Download as PDF

Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

5-C-16-DT

This proposal is a revision to previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness 3-B-14-DT and 12-B-13-DT, to modify the finish treatment of the rear elevation by allowing the installation of three large framed prints instead of painting it a light color as approved. The areas currently painted a red brick color will remain unchanged.

NOTE: The final images to be installed have yet to be determined. The images shown are for illustrative purposes only.

Proposal: Install three large images on the rear elevation in the configuration as shown on the attached plan. The imagery will be printed on perforated/mesh banner material that has a 3-5 year lifespan. The banner will be attached to a metal frame and can be replaced as needed. The banners will all be 58' tall and range from 66' to 88' wide.

Installation: Three metal frames will be attached to the rear elevation of the garage and the banners will be attached the metal frames. The metal framing will not be visible.

Location
407 Walnut St
Applicant Request
This proposal is a revision to previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness 3-B-14-DT and 12-B-13-DT, to modify the finish treatment of the rear elevation by allowing the installation of three large framed prints instead of painting it a light color as approved. The areas currently painted a red brick color will remain unchanged.

NOTE: The final images to be installed have yet to be determined. The images shown are for illustrative purposes only.

Proposal: Install three large images on the rear elevation in the configuration as shown on the attached plan. The imagery will be printed on perforated/mesh banner material that has a 3-5 year lifespan. The banner will be attached to a metal frame and can be replaced as needed. The banners will all be 58' tall and range from 66' to 88' wide.

Installation: Three metal frames will be attached to the rear elevation of the garage and the banners will be attached the metal frames. The metal framing will not be visible.
Staff Comments
When the Walnut Street Garage was originally approved, the plans stated that the rear elevation will have sandblasted/tinted precast concrete walls and accents. When the rear elevation was installed, the precast panels were not sandblasted/tinted as approved. Staff agreed that painting (or staining) the rear façade would meet the intent of the approval which was to provide some level of interest and uniformity in finish with the other elevations. To mimic the brick on the other elevations, the property owner painted the dark red pattern on the rear elevation. The remainder of the rear elevation was to be painted a similar (light) color as the sandblasted precast concrete on the other elevations.

In considering this request, the board must determine if the installation of three large format images is an appropriate alternative to the previous approval and meets the intent of the guidelines. The guidelines do not directly address large format installations such as this. The recommendations Section A.4. (Downtown Beautification) provides the clearest guidance by stating, "Beautifying downtown can occur through many different elements including architecture, landscape architecture, horticulture, art, and performing art. These elements provide expressions of local history and culture. They contribute to local identity and unique qualities of downtown."

The large banner images will be installed similarly to the large banner on the side of the Bijou Theatre (see the attached image).

Staff believes that the installation of the large format images provide texture and interest to the rear elevation of the garage that paint alone cannot. The images also help further the guideline recommendations regarding downtown beautification.
Applicant

Walnut Street Garage LLC / City of Knoxville

Planning Staff
Mike Reynolds
Phone: 865-215-3827
Email: mike.reynolds@knoxplanning.org
Submit CommentsView Comments

Case History