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Design Review Board

Level 1: Sign

4-A-15-DT

REVISED: Reduce the size of the existing painted sign on the rear (east) elevation to conform to the sign size allowed by 'The Promenade District'. The sign currently is 7' by 18' (126 square feet) and is proposed to be reduced to 5' by 12' (60 square feet). The sign will have a painted background and white letters, and is illuminated by two light fixtures as shown in the attached picture.

The rear façade is proposed to be stained a "terra cotta" color, the same as the front of the building (see attached photo). The color shown in the sign rendering is not truly representative of the color that is intended. The applicant has also indicated that the black stain that is the background of the current sign may not be able to be fully covered by the terra cotta colored stain and if this is the case, the black background may need to remain and the rest of the rear façade left unstained.

NOTE: The sign has already been painted onto the structure as shown in the attachment.

Location
702 S Gay St
Applicant Request
REVISED: Reduce the size of the existing painted sign on the rear (east) elevation to conform to the sign size allowed by 'The Promenade District'. The sign currently is 7' by 18' (126 square feet) and is proposed to be reduced to 5' by 12' (60 square feet). The sign will have a painted background and white letters, and is illuminated by two light fixtures as shown in the attached picture.

The rear façade is proposed to be stained a "terra cotta" color, the same as the front of the building (see attached photo). The color shown in the sign rendering is not truly representative of the color that is intended. The applicant has also indicated that the black stain that is the background of the current sign may not be able to be fully covered by the terra cotta colored stain and if this is the case, the black background may need to remain and the rest of the rear façade left unstained.

NOTE: The sign has already been painted onto the structure as shown in the attachment.
Staff Comments
The building is in the 'Traditional Grid District' in Section 2 of the guidelines. This district does not recommend painted wall signs, however, the board can consider them on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriateness for specific locations. While 'The Promenade District' does not allow painted signs it does allow rear facing signs with specific size, location and illumination standards. These guidelines could be used as a means of reviewing this proposal if the board determines the two locations have similar characteristics.

The building is NOT located in a National Register Historic District so the guidelines do not recommend for or against painting un-painted brick.

In June 2014, the board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new hotel on the vacant lot to the east of this property. If the hotel is constructed as planned, the parking structure will be in front of this new sign but will not obstruct full visibility. At the alley, the parking structure will be approximately 16' tall, and 36' tall at the State Street / Cumberland Avenue intersection. The visibility of the sign will diminish the closer one gets to the parking structure, especially along State Street.

Applicable guidelines:

Section 2.B.1. (TRADITIONAL GRID DISTRICT -- RECOMMENDED SIGNS)
These recommendations for signs in the traditional grid district recognize that certain types of signs are more pedestrian-friendly and should be encouraged within the grid district.

GUIDELINES:
1a. Wall signs on sign boards that are above a transom or first story and mounted flush to the building façade.
1b. Projecting signs of modest size (9 square feet, maximum); a larger sign must be approved by the board.
1c. Window signs, less than 30 percent coverage, including neon signs.
1d. Building name sign and/or building directory.

Section 2.D.1. (THE PROMENADE DISTRICT -- RECOMMENDED SIGNS)
These recommendations for signs acknowledge the uniqueness of the Promenade and needs of the businesses that access the walkway. The signage on the Promenade shall count toward the maximum allowable signage for the associated buildings.

GUIDELINES:
1b. One Promenade sign per building, located above the concrete support structure and at the bottom edge of the metal awning. The sign should be no wider than the distance between two concrete support structures, no taller than 5 feet and not over 60 square feet. Signs should be located in every other concrete support structure bay.
1c. Signs should be lighted externally and the Promenade sign should not have upward facing lights.
Applicant

Hensley

Planning Staff
Mike Reynolds
Phone: 865-215-3827
Email: mike.reynolds@knoxplanning.org
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Case History