Historic Zoning Commission

General:

9-F-02-HZ

Applicant Request

Reconstruct front portico, replacing failing concrete foundation and reinstalling other materials to replicate original.

Site Info

South (primary) façade: Two story, three bay brick building with marble quoins and a raised basement and flat roof. Square and ocular attic vent windows with marble surrounds. Projecting metal cornice above second story with plain square brackets and pressed metal cornice with egg and dart molding and motif of raised circles with enclosed crosses, typical of Baumann and Baumann designed buildings. Extended central bay with two story pedimented portico emphasizing primary elevation, ornamented with ocular attic window, four round Bedford limestone colulmns on large rectangular Bedford limestone plinths with recessed panels that are bordered with egg and dart molding, Doric capitals on columns. Pierced stone balustrade and marble steps with extended marble buttresses flanking the steps and supporting four globe cast iron light fixtures. Metal ceiling. Green and white on terra cotta encaustic tile floor with a Greek fret border. Deeply recessed front entry with double doors under an entablature with Greek fret and egg and dart embellished cornice.

Knox County Schools is to be commended for this commitment to the maintenance of the architecture of this building, which is an importance landmark to many Knoxvillians. The proposed work will result in a rebuilt front portico, with its architectural details maintained, correcting the structural failure of the portico that occurred several years ago.