Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H: Level II

12-G-22-HZ

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends 1) denial of the installation of LP SmartSide composite siding on the façade; 2) approval of the proposed "option 2" submitted as a replacement door.


Location Knoxville
1008 Gratz St. 37917

Owner
Beth Beth Anderson Harvey

Applicant Request
Doors; Siding
After-the-fact review of installation of alternative materials. Applicant received a Level 1 COA on 10/28/22 (11-E-22-HZ) for "removal of non-historic vinyl siding and repair to existing wood lap siding below, which may include in patches or new wood lap siding." All siding on the façade has been removed and replaced with an LP Smart Side lap siding product with a faux wood grain. Applicant proposes to retain the LP Smart Side on the façade and use the salvaged wood from the façade on the side and rear elevations.

Application also includes a proposal to replace the existing non-original front door, with two options submitted.

Staff Comments
Queen Anne cottage, c.1910
    One-and-one-half-story, frame residence with a hipped roof with lower projecting gables, an exterior of vinyl siding, and a brick foundation. Partial-width, hipped-roof porch supported by square columns.

Wall Coverings: Wood
2. Replacement siding should duplicate the original. Trim and patterned shingles should duplicate the original.
4. Repair wooden features by patching, piecing-in, or otherwise reinforcing the wood. Repair may also include limited replacement with matching or with other compatible substitute materials, when elements remain and can be copied.
5. Wood features that are important in defining the overall historic character of the building should not be removed.
6. Replace only the deteriorated wood. Reconstructing in order to achieve a uniform or 'improved' appearance is inappropriate because good historic materials can be lost.
7. An entire wooden feature that is too deteriorated to repair or is completely missing should be replaced in kind. If features are replaced, the materials they are made from should be compatible with the original in size, scale, and material.
11. The removal of synthetic sidings such as aluminum, asbestos, and vinyl and the restoration of the original siding is highly encouraged.
12. Siding or pressboard or particle board, and vertical siding (including T-111) is not appropriate for primary structures in the Fourth & Gill Historic District and should not be used.

Entrances
7. Missing doors should be replaced with new doors appropriate for the style and period of the building. In replacing missing original doors, replacement doors should mimic doors typical for that architectural style, including materials, glazing, and pane configuration. Solid six panel or flush wood or steel design doors should only be used for entrances not visible from the public street. "Decorator" designed doors available from wholesale hardware stores are usually not appropriate for the architectural styles of the Fourth & Gill Historic District.
Applicant

Beth Beth Anderson Harvey


Planning Staff
Lindsay Lanois
Phone: 865-215-3795
Email: lindsay.lanois@knoxplanning.org

Case History