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Design Review Board

Level 2: Major alteration of an existing building/structure

8-E-13-DT

Staff Recommendation

RECOMMEND the project as proposed with the following condition: 1) With guidance and oversight by the City's Urban Forester, the healthy trees adjacent to the structure to be demolished should be protected during the demolition and eventual construction of the parking structure with the intent of retaining as many of the mature trees as reasonably possible.

Location
415 Walnut St
Applicant Request
Demolition of the structure and removal of all lose materials to allow for preperation of the site for a private developer to construct a parking garage per the requirements of the attached Request for Proposals.

Due to the concern with roadway stability and the need for the perpendicular interior basement walls to provide support, the slabs will not be removed at the demo stage. If there is a delay with the private developer starting construction, the non-vegetated areas will either be seeded to provide a stand of grass or covered with plastic and directed it to a sump and pump.

The site will be secured with fencing around the entire construction site, similar to what is currently installed at the corner of Summer Place and Locust Street.
Staff Comments
The structure is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places so the guidelines that apply are as follows:
1) Section 1.A.4c. Plant street trees where possible. Choose tree planting locations that will not significantly alter the setting of, or harm the materials of historic buildings. NOTE: There are several mature street trees adjacent to the structure that may be able to be saved. The City's Urban Forester should evaluate the trees and determine which have a reasonable good chance of survival with proper protection.
2) Section 1.B.8a. If a building is demolished, all visible unutilized building material must be removed and the site must be vegetated or otherwise brought into compliance with the guidelines. NOTE: Some of the underground walls and slab will need to be retained for stability of the sidewalk and roadway.

The City plans to sell the property to a private developer who will be responsible for obtaining all zoning approvals, including design approval by the Downtown Design Review Board.
Applicant

City of Knoxville

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