Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Certificate 1-B-26-DT as submitted.
Applicant Request
Level I - Board Review: Installation of a new storefront.- This proposal is to modify an existing window opening, west of the Union Avenue hotel entrance, to install a door for external access to a new commercial space in the Embassy Suites lobby. The storefront windows are two stories tall, and are broken into three sections vertically. Only the lower window bay will be modified by removing the middle window pane and cutting the marble panel below to install a full lite door as shown in detail #2 on sheet A1.1. A portion of the marble panel will remain on either side of the door.
Property Notes / Work to be Completed
- The creation of an additional entrance is consistent with the design guidelines which recommend active uses on the ground floor, consistent rhythm of openings, windows, doorways, and entries, and having clear windows at the pedestrian level.
Applicable Guidelines
Downtown Design Guidelines
See Guidelines- B. Private Realm
- 5. Ground Floor Doors and Windows
- Entrances and ground floor windows should foster pedestrian comfort, safety and orientation. Not every building in downtown needs to have the same window or entry designs; however, repeating the pattern of historic openings helps to reinforce the character of downtown, differentiating it from suburban areas.
- 5a. Use consistent rhythm of openings, windows, doorways, and entries.
- 5b. Orient primary front entrances to the main street; secondary entrances should be clearly defined and oriented to streets or alleys, as appropriate.
- 5c. Design entrances according to the proportions of the building's height and width.
- 5d. Consider corner entrances at the ends of blocks.
- 5e. All windows at the pedestrian level should be clear
- 5f. Recess ground floor window frames and doors from the exterior building face to provide depth to the façade.
- B. Private Realm
Meeting Date
January 21, 2026
Conley Building
507 S. Gay St. 37902
DK-H (Downtown Knoxville, Historic Subdistrict)
