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Design Review Board

Level 2: Major alteration of an existing building/structure

7-A-19-DT

Staff Recommendation

APPROVE Certificate 7-A-19-DT as submitted.

Location
111 State St.
Applicant Request
Renovation of the existing warehouse structure as a performing arts center. The west (left) entry door system will be replaced with a full-lite metal door and corrugated metal siding to infill the remaining wall opening. The east (right) large metal garage door will be replaced a full-lite metal door and large metal doors with thin vertical glass panels and corrugated metal siding to infill the remaining wall opening. Replace the existing wooden stairs on the west (left) side of the façade with metal stairs. Repaint the existing wood trim and brick that has previously been painted (below the existing metal canopy). The unpainted brick above the metal canopy will remain unpainted. The five existing wood paneled garage doors will be retained.
Staff Comments
This building is within the Southern Terminal and Warehouse (National Register) Historic District, so the Historic Resources section of the design guidelines will apply. The guidelines recommend retaining and repairing exiting storefronts and other formal entrances. The proposal includes removal of the formal entrance to the building on the west (left) side of the elevation. This includes a half-lite door with infill to the left with a partial window. It is unknown if this masonry opening was an original doorway into the building or if it was originally a garage door that was converted.

Applicable guidelines:

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:
5c. Design entrances according to the proportions of the building's height and width.
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 façade.

Section 1.C.3. (ENTRANCES)
Formal entrances to front facades should be retained. This includes entrances that are located above street level and accessed by exterior stairs. Altering or removing the main entrance to grant street-level access is not appropriate.
GUIDELINES:
3a. Establish recessed entries, either rectangular or with slightly canted sides, which are appropriate in storefronts.
3b. Allow for multiple entries on the first floor of the building, giving access to commercial space that may be divided into bays.
3d. Maintain original height and materials for doors that are consistent with the use of the building, such as residential, commercial, or banking purposes.

Section 1.C.5. (MASONRY)
Masonry features should be retained and repaired; materials, including mortar, should match the original mortar in color and composition. Mortar joints should be sized and struck to match the original. Belt courses, string courses, dripstones, quoins and contrasting brick and stone are common. These features should be preserved and repaired if necessary, and should be introduced on infill buildings.
GUIDELINES:
5a. Repair masonry with stone or brick and mortar that match the original.
5b. Do not paint masonry that has never been painted.
Applicant

King / Smee & Busby Architects

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