Historic Zoning Commission

Ft. Sanders NC-1: Level II

3-F-20-HZ

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of the work proposed, with the following conditions: 1) omit egress window in façade (east) gable field (smaller casement window for natural light, if necessary, could be approved by staff); 2) paired windows on south elevation remain the same size as the original windows; 3) reconstructed front porch retain shed roof and square columns as existing; 4) if foundation must be reconstructed in locations other than front porch, under façade bay window, and rear addition, a revised application for a COA be submitted; 5) final drawings submitted for permitting to match specifics of the proposed construction, including final window placement and size; a shed-roof porch; and a shed-roof rear addition


Location Knoxville
215 Sixteenth St. 37916

Owner
Evian Partners

Applicant Request
Level II. Major repair or replacement of materials or architectural elements
Additions; Doors; Porch; Roofing; Siding; Windows
- Demolition of rear (west) elevation shed-roof stoop.

- Construction of rear (west elevation) addition: addition will measure 12'-7" wide by 7'-3" deep and feature a shed roof, with a 24" by 24" casement window on the rear elevation of the addition. Addition will also require relocation of the rear door and rear elevation window to the gable-roof massing to the right.

- Reconstruction of front porch (east elevation): existing porch will be demolished and be reconstructed with a foundation clad in brick veneer, new 6" by 6" square posts to match existing, and a square picket railing. Wood steps will be removed and reconstructed with handrails to match railing.

- Windows: existing windows will be replaced with one-over-one, double-hung vinyl windows. Attic vents proposed to be replaced with egress windows on façade and side (north, east, and south) gable fields. Egress windows to be 36" x 42". Façade first story will receive additional double-hung window, 36" by 72". Several side windows proposed to be partially or fully enclosed.

Staff Comments
Queen Anne cottage, c.1910.
    One-story frame residence with an exterior of vinyl siding. Hipped roof with lower cross gables, and a sawn wood attic vent and cornice in the front gable. Two-over-two, double-hung windows. One-story, one-half porch with turned wood columns. Interior offset brick chimney, brick foundation.

Roofs
3. Use roofing materials that are in keeping with the historic development styles. Asphalt shingle, tile, pressed metal, and slate were used.
4. Darker shades of shingles were historically used and should be selected in new construction.

Porches
1. Provide porches with proportions and materials that complement pre-1940 housing. For clapboard-type construction, wood is the most appropriate primary material. Brick or cut stone are appropriate as foundations or in columns supports.
2. Porches should be no less than 6 feet deep and no more than 10 feet deep.

Wall Materials
2. Clapboard (or clapboard-like materials such as aluminum or vinyl), shingle (or shingle-like materials), or brick should be used.
5. In making additions to existing buildings, wall cladding should complement the original wall covering. Acceptable materials are clapboard, vinyl siding, cement fiber board, brick and stucco.

Windows and Entrances
1. Window proportions and symmetry should be similar to the pre-1940 styles in the neighborhood.
2. Windows should be double-hung sash windows. Vinyl or metal-clad windows may be used in place of wood frame windows.
2 [sic]. Egress windows will have to be designed to comply with fire/building code provisions.
3. Accent windows are appropriate with new construction.
4. Double-hung sash windows are recommended for two- to three-story new construction.
5. Variations of double-hung windows should be considered in relation to the design of new buildings.
6. The proportions of upper-level windows should not exceed the proportion of the first level.
9. Entrances to the building should be provided from the street, using doors that have similar proportions and features to pre-1940 architecture.
10. When parking areas are provided behind buildings, rear entrances are also allowed.

Parking
2. Provide parking access off the alley or off a side street.

Additions to Existing Buildings
1. Additions should be made to the rear or side of the building.
3. Transitional space shall be provided between the addition and the existing structure. ... The wall of the new connecting structure should not be continuous with the wall of the existing building, but have a minimum 4' x 6' indentation.
4. Bays at least two feet in depth shall be provided for 50% of the side façade.
5. Windows or French doors and balconies shall provide 10% to 20% transparency on the sides of buildings.

Case History