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Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

5-A-15-DT

SCOPE: This streetscape project includes W. Jackson Avenue from Broadway to the base of the ramp to the Gay Street intersection, and some minor improvements to Worlds Fair Park Drive from Grand Avenue to Broadway.
SUMMARY: The project includes widening the W Jackson Avenue sidewalk (south side only in this phase), adding a landscaping strip between the sidewalk and road, and improving crosswalks and accessible curb ramps. The extra sidewalk width is being accomplished primarily by narrowing the vehicular travel lanes. A retaining wall will be constructed adjacent to the sidewalk, east of the Balter Brewing driveway. The existing bike racks will be reinstalled in their current location and new bike racks will be installed as shown in the attached email.
WORLDS FAIR PARK DRIVE:
1. Replace sections of deteriorated sidewalk as needed.
2. Improve crosswalks and accessible curb ramps.
BROADWAY INTERSECTION: (note: this design is subject to change, dependent on TDOT improvements to the Broadway viaduct)
1. Improve crosswalks and shift the location of the accessible curb ramps as shown.
2. Widen the sidewalk along Broadway on the southwest side of the intersection.
JACKSON AVENUE:
1. Improve crosswalks and accessible curb ramps.
2. Widen sidewalk to 8'-6" (typical). The existing sidewalk width ranges from 6' to 7'.
3. Install new 3'-0" landscaping strip between new sidewalk and the curb. The landscaping strip will be planted with low vegetation because it is not suitable for trees.
4. Install new bike racks as shown in the attachment and reinstall the existing bike racks.
5. Narrow the curb-to-curb street width to 30'-0" (typical). The existing street width ranges from 34' to 35'.
6. Improve existing driveway curb cuts that cross the new sidewalk.
7. Construct a new retaining wall on the south side of the sidewalk, east of the driveway for the proposed Balter Brewing.

400 and 500 blocks of West Jackson Avenue and Worlds Fair Park Drive from Broadway to Grand Avenue.
Applicant Request
SCOPE: This streetscape project includes W. Jackson Avenue from Broadway to the base of the ramp to the Gay Street intersection, and some minor improvements to Worlds Fair Park Drive from Grand Avenue to Broadway.
SUMMARY: The project includes widening the W Jackson Avenue sidewalk (south side only in this phase), adding a landscaping strip between the sidewalk and road, and improving crosswalks and accessible curb ramps. The extra sidewalk width is being accomplished primarily by narrowing the vehicular travel lanes. A retaining wall will be constructed adjacent to the sidewalk, east of the Balter Brewing driveway. The existing bike racks will be reinstalled in their current location and new bike racks will be installed as shown in the attached email.
WORLDS FAIR PARK DRIVE:
1. Replace sections of deteriorated sidewalk as needed.
2. Improve crosswalks and accessible curb ramps.
BROADWAY INTERSECTION: (note: this design is subject to change, dependent on TDOT improvements to the Broadway viaduct)
1. Improve crosswalks and shift the location of the accessible curb ramps as shown.
2. Widen the sidewalk along Broadway on the southwest side of the intersection.
JACKSON AVENUE:
1. Improve crosswalks and accessible curb ramps.
2. Widen sidewalk to 8'-6" (typical). The existing sidewalk width ranges from 6' to 7'.
3. Install new 3'-0" landscaping strip between new sidewalk and the curb. The landscaping strip will be planted with low vegetation because it is not suitable for trees.
4. Install new bike racks as shown in the attachment and reinstall the existing bike racks.
5. Narrow the curb-to-curb street width to 30'-0" (typical). The existing street width ranges from 34' to 35'.
6. Improve existing driveway curb cuts that cross the new sidewalk.
7. Construct a new retaining wall on the south side of the sidewalk, east of the driveway for the proposed Balter Brewing.
Staff Comments
The streetscape improvements are primarily on the south side of Jackson Avenue because of the uncertainty regarding future development on the north side.
Section 1.A. (PUBLIC REALM AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS)
The public realm is composed of streets, sidewalks, and public open spaces. Public space is defined by development and supports a diversity of uses. It promotes transit use and pedestrian activity. It can be considered the outdoor room created by surrounding buildings.
Section 1.A.1. (PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SAFETY)
Consider pedestrians first, then transit, then the automobile in designing and developing downtown places. Public utilities and streetscape amenities should be located to support safe, convenient, and unimpeded pedestrian flow. Due to the nature of the narrow downtown streets with low traffic speeds it is relatively safe to bike within the downtown area. However, bike lanes and greenways leading to downtown, and places to store bicycles once downtown should also be considered.
GUIDELINES:
1a. Prioritize pedestrian safety and comfort through public amenities, such as pedestrian-scale lighting, benches, and trash receptacles.
1b. Require sidewalks and crosswalks that are accessible to all and are aesthetically pleasing.
1d. Widen sidewalks to accommodate street trees and amenities with a minimum 5-foot clear pedestrian passage.
1e. Establish a furnishing zone in which the sidewalk furniture creates a buffer for pedestrians from vehicular traffic.

Section 1.A.4. (DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION)
Beautifying downtown can occur through many different elements including architecture, landscape architecture, horticulture, art, and performing art. These elements provide expressions of local history and culture. They contribute to local identity and unique qualities of downtown. Public spaces should be designed to include art and beautification.

GUIDELINES:
4a. Foster downtown beautification with landscaping and plantings, public art, and public open space.
4c. Plant street trees where possible. Choose tree planting locations that will not significantly alter the setting of, or harm the materials of historic buildings.
Applicant

City of Knoxville - Dept of Engineering

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