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Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

8-A-18-DT

This proposal is to expand the State Street Garage by adding two additional stories, which will include extension of the existing elevator and stair towers, installation of a new elevator tower, realignment of the State Street entrance, and installation of canopies over the vehicular entrances. In 2012 the board approved a renovation and one-story expansion of the garage (6-D-12-DT). This proposal will use the same design and materials as the previous expansion.

State Street entrance realignment: The proposal is to straighten the entrance so vehicles enter perpendicular to the street. Currently vehicles come in at an angle. This realignment will require the removal of three trees on the south (right) side of the current driveway. A new landscape area will be created on the north (left) side of the new driveway that will include low plantings.

New elevator tower: Located on the Central Street (east) elevation near the Union Avenue intersection, this elevator will be the full 8-story height of the garage. The design will be the same as the other elevator and stair towers installed in 2013. The elevator will have a door that opens toward Central Street with a sidewalk connection to the public sidewalk, as well as a door on the interior of the garage. See detail 9 on sheet AA103.

Entrance canopies: Each of the 3 vehicular entrances and the new elevator tower will have a new metal framed glass canopy that will look similar to the pedestrian bridge over State Street. See the rendering in detail 3/AP106 and canopy details on sheet AA103.

Height: Including the 2 story expansion, the garage will be 5 stories on State Street and 8 stories on Central Street.

Location
500 State St
Applicant Request
This proposal is to expand the State Street Garage by adding two additional stories, which will include extension of the existing elevator and stair towers, installation of a new elevator tower, realignment of the State Street entrance, and installation of canopies over the vehicular entrances. In 2012 the board approved a renovation and one-story expansion of the garage (6-D-12-DT). This proposal will use the same design and materials as the previous expansion.

State Street entrance realignment: The proposal is to straighten the entrance so vehicles enter perpendicular to the street. Currently vehicles come in at an angle. This realignment will require the removal of three trees on the south (right) side of the current driveway. A new landscape area will be created on the north (left) side of the new driveway that will include low plantings.

New elevator tower: Located on the Central Street (east) elevation near the Union Avenue intersection, this elevator will be the full 8-story height of the garage. The design will be the same as the other elevator and stair towers installed in 2013. The elevator will have a door that opens toward Central Street with a sidewalk connection to the public sidewalk, as well as a door on the interior of the garage. See detail 9 on sheet AA103.

Entrance canopies: Each of the 3 vehicular entrances and the new elevator tower will have a new metal framed glass canopy that will look similar to the pedestrian bridge over State Street. See the rendering in detail 3/AP106 and canopy details on sheet AA103.

Height: Including the 2 story expansion, the garage will be 5 stories on State Street and 8 stories on Central Street.
Staff Comments
The proposed expansion will make the building taller but will not drastically change the overall design of the building. State Street is the primary pedestrian street and this elevation has the lowest visible height and the largest landscaped yard. The realignment of the entrance so it is perpendicular to the street will enhance pedestrian safety because it will require vehicles to slow down more and make a more traditional turn into the garage, and will allow the City to install an ADA accessible crossing at the driveway. The current driveway crossing does not appear to meet ADA design standards.

Applicable guidelines:

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. For more information, please see the Knoxville Regional Bicycle Plan (2002).
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.

Section 1.A.3. (PARKING FACILITIES)
It is important to ensure that parking facilities (both public and private) are safe, accessible, and clearly marked. New parking facilities should be designed to be attractive, compatible additions to downtown. In general, new parking facilities should remain subordinate to the street scene.
GUIDELINES:
3a. Create parking garages that do not contain blank walls. Allow for future commercial uses that may not be feasible at the time of construction.
3b. Locate parking garages under structures, or provide for retail, residential or office uses that line the garage. Corner locations are preferable for commercial uses.
3g. Access to parking garages should not limit options for future development of contiguous or adjoining space, especially on corners.

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.
4b. Establish performance spaces for the arts including opportunities for artists to perform, display, or create work.
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

McCarty Holsaple McCarty

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