12-C-22-DT

Level I: Stockyard Lofts - Stir

Approve Subject To Conditions

APPROVE Certificate 12-C-22-DT, subject to the following conditions; 1) if necessary, the securing of any patio easements or agreements with the City of Knoxville; 2) final selection of wood siding to meet Fire District requirements; 3) final signage package to be approved by staff.

Case File

Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of Certificate 12-C-22-DT, subject to the following conditions; 1) if necessary, the securing of any patio easements or agreements with the City of Knoxville; 2) final selection of wood siding to meet Fire District requirements.

Applicant Request

Level I: Exterior rehabilitation

- Exterior rehabilitation of existing residential building, to create restaurant space on the southwest corner (south and west elevations). South elevation (fronting Willow Avenue) features the installation of operable multi-light garage-style doors topped by multi-light transom windows and a primary entry of a full-light double door topped by multi-light transom, with new wood-look siding panels surrounding the primary entry. The west elevation (fronting the alley) features multiple full-light entries topped by transoms, additional partial-height operable doors, and another panel of wood-look siding. Proposal also includes new exterior lighting. The project will use the existing flat-roof metal canopy. The depicted signage is not included in the current proposal, and will be submitted at a later date.

Property Notes / Work to be Completed

- The proposal meets the design guidelines as it establishes ground-level space accessible to the public on a building that was initially residential only. Guidelines recommend differentiating architectural features of the ground floors from upper floors using show windows, transoms, and signage, all of which will be installed with the storefront proposal. The installation of additional materials will add complexity to the building's exterior, covering concrete block elements with a decorative tile. The materials are compatible with the existing design of the building and the broader context of Central and Jackson Avenues. The wood-look exterior siding details will need to comply with the Fire District requirements, being non-combustible or fire-retardant-treated instead of just wood. While the patios are typically not in the DRB's purview, the proposed patios will create further pedestrian engagement along Willow Ave.

Applicable Guidelines

Downtown Design Guidelines

- 1. Building Mass, Scale, and Form
- 1a. Maintain a pedestrian-scaled environment from block to block.
- 1d. Use building materials, cornice lines, signs, and awnings of a human scale in order to reduce the mass of buildings as experienced at the street level.
- 1e. Avoid blank walls on street-facing elevations.
- 3. Building Materials
- 3a. Use complimentary materials and elements, especially next to historic buildings.
- 4. Architectural Character
- 4a. Encourage first floor uses that draw walk-in traffic; businesses that do not require pedestrian traffic should be located on other floors.
- 4b. Enhance pedestrian interest in commercial and office buildings by creating a largely transparent and consistent rhythm of entrances and windows.
- 4d. Differentiate the architectural features of ground floors with traditional considerations such as show-windows, transoms, friezes, and sign boards.
- 5. Ground Floor Windows and Doors
- 5a. Use consistent rhythm of openings, windows, doorways, and entries.
- 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.