Historic Zoning Commission

Miller Building H-1 Landmark: Level II

4-I-17-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Major repair or replacement of materials or architectural elements

The exterior renovation of storefronts for two tenants on the building will include replacing the existing exterior windows, adding new recessed entries to each space and replacing or removing the existing awnings. Also, installing new dark bronze storefront with clear Solar Ban 60 glass at each of the existing openings.

The South tenant (#1) will not modify the existing window openings. The overall height of the storefront below the canopy will remain 8'-0"H x 16'-11"W and the height of the storefront above the canopy will remain 6'-2" H x 16'-11" W. All framework components will be verified to match the size and color of the existing window systems. A new recessed entrance will be incorporated with two 3'-0" W x 7'-10" H doors that will match existing buildings finishes. The entry will include two new steps, and a landing. The exterior walls surrounding the new entry will match the existing stone cladding. The tile for the entry stairs and landing will match the Gay Street entry for the Region's Bank. All framework components will be verified to match the size and color of the existing window systems.

The North tenant (#2) plans to eliminate the existing awnings. New dark bronze storefront and clear glass will be installed at the openings. The overall height and width of the existing windows will remain 15'-8" H X 14'-0" W, but they will no longer be broken at the midpoint with exterior cladding or canopies. All framework components will be verified to match the size and color of the existing window systems. A new recessed entrance will be incorporated with angled display windows similar to a previous tenant as illustrated in the historical photo provided. The two new doors will be 3'-0" W x 7'-10" H and match existing building finishes.

SIGNAGE -- (Level I - staff approval).
The signage for the South tenant (#1) is proposed to be a blade sign that is 2'-6" x 4'-0". The new sign will be internally lit, and have a mounting height of roughly 12'- 4" above the sidewalk to align with the sill of the existing upper window as shown. The blade sign will be attached to masonry, that is not original to the building, using two arms bolted to the wall like other signage found on Gay St. See attached example. When possible, we plan to bolt through the mortar joints to minimize any possible damage to the masonry.

Site Info

The earliest (southern) portion of the Miller's Department Store in downtown Knoxville was erected in 1905 and was was the most popular among downtown shoppers. A foundation of the downtown business district, the seven-story building was designed in the popular Beaux Arts style by Knoxville-based architect, R. F. Graf. A 1911 addition to the north was in the same style as the original building, but an expansion in 1935 was in the Art Deco style. In 1998, after numerous modifications to the façade, the building was restored returning the buildings to the earliest appearance of each of the three component sections.

1) The building is a contributing structure within the S.Gay Street National Register Historic District and is designated with an individual H-1 landmark overlay.

2) The existing storefront system at the pedestrian level is a replacement dating to 1998.

3) The proposed replacement storefront configuration and materials are in keeping with the existing storefront.

4) The proposed replacement storefront will not damage or remove any original or recreated details of the storefront, and may be changed out in the future without doing so.

5) The current lack of transparency of the windows is a visual barrier to pedestrians, and the replacement windows will correct this undesirable situation since they are proposed to be clear. The clear glass will provide desired visibility into the retail space from the street, creating a more vibrant and interactive streetscape.

6) The recessed entry proposed for Tenant #2 is based on a documentary photo indicating a recessed storefront within the historic building façade.

7) The proposed signage and awnings meet the design guidelines and zoning code for size, placement, and material. These items are a Level 1 project allowing staff approval