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Design Review Board

Level 1: Sign

9-B-15-DT

Sign plan is to revise an existing painted sign by reducing the size of the sign on the rear (east) elevation. The black background of the existing painted sign is 7' by 18' (126 square feet) and will remain the same size. The proposed lettering is 5' by 12' (60 square feet). The sign is illuminated by two light fixtures as shown in the attached picture.

Location
722 S Gay St
Applicant Request
Sign plan is to revise an existing painted sign by reducing the size of the sign on the rear (east) elevation. The black background of the existing painted sign is 7' by 18' (126 square feet) and will remain the same size. The proposed lettering is 5' by 12' (60 square feet). The sign is illuminated by two light fixtures as shown in the attached picture.
Staff Comments
The building is in the 'Traditional Grid District' in Section 2 of the guidelines. This district does not recommend painted wall signs, however, the board can consider them on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriateness for specific locations. While 'The Promenade District' does not allow painted signs it does allow rear facing signs with specific size, location and illumination standards. These guidelines could be used as a means of reviewing this proposal if the board determines the two locations have similar characteristics. The options presented do meet the maximum size (60 sqft) allowed by the "Promenade District".

The building is NOT located in a National Register Historic District so the guidelines do not recommend for or against painting un-painted brick.

In June 2014, the board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new hotel on the vacant lot to the east of this property. If the hotel is constructed as planned, the parking structure will be in front of this new sign but will not obstruct full visibility. At the alley, the parking structure will be approximately 16' tall, and 36' tall at the State Street / Cumberland Avenue intersection. The visibility of the sign will diminish the closer one gets to the parking structure, especially along State Street.

Applicable guidelines:
Section 2.B.1. (TRADITIONAL GRID DISTRICT -- RECOMMENDED SIGNS)
These recommendations for signs in the traditional grid district recognize that certain types of signs are more pedestrian-friendly and should be encouraged within the grid district.
GUIDELINES:
1a. Wall signs on sign boards that are above a transom or first story and mounted flush to the building façade.
1b. Projecting signs of modest size (9 square feet, maximum); a larger sign must be approved by the board.
Applicant

Hensley

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