Design Review Board
Level 2: Major alteration of an existing building/structure
Level 2: Addition to an existing building/structure
6-A-22-DT
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Certificate 6-A-22-DT, subject to the following conditions:
1) Masonry repointing and repair to adhere to NPS Preservation Brief #2;
2) Seismic-related modifications to the roofline should preserve size and design of masonry corbelling and parapet;
3) Any associated signage to return to the DRB or staff.
Location 716 S. Gay St.
Applicant Request
Exterior rehabilitation and new rooftop addition.
Rehabilitation scopes includes the repair and repointing of exterior brick masonry, the replacement of existing windows with one-over-one, double-hung, aluminum-clad windows, and the installation of new steel lintels above the window openings. On the second story of the east elevation, two new windows will be installed at existing openings, along with two new window openings to match the others. Three new window openings will be installed on the third story.
On the façade storefronts, the existing stucco and double entry door on the right storefront will be removed. The right storefront will receive a new aluminum storefront system to match the left side. The exposed steel beam will be cleaned and painted. The rear elevation will be cleaned and repainted, with new window openings created on the first story, and a new steel exterior staircase to be installed with a low-slope, standing-seam metal roof installed above.
The rooftop addition will feature a low-slope, TPO roof, an exterior of vertical fiber cement siding, and three bays of full-light doors on the façade. Additional bays of windows will be located on east and rear elevations. The addition will be recessed from the façade by 36'-3.5", with a steel and horizontal cable guardrail along the parapet.
Staff Comments
Overall, the proposal adheres to the design guidelines, as the project will remove non-historic modifications to the façade and reinstall a consistent rhythm of doorways to enhance pedestrian interest.
The proposed replacement windows are appropriate within the design guidelines. The original fenestrations will be maintained, with additional transparency created on the side and rear elevations in similar sizes and spacing. Aluminum-clad wood has been approved for replacement windows on historic buildings in downtown Knoxville, and the windows will feature a pane configuration, muntin arrangement and size, and overall size to match the existing.
The historic masonry is a character-defining feature and should be repointed to meet the standards of NPS Preservation Brief 2. Per building codes, seismic upgrades will be necessary to complete the project. Any modifications to the roofline should maintain the brick corbelling detail and the size, dimensions, and design of the parapet.
While 716 & 718 S. Gay Street are not listed on the NRHP and not subject to the Historic Resources section of the guidelines, the proposed rooftop addition does meet the relevant guideline, as it is substantially recessed from the façade and will be minimally visible from Gay Street. The rooftop addition will be differentiated from the historic building, and will not require the removal of any character-defining features.
The proposal meets the design standards for the DK-G zone. Any modifications to the site plan, including the installation of a patio or encroachment to the alley, is subject to further review by the City of Knoxville. Associated signage would also return to the DRB or staff.
