Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H: Level I/II

10-A-24-HZ  

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends denial of the proposed chimney removal, and reconstruction of the two chimneys, with a size and masonry design to reflect the originals or similar houses in the neighborhood, with a detail drawing for both to be submitted to be staff for review.


Applicant Request
Deck; Doors; Guttering; Paving; Porch; Roofing; Siding; Windows; Other: Chimney
After-the-fact review of chimney removal. CMU chimney on left-side roof slope and stucco-clad chimney on central roof slope both removed without permits or COA.
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Level 1 scopes approved 9/19/2024:
- Removal of existing asphalt shingle roof and installation of new architectural asphalt shingle roof. Repair to existing wood soffit and fascia. Removal and replacement of gutters.
- Removal of existing vinyl siding to expose original wood lap siding. Repair and patching (replacement in-kind) to existing wood lap siding with new wood to match exposure, design, and size of existing.
- Removal of non-historic storm windows and repair to existing wood windows.
- In-kind repair and replacement of existing wooden stairs at rear entrance. The original back door will be retained and restored. Removal of existing wooden basement door and installation of new half-light wood door in existing opening.
- On the front porch, removal of existing vinyl siding in front porch gable field to expose original wood lap siding and restoration and in-kind repair of wood siding. The front porch columns will be repaired with no modifications to size, design, and materials. Routine repair and maintenance of wood beadboard ceiling and repair to wood tongue-and-groove flooring. Repair to existing balusters. The front door will be retained and restored.
- Repair and stabilization of the existing cement foundation. Scope will occur on the inside, accessed from the basement, and will not result in modifications to the exterior.
Level 1 Scopes approved only; all other elements will be reviewed at October 16, 2024 HZC meeting.

Staff Comments
Craftsman, c.1920
    One-story, front-gable roof residence with an exterior of vinyl siding and a rusticated CMU foundation. Full-length front-gable roof porch.

1. 1112 Gratz Street is a contributing resource to the Fourth and Gill National Register Historic District and local overlay.

2. The majority of the proposed work clearly meets the design guidelines and has been approved administratively, including removal of non-historic siding and restoration of wood lap siding beneath and repair to the existing historic windows.

3. The chimneys were removed without permits or a COA. Review is after-the-fact.

4. Design guidelines clearly note that "chimneys should not be removed or altered if they are original and should match the original design if they must be replaced or have been removed." The front chimney, located on the right roof slope, may not be original to the structure; it is constructed of CMU and taller and thinner than typical historic chimneys. However, a fireplace and mantel were located on the interior wall, indicating the chimney's location as original. Both chimneys were visible from the street.
Applicant

Dawn Irion, Beit Ventures LLC


Planning Staff
Lindsay Crockett
Phone: 865-215-3795
Email: lindsay.crockett@knoxplanning.org
Location Knoxville
1112 Gratz St. 37929

Owner
Dawn Irion, Beit Ventures LLC

Case History