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Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

7-C-16-DT

The project involves the exterior renovation of the Cal Johnson Building, including the following:
1) Clean, tuck-point, and repair the exterior masonry veneer of the building.
2) Remove all of the existing windows (windows currently in-filled will remain so at this time). Replace the existing windows with double-hung aluminum clad windows of an exterior trim profile that matches the period of the building.
3) Repair the existing masonry coping at the roof to ensure continued water tightness.
4) Remove the existing small balconies and ladder on the front of the building.
5) Remove the boarded up windows on the front and replace with double-hung aluminum clad windows of an exterior trim profile that matches the period of the building.
6) Remove the wood in-fill at the street level entry on the front of the building and replace with aluminum clad wood window/door system with an exterior trim profile that matches the period of the building.
7) Install a new suspended pre-engineered aluminum canopy over the main entry, but below the existing arches.

Location
301 State St
Applicant Request
The project involves the exterior renovation of the Cal Johnson Building, including the following:
1) Clean, tuck-point, and repair the exterior masonry veneer of the building.
2) Remove all of the existing windows (windows currently in-filled will remain so at this time). Replace the existing windows with double-hung aluminum clad windows of an exterior trim profile that matches the period of the building.
3) Repair the existing masonry coping at the roof to ensure continued water tightness.
4) Remove the existing small balconies and ladder on the front of the building.
5) Remove the boarded up windows on the front and replace with double-hung aluminum clad windows of an exterior trim profile that matches the period of the building.
6) Remove the wood in-fill at the street level entry on the front of the building and replace with aluminum clad wood window/door system with an exterior trim profile that matches the period of the building.
7) Install a new suspended pre-engineered aluminum canopy over the main entry, but below the existing arches.
Staff Comments
On the proposed front elevation there is a label that says '12" square medallions' and points to an existing brick arch. The label is intended for square medallions above the arches, which are not shown on the plans but are visible in the attached images.

Because the applicant is proposing to clean the brick and repair the mortar on the building, and that the guidelines recommend using appropriate mortar mix and cleaning methods, staff recommends the approval be conditioned so that these repairs be done in accordance with the recommendations of the National Park Service to ensure the work is completed in a way the does not damage the old brick. The referenced preservation briefs explain appropriate methods of cleaning old brick and repairing mortar joints without damaging it.

Applicable guidelines:

Section 1.C.2. (STOREFRONTS)
Throughout downtown, historic buildings present a front elevation with an individual facade that is usually 25-35 feet wide. The storefronts are divided horizontally into three sections: bulkheads, solid or opaque, usually 18-24 inches tall; a plate glass storefront window 6-8 feet tall; and above it, a clear or patterned glass transom.
GUIDELINES:
2a. Restore and maintain storefronts as they were originally.
2a. Along Jackson Avenue, retain industrial loading dock or garage doors (usually 10-12 feet wide and constructed of metal); these features may be incorporated in new construction (for example, where a loading dock or parking entrance is needed).

C. HISTORIC RESOURCES
Section 1.C.3. (ENTRANCES)
Formal entrances to front facades should be retained. This includes entrances that are located above street level and accessed by exterior stairs. Altering or removing the main entrance to grant street-level access is not appropriate.
GUIDELINES:
3a. Establish recessed entries, either rectangular or with slightly canted sides, which are appropriate in storefronts.
3b. Allow for multiple entries on the first floor of the building, giving access to commercial space that may be divided into bays.
3c. Provide access to upper stories through additional entries.
3d. Maintain original height and materials for doors that are consistent with the use of the building, such as residential, commercial, or banking purposes.

C. HISTORIC RESOURCES
Section 1.C.4. (WINDOWS)
Appropriate window appearance is significant in finishing a rehabilitation project. From a preservation standpoint, the first and best answer when determining a treatment for windows is to repair rather than replace them. If that is not possible, replacing only deteriorated portions is the next best alternative to total replacement. It is possible to replace window sills, rebuild all or parts of window sashes, and replace window glass, making original windows energy efficient and functional.
GUIDELINES:
4a. Repair rather than replace historic windows.
4b. Replace windows if repairs are not possible with matching windows, including duplicating design, operation, material, glass size, muntin arrangements, profiles, and trim.
4c. Insert windows with the same pane configuration, materials and size as other buildings of the same general construction date, if no original windows are present.
4d. Maintain the relationship of solids to voids with new construction that is similar to other buildings in the district, including the typical width, height, spacing, and horizontal alignment of windows.

C. HISTORIC RESOURCES
Section 1.C.5. (MASONRY)
Masonry features should be retained and repaired; materials, including mortar, should match the original mortar in color and composition. Mortar joints should be sized and struck to match the original. Belt courses, string courses, dripstones, quoins and contrasting brick and stone are common. These features should be preserved and repaired if necessary, and should be introduced on infill buildings.
GUIDELINES:
5a. Repair masonry with stone or brick and mortar that match the original.
5b. Do not paint masonry that has never been painted.

Section 1.C.6. (SANDBLASTING)
The use of sandblasting, water blasting, or other abrasive or corrosive methods to clean buildings destroys materials by eroding their hard exterior surfaces, exposing the softer interiors, which are then subject to accelerated deterioration.
GUIDELINE:
6a. Do not sandblast, water blast, or use other abrasive or corrosive methods to clean or restore historic structures.

C. HISTORIC RESOURCES
Section 1.C.8. (AWNINGS)
Awnings are allowed on historic buildings when they are appropriate to the building and are designed with traditional shapes, forms, and materials. If awnings are used, their overall size, shape, and projection from the building must be in proper proportion and scale to the building and contained within the window or door they shelter, and not cover adjacent wall surfaces. Canvas is usually the appropriate material for awnings.
GUIDELINES:
8a. Allow awnings in traditional shapes and materials.
8b. Contain signs or advertising only within the valance of the awning.
Applicant

Dance

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