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Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

7-C-19-DT

Installation of new metal canopy and canvas awning across the front of the building, extending 5'-6" from the building (over the public sidewalk) and a minimum clearance with the sidewalk of 9'-0". The metal canopy also extends approximately 3'-0" to the west (right) of the building and wraps around the side of the building approximately 1'-0". The metal canopy is located over the lower portion of the storefront transom. The transom will not be modified.

An illuminated canopy sign is located on the right side of the metal canopy and wraps around to the side of the canopy. The letters will be located on top of the canopy and will be 8" tall and will be a total of 8 sqft. The letters will have internal neon highlights.

NOTE: The board does not review sidewalk seating area, including the proposed drink rail and planters, because they are not permanently affixed to the sidewalk. The City of Knoxville has a separate review and approval process for sidewalk seating.

Location
516 W. Jackson Ave.
Applicant Request
Installation of new metal canopy and canvas awning across the front of the building, extending 5'-6" from the building (over the public sidewalk) and a minimum clearance with the sidewalk of 9'-0". The metal canopy also extends approximately 3'-0" to the west (right) of the building and wraps around the side of the building approximately 1'-0". The metal canopy is located over the lower portion of the storefront transom. The transom will not be modified.

An illuminated canopy sign is located on the right side of the metal canopy and wraps around to the side of the canopy. The letters will be located on top of the canopy and will be 8" tall and will be a total of 8 sqft. The letters will have internal neon highlights.

NOTE: The board does not review sidewalk seating area, including the proposed drink rail and planters, because they are not permanently affixed to the sidewalk. The City of Knoxville has a separate review and approval process for sidewalk seating.
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 allowing awnings of traditional shapes and materials, stating that canvas is usually the appropriate material for awnings. The proposed canopy has a low slope and made of metal. While this is not an awning type historically found downtown, the style is appropriate for the simple, warehouse buildings in this area.

The location of the metal canopy over the transom concerns staff to some degree because it obscures this storefront feature. While staff has not made a specific recommendation to move the canopy above the transom, this is something the board should consider.

The metal canopy extends beyond the right side of the building and appears to extend in front of and over the adjacent property, according to the lot lines shown on the City Ward map. Either the applicant will need to get permission from the adjacent property owner to allow this encroachment or provide documentation during permitting that the canopy does not extend in front of or over the adjacent property.

The design guidelines recommend that signs in National Register Historic Districts have no internal illumination. Also, the guidelines recommend that signs on awnings be located on the valance only. This proposal includes internal neon highlights with the letters located on top of the canopy. The guidelines were do not address signs on canopies such as this, however, the board has approved similar signs at other locations in the Old City area. In addition, for Urban Outfitters located next to Market Square, the board approved a sign that is attached blow the canopy but also has internal neon highlights. Neon illumination has been approved by the board in National Register Historic Districts when it is determined to be appropriate for the location.

Applicable guidelines:

Section 1.C.7. (RECOMMENDED SIGNS)
Commercial establishments need to advertise. However, advertising signs should be effective and appropriate to historic areas without contributing to visual clutter. Primary concerns are a sign's location, size, material, and illumination.
GUIDELINES:
7a. Locate signs above storefront windows, below second-story windows on the sign board, or on the storefront windows themselves (30% is maximum coverage), or off the front of the building as a projecting sign (maximum size: 9 square feet).
7b. Create signs that are proportional to the building where they are located.
7c. Do not light signs internally.

Section 1.C.8. (AWNINGS)
Awnings are allowed on historic buildings when they are appropriate to the building and are designed with traditional shapes, forms, and materials. If awnings are used, their overall size, shape, and projection from the building must be in proper proportion and scale to the building and contained within the window or door they shelter, and not cover adjacent wall surfaces. Canvas is usually the appropriate material for awnings.
GUIDELINES:
8a. Allow awnings in traditional shapes and materials.
8b. Contain signs or advertising only within the valance of the awning.
Applicant

Aktalay / Sanders Pace Architecture

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