Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

8-B-13-DT

Remove the existing HVAC louvers and enclose the opening with similar brick to the existing. The new brick will be recessed 3/8 inch to create an architectural shadow box effect.

Mortar that is intended for historic substrates will be used to duplicate appearance and compressive strength of the original mortar, along with matching the color . The mortar joints will be tooled to produce a uniform concave profile that duplicates the surrounding masonry.


Location
531 S Gay St

Applicant Request
Remove the existing HVAC louvers and enclose the opening with similar brick to the existing. The new brick will be recessed 3/8 inch to create an architectural shadow box effect.

Mortar that is intended for historic substrates will be used to duplicate appearance and compressive strength of the original mortar, along with matching the color . The mortar joints will be tooled to produce a uniform concave profile that duplicates the surrounding masonry.

Staff Comments
This building is a contributing structure within the Gay Street Commercial Historic District on the National Register. The proposal is consistent with Section 1.C.5 (Masonry) of the Downtown Knoxville Design Guidelines.

An exact copy of the brick on the building was not able to be found. The shadow box effect (or recessed brick) will help differentiate the historic brick and architectural detailing, with that of the new brick infill. The recess will help mask the color differency of the new brick as well.
Applicant

Glass and Concrete Contracting


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

Case History