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Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

4-A-21-DT

Exterior rehabilitation project including alteration to existing façade along Gay Street, to create a new accessible recessed entry door to a renovated tenant space on the first floor; alteration of south elevation fronting Vine Avenue to create two new punch opening windows; and creation of usable roof deck patio space on the second level. Roof deck scope includes the installation of one new door (replacing an existing window), a deck, and a guardrail.

On the Gay Street (northeast) elevation, the left bay featuring an existing recessed storefront entry with a transom window will remain. On the right side of an engaged stuccoed pilaster, a new recessed storefront entry will be installed. The accessible entry will be accompanied by an ADA "push to open" device installed on the existing brick wall.

On the second level (recessed from Gay Street) of the northeast elevation, an existing window will be replaced with a storefront door of a similar size. A 42" tall guardrail will be installed along the proposed roof deck.

On the Vine Avenue (southeast) elevation, two additional window openings will be installed to the left of an existing storefront door. The windows will measure 2'-10" wide and 6'-4" tall, in similar scale and layout to the existing windows.

Scope of work also includes eventual repair to the existing sidewalk along Vine Avenue, to the rear of the building. Curb cut will be removed and sidewalk be repaired to be accessible.

Applicant Request
Exterior rehabilitation project including alteration to existing façade along Gay Street, to create a new accessible recessed entry door to a renovated tenant space on the first floor; alteration of south elevation fronting Vine Avenue to create two new punch opening windows; and creation of usable roof deck patio space on the second level. Roof deck scope includes the installation of one new door (replacing an existing window), a deck, and a guardrail.

On the Gay Street (northeast) elevation, the left bay featuring an existing recessed storefront entry with a transom window will remain. On the right side of an engaged stuccoed pilaster, a new recessed storefront entry will be installed. The accessible entry will be accompanied by an ADA "push to open" device installed on the existing brick wall.

On the second level (recessed from Gay Street) of the northeast elevation, an existing window will be replaced with a storefront door of a similar size. A 42" tall guardrail will be installed along the proposed roof deck.

On the Vine Avenue (southeast) elevation, two additional window openings will be installed to the left of an existing storefront door. The windows will measure 2'-10" wide and 6'-4" tall, in similar scale and layout to the existing windows.

Scope of work also includes eventual repair to the existing sidewalk along Vine Avenue, to the rear of the building. Curb cut will be removed and sidewalk be repaired to be accessible.
Staff Comments
The proposed project meets the Downtown Knoxville Design Guidelines as it introduces additional pedestrian access points and transparency to Gay Street and Vine Avenue elevations. The new accessible storefront entry will reflect the proportions and design of the existing storefront entry, and be recessed from the main facade (noted in the guidelines to add depth to the façade).

The addition of two windows to the Vine Avenue elevation assists in avoiding blank walls along street-facing elevations. The new windows proposed for the Vine Avenue elevation are compatible in design, placement, and proportion with the existing windows. Both Gay Street and Vine Avenue elevations will feature a "consistent rhythm of openings, windows, doorways, and entries." No historic materials of the building will be removed or affected to create additional openings.

Modifications necessary to create residential space in the upper-level and Vine Avenue elevations meet the design guidelines by separating residential flow on the sidewalk, placing residential space above lower-story commercial uses, and elevating openings into residential space above the sidewalk level.

The proposed rooftop deck is recessed from the primary elevation, modest in design, and minimally visible from the street. The upper-level entry onto the deck is minimally visible from Gay Street. It will not have an effect on any historic materials and will add modest visual interest to the Vine Avenue elevation.

The repairs to existing sidewalk and removal of the curb cut would not change the function or proportions of the existing sidewalk and would make the sidewalk ADA accessible. Work related to residential use of the space may require the applicant/owner to meet City requirements for bike parking.
Applicant

Rau

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