Historic Zoning Commission

Market Square H-1: Level II

6-N-08-HZ

Staff Recommendation

APPROVE Certificate No. 60508MKT. Proposed front hanging sign is consistent with adopted design guidelines (see Signs, D 2.) Proposed blade sign is not discussed in design guidelines, but is consistent with era and materials for Market Square.


Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair
Masonry repair/painting

Install two signs. 1) hanging sign, sized 2'6"x3'7", two sided, from simple bracket; 2) hanging blade sign on side wall, 189" (approximately 15'9") long x 37.5" wide with a 6" projection from the building, internally light (using LED illumination) with outline of white light bulbs on perimeter and centered letters internally illuminated in white, and with blue outline on perimeter and flat edge on side and an arrow at bottom to resemble neon sign.


Site Info

Vernacular Commercial (c.1925) Vogue building

Three story, two bay brick with simple terra cotta detailing, c. 1960 storefront. Metal casement windows. Inset terra cotta on pilasters diving bays on second and third stories.


The proposed blade sign is located on the walkway, off the frontage of Market Square, and uses modern lighting to replicate a neon blade sign typical of the 1920s when the Vogue Building was constructed. Its coloration, shape and lighting will enhance the historic character of Market Square, and will not set a precedent for the remainder of the buildings on the Square since none of them has access to a location removed from the front elevation of the buildings. Neon is discussed as an appropriate lighting for Market Square signs (see Signs, D.5.)

Applicant

Robert Marlino (Smee Busby)


Location Knoxville
4 Market Square

Owner
4MC LLC