Design Review Board
Level 2: Major alteration of an existing building/structure
8-E-18-DT
Staff Recommendation
RECOMMEND the Market Street improvements as proposed with the following considerations: 1) Using pavers instead of stamped concrete for the band at the back of curb, and 2) Installing brick on the East Tennessee History Center property, outside of the continuous concrete sidewalk on the east side of the block.
Applicant Request
This proposal is a streetscape improvement project by the City of Knoxville for the 600 block of Market Street (between Clinch Ave. and Church Ave.). The proposal includes removing the existing brick sidewalk and trees/landscape containers on both sides of the street. The street and sidewalk widths will not change.
The proposed sidewalks will be similar to those on the 700 block of Market Street to the south with the exception that the proposed brick band at the back of the curb is constructed of integrally colored stamped concrete instead of pervious pavers. The stamped concrete will have a matching color and pattern as the pavers in the 700 block.
In the current streetscape there are 7 trees on the east side of the street (1 being on the ET History Center property) and 2 trees on the west side. The proposed streetscape will include 4 street trees on the east side of the street. Structural soil cells will be installed below the sidewalk which allow the tree roots to grow into without heaving the sidewalk over time. The tree wells will be 5' by 5'.
The existing streetlights will be replaced with LED, single acorn light fixtures that are the same as those on the 700 block.
The concrete sidewalk will be the same color and texture as the 700 block. Where the continuous sidewalk extends onto private property, the sidewalk will be replaced up to the adjoining building. In most cases this this only a few feet. In front of the East Tennessee History Center (ETHC), the depth of the sidewalk on the ETHC property is approximately 12'.
Staff Comments
The 600 block of Market Street is the block of this street that has not been improved. The 700 block to the south was reviewed by the board in 2009 and subsequently improved, and the 500 block to the north was improved when Krutch Park was renovated in the 2000's. The proposed streetscape improvements will make the full length of Market Street much more consistent in terms of the sidewalk surface and lighting. Though there will be fewer street trees, the structural soil cells under the sidewalk will allow the new trees to be healthier and grow taller.
Staff is recommeding two modifications to the plan so there is more consistency in the Market Street blocks and to retain texture along the streetscape. Though the stamped concrete band at the back of the curb will have a similar look at the pavers in the 700 block, it will visually be different and it is important to keep design elements consistent from block to block whenever possible. The sidewalk area in front of the East Tennesee History Center is very wide, similar to small plaza. Staff has concern with having such a wide area of create and recommend reinstalling brick to retain some texture in front of the building.
Applicable guidelines:
Section 1.A. (PUBLIC REALM AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS)
The public realm is composed of streets, sidewalks, and public open spaces. Public space is defined by development and supports a diversity of uses. It promotes transit use and pedestrian activity. It can be considered the outdoor room created by surrounding buildings.
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.
1c. Create standards for sidewalks (including size and materials) that establish a sense of visual continuity.
1d. Widen sidewalks to accommodate street trees and amenities with a minimum 5-foot clear pedestrian passage.
1e. Establish a furnishing zone in which the sidewalk furniture creates a buffer for pedestrians from vehicular traffic.
1f. Adopt standards for types of sidewalk furniture, like benches, trash receptacles, newspaper stands, etc.
1g. Consolidate curb-cuts and locate driveways near mid-block, when necessary; alley access should be provided for service and parking, if feasible.
1h. Install and time traffic signals to maximize pedestrian safety and convenience.
1i. Provide safe bicycle connections to downtown and accommodate bicycle parking.
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.
