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Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

5-B-19-DT

This proposal is a modification to the renovation plans approved by the board in August 2018 (8-H-18-DT) and is for a modification to the ground floor doors and a portion of the Gay Street storefront. There are other minor modifications that are also noted on the plans.

Gay Street elevation:
1) Replacement of the ground floor doors because it was determined the existing doors were not able to be retained. The main entrance to the hotel, below the new balcony, will have a sliding door and metal storefront system with clear glass to fill in the remainder of the building opening. This replaces two sets of double doors. On the left (south) side of the elevation, there used to be two sets of double doors that went into the lobby of the former office tower. Now that the building is being used as a hotel, number of doors into the elevator lobby is not needed. The proposal is for a single full glass door with metal frame on the right side of this storefront opening and the remainder being infilled with a metal storefront system with clear glass. The area behind the new storefront will be used as a glass conference room.
2) The balcony has been shifted to the left (south) on the elevation several feet because it could not be attached to the corner of the building as anticipated.

Union Ave. elevation:
1) Replace the existing single double door with glass side lights with a sliding glass door that fits within the existing building opening. The glass will be clear.

Rear (alley) elevation:
1) Removal of the previously proposed windows on that were to be installed on the first and mezzanine levels of the building. NOTE: This change is listed for informational purposes only. It does not require approval from the board since the windows do not existing today and there were no other changes to this façade that would otherwise make the building less conforming with the design guidelines.

Krutch Park (south) elevation:
1) The sidewalk from the emergency exit is moved 3' away from the building because of the need to locate a gas meter on the side of the building.

Rooftop addition:
1) Installation of a elevator overun enclosure on top of the penthouse roof. It will be clad in metal siding that is the same as approved for the rooftop stair extensions on either side of the elevator penthouse. The metal siding will be paintd to match the brick below.

Location
505 S Gay St
Applicant Request
This proposal is a modification to the renovation plans approved by the board in August 2018 (8-H-18-DT) and is for a modification to the ground floor doors and a portion of the Gay Street storefront. There are other minor modifications that are also noted on the plans.

Gay Street elevation:
1) Replacement of the ground floor doors because it was determined the existing doors were not able to be retained. The main entrance to the hotel, below the new balcony, will have a sliding door and metal storefront system with clear glass to fill in the remainder of the building opening. This replaces two sets of double doors. On the left (south) side of the elevation, there used to be two sets of double doors that went into the lobby of the former office tower. Now that the building is being used as a hotel, number of doors into the elevator lobby is not needed. The proposal is for a single full glass door with metal frame on the right side of this storefront opening and the remainder being infilled with a metal storefront system with clear glass. The area behind the new storefront will be used as a glass conference room.
2) The balcony has been shifted to the left (south) on the elevation several feet because it could not be attached to the corner of the building as anticipated.

Union Ave. elevation:
1) Replace the existing single double door with glass side lights with a sliding glass door that fits within the existing building opening. The glass will be clear.

Rear (alley) elevation:
1) Removal of the previously proposed windows on that were to be installed on the first and mezzanine levels of the building. NOTE: This change is listed for informational purposes only. It does not require approval from the board since the windows do not existing today and there were no other changes to this façade that would otherwise make the building less conforming with the design guidelines.

Krutch Park (south) elevation:
1) The sidewalk from the emergency exit is moved 3' away from the building because of the need to locate a gas meter on the side of the building.

Rooftop addition:
1) Installation of a elevator overun enclosure on top of the penthouse roof. It will be clad in metal siding that is the same as approved for the rooftop stair extensions on either side of the elevator penthouse. The metal siding will be paintd to match the brick below.
Staff Comments
The replacement of the existing ground floor doors was determined necessary because of their deteriorated condition when removed. Tge new doors and storefront infill is compatible in design with the remaining storefront system.

Applicable guidelines:

Section 1.B.4. (ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER)
Buildings should be visually interesting to invite exploration by pedestrians. A building should express human scale through materials and forms that were seen traditionally. This is important because buildings are experienced at close proximity by the pedestrian.
GUIDELINES:
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.
4c. Scale first floor signs to pedestrians.
4d. Differentiate the architectural features of ground floors from upper floors with traditional considerations such as show-windows, transoms, friezes, and sign boards.
4e. Design top floors to enhance the skyline of the block through cornices and details that are harmonious with adjacent architecture.
4f. Encourage the use of 'green roofs' and other sustainable practices, while minimizing the visual impact from the street.

Section 1.B.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.
GUIDELINES:
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 facade.
Applicant

Peavy / Tinker Ma, Inc.

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