Historic Zoning Commission

Old North Knoxville H-1: Level II

6-H-20-HZ

Applicant Request

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

Exterior rehabilitation for adaptive re-use of c.1927 commercial building, with a rear concrete block warehouse addition dating to the late 1960s. Scope of work involves: enlarging existing windows on side elevations, restoration of historic storefront, adding new windows and secondary entrances on secondary elevations, and repair to existing siding material.

Façade (north elevation): to receive two storefront systems (featuring divided-light transoms, single-pane storefront windows, and bulkheads) flanking paired single-light doors topped by a transom. Existing masonry piers surrounding main door to remain. A flat metal awning will extend the length of the storefront. Scope of work also includes decorative planters.

Right (west) side elevation: removal of non-historic clerestory windows on second-story of c.1927 structure, to be replaced with double-hung sash windows for egress; installation of three storefront systems on the first story of c.1960s section, featuring glazed doors topped by tall single-light transom windows; and installation of double-hung sash windows in place of existing windows; deteriorating gunite cladding to be removed and exterior covered in stucco.

Left (east) elevation: removal of non-historic clerestory windows on c.1927 structure, double-hung sash windows to be installed on two stories of original section; installation of three storefront systems on the first story of c.1960s section, featuring glazed doors topped by tall single-light transom windows; two bays of second story to receive single-light glazed doors with transoms and balconies; deteriorating gunite cladding to be removed and exterior covered in stucco.

Rear (south) elevation: removal of metal staircase and non-historic rear door; installation of single-light glazed door with transom and balcony; installation of three paired double-hung sash windows on second story.

Some side elevation windows are noted as subject to change due to proximity to the property line.

Site Info

One story brick with central entry with transom, flanked by paired one over one windows with brick bulkhead, flat roof with front parapet wall, rectangular plan.

1. 428 E. Scott contributes to the ONK local historic overlay. The structure is unique to the district as a commercial building, used as a store, office building, and manufacturing structure. The original building was constructed in 1927, and a concrete block warehouse structure was added to the rear in the 1960s. The façade was rehabilitated again in the 1990s to remove the 1970s mansard roof.

2. Rehabilitation of the storefront draws from a 1930s photograph and the façade of a comparable structure built in Fort Sanders in 1926. The applicant proposes to install two storefront systems flanking a full-light double door. Storefront systems will feature bulkheads and four-light transom windows. The storefront window system exhibit proportions and a design appropriate for an early twentieth-century commercial building. Design of the façade restoration is appropriate.

3. The applicant has presented options of both metal and wood storefront systems for the façade, requesting that staff be granted the final approval of material. The neighborhood has expressed a preference for wood storefront systems. In staff's opinion, wood, metal, or aluminum-clad wood would be appropriate, as long as the muntin profiles, trim, and window sizes reflect what's shown in the application.

4. The flat metal awning is simple in design and comparable in size, design, and materials to awnings approved on historic commercial buildings in Knoxville. The awning is appropriate for the size of the façade, extending evenly across the storefront systems and doors. The design is not overly elaborate, does not create a false sense of history, and could be removed without detriment to the historic façade.

5. The c.1960s warehouse section is minimally visible from the public right-of-way; the west elevation is mostly obscured by the residence at 424 E. Scott, with the top right corner as the only visible section from E. Scott. The east elevation is not visible from Scott Ave. and minimally visible from Harvey Street. The rear elevation is not visible.

6. The proposed one-over-one, double-hung sash windows on the west elevation are appropriate for the c.1927 section. The windows will be minimally visible from E. Scott Ave. On the warehouse section, enlarging the metal industrial windows to be one-over-one, double-hung sash for egress is appropriate, and will visually tie the rear portion to the historic structure. The neighborhood has expressed a preference for wood windows.

7. One-over-one, double-hung sash windows are also proposed for the c.1927 section, east elevation. Applicant notes that these windows may not be ultimately permissible due to building code restrictions and this elevation may need to be re-designed.

8. On the first floor of the warehouse section, both east and west elevations, the applicant has proposed full-light storefront systems with two adjoining levels of windows. While the windows are taller in proportion than the double-hung windows or the façade storefront systems, the rear section is a more modern structure, constructed for industrial purposes. The taller storefront systems do not detract from the overall integrity of the building, do not duplicate window patterns from an earlier period, and serve to differentiate the two sections.

9. Rear elevation work, including the addition of double-hung sash windows, removal of metal staircase, and removal of door, is appropriate.

10. On the c.1960s section, removal of the deteriorated gunite material and covering the concrete masonry units with stucco is appropriate.