Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

12-B-20-DT

Applicant Request

Expansion of existing rooftop penthouse. Rooftop penthouse will be modified to extend 38'-9.5" tall (existing penthouse and sign cabinet are 28'-10" tall). New penthouse will measure 38' wide (fronting Gay and State Streets) by 36' deep (fronting Cumberland and Main). Penthouse will feature metal panel cladding (similar to existing) and sculptured gutters around the top.

The existing sign will be removed and replaced with a new, internally illuminated sign, centered on the penthouse wall. Letters and bank logo to be internally illuminated. Revised 13' by 13' square logo (above aluminum text as submitted) approved by staff 2.25.21.

Site Info

Overall, the proposal meets the Downtown Knoxville Design Guidelines. As the subject building measures approximately 312'-8" tall, the expanded penthouse and new sign will be minimally visible from the immediately surrounding blocks. The proposed penthouse modifications add approximately 10' in height, which will very minimally expand the penthouse's visibility from more distant viewpoints. The penthouse will retain the enclosed section which obscures existing HVAC equipment.

The new sign is replacing an existing sign with a comparable size, design, and placement. The sign's internal illumination will not have a negative effect on the surrounding context.