Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Certificate 3-B-26-DT, subject to the following conditions:1) Meeting all applicable requirements of the City of Knoxville Engineering Department.2) The addition must not extend beyond the property line.
Applicant Request
Level II: Rooftop AdditionWilliam F. Conley Building, c. 1974
- An enclosed addition on the 14th floor (rooftop) of the Embassy Suites building, measuring 40'-4.5" wide by 36'-2" deep, including a 5'-2" cantilever extending from the Union Avenue elevation. The structure will be approximately 17' tall, which is about 3' shorter than the existing enclosed rooftop addition.
- The primary exterior materials are aluminum metal panels on the underside (soffit), fascia, and column wrap, aluminum coping cap, and aluminum curtainwall with a finish and glazing to match the existing storefront. Other exterior finishes include wood siding on the west and south elevations to match the existing and a mural on the west elevation to cover a blank wall. The actual mural design is still to be determined.
Property Notes / Work to be Completed
- ZONING STANDARDS: The property is in the DK-H (Downtown Knoxville Historic Subdistrict), but is not located in the Gay Street Commercial (National Register) Historic District. The DK-H zone has a maximum building height of 125'. The existing structure exceeds the maximum height, but a variance is not required because the addition is shorter than the existing 14th floor addition. The DK-H zone as a build-to zone of 0' to 5'. The cantilevered addition extends to within 1' of the Union Avenue street line, which is consisent with the zoning stanards.
- BUILDING MATERIALS: The black aluminum panels, aluminum curtainwall, and wood siding are complimentary to those on the existing structure.
- ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER: The cantilever provides architectural interest that is harmonious with the existing rooftop additions and structures. The cantilevered addition on the Union Avenue façade is visible from adjacent historic districts, however, it is the less prominent street facing building elevation. A similar cantilevered addition would not be appropriate on the Gay Street façade, where similar upper story projections, such as balconies, have been discouraged because of their high visibility along the length of that streetscape.
Applicable Guidelines
Downtown Design Guidelines
See Guidelines- Section 1
- B. PRIVATE REALM
- 3. Building Materials
- 3a. Use complimentary materials and elements, especially next to historic building.
- 4. Architectural Character
- 4e. Design top floors to enhance the skyline of the block through cornices and details that are harmonious with adjacent architecture.
- Section 1
Meeting Date
March 18, 2026
Embassy Suites
507 S. Gay St. 37902
DK-H (Downtown Knoxville, Historic Subdistrict)
