Historic Zoning Commission

Old North Knoxville H-1: Level II

6-J-07-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

Restoration of exterior siding and architectural trim elements including: window hoods, gable trim, bay window detailing; removal of jalousie windows in gable ends and replacement with patterned vent; installation of balustrade on restored roof top veranda. Modification at 6/21/2007 HZC meeting: design of roof balustrade to be determined later and reviewed by HZC.

Site Info

Thomas Fitzgerald House. Two story frame with weatherboard wall covering. Side gable roof with centered cross gable, asphalt shingle roof covering. Double hung two over two windows. One story three quarter front porch with side gable roof and centered gable; Two interior offset brick chimneys. Brick foundation. Irregular plan. One story projecting bay on east elevation. Raised brick foundation. One story rear addition on east side of north elevation. Recent surface demolitions have revealed original wood siding, porch columns, and porch posts and brackets.

Although there has not been a roof structure on this building in recent time, the rehabilitation the building revealed the flat roof and railing placement that existed for a roof structure original to the building. There was a roof deck and railing when the Fitzgerald House was built. Research has not revealed the design of the railing, which could have been turned wood spindles or a wrought iron railing. The railing currently in place was designed to match the front porch and balcony railings. The roof structure is in proportion to the house; the proposed railing, because it is so much more obvious than the porch railing, may not be a good solution. Design of the roof railing should more nearly replicate other railing on known Baumann designs. Several of those exist in Mechanicsville. Many of the larger homes of this era had both roof cresting and roof structures with railings, all of which have been removed. While it is not appropriate for all homes, if the evidence of a roof structure or roof cresting is found, reinstalling it enhances the original house design.

Restoration of other original trim elements and repair of the existing wood siding enhance the house's historic architecture and are consistent with the adopted design guidelines. (Wall Coverings, pg. 20 and 21, E. 3, 7, & 8. Roofs, pg. 13 A.3.)