an addition to a church.

3. Overall, the proposed entry porch meets the design guidelines as it is located on a secondary elevation and modest in scale. The design uses materials that are generally compatible with the midcentury church building. The entry vestibule and porch will be clearly differentiated from the primary building via a flat roof and storefront systems. No character-defining features will be removed for the new porch.

4. Signage is permitted with the City of Knoxville separately; new signage will require a separate COA.