Design Review Board

Level 1: Sign

8-E-24-DT

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of Certificate 8-E-24-DT, subject to one condition: 1) revised drawings for window signs to be submitted to staff, limiting the sign area to less than 30% coverage of the window and omitting opaque screening on the windows.


Applicant Request
Proposed illuminated wall sign and vinyl window graphics. The wall sign is proposed for the metal beam area. The wall sign features internally illuminated, white acrylic letters fixed on a metal raceway to be painted to match the metal beam. The application includes two signage options with varying text. The first option measures 14'-10 7/16" wide by 1'-6" tall, and the second option measures 17'-9" wide by 1'-6" tall. Window graphics are digitally-printed, perforated window graphics (measurements not provided).

Staff Comments
714 S. Gay Street, while a historic building, is not listed on the NRHP so the Historic Resources section of the guidelines does not apply.

The proposed sign forms (a wall sign above the first story, mounted flush to the building façade) and window signs meet the design guidelines for recommended signs. City sign code (13.9.F) limits a building's allotted signage to 10% or less of the wall area of the primary building elevation. The applicant should verify the proposal meets these restrictions. While internal illumination is often discouraged by the DRB, at 716 S. Gay Street, the DRB approved a very similar sign, measuring 181.5" long by approximately 18" tall and features internally illuminated, white acrylic letters.

Measurements for the window signs should be provided to staff, and a revised drawing should meet the design guidelines which recommend "less than 30% coverage, including neon signs." The Downtown Design Guidelines also recommend that windows at the pedestrian level be transparent glass; screening should not be installed as part of the window graphics which blocks the windows.
Applicant

Micah Andrews Tennessee Sign Company


Planning Staff
Lindsay Crockett
Phone: 865-215-3795
Email: lindsay.crockett@knoxplanning.org
Location
714 S. Gay St.

Owner
714 Gay St LLc

Case History