On Jan. 16, 2025, the Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission approved a revised certificate of appropriateness for 730 Deary Street, ordering most replacement windows to be double-hung and requiring the applicant to submit window profiles and preserve divisions in three fixed front windows.

The commission’s vote followed a staff recommendation to approve the revisions with the condition that all replacement windows be double-hung. Lindsey, a staff member who presented the case, told the commission that the previously installed windows included "false internal muntins which are not supported by the Fourth and Gill design guidelines," and that the staff recommendation was to approve the revision only if replacement units were double-hung.

Chad Taylor, the applicant, addressed the commission and said he appreciated approval of double-hung windows but asked the commission to allow both specification options in his packet, noting both would be single-light, 1-over-1 windows: "While I do appreciate the approval of the double hung windows I would request that both specs that are provided be approved… and of course they would be 1 over ones." A representative for the Fourth and Gill neighborhood informed the commission that the neighborhood did not object to changing from 3-over-1 double-hung sash to 1-over-1 windows, but asked for two conditions: that the chosen window profiles be submitted to staff to review compatibility with the appearance of wood windows, and that the three fixed front windows retain a visual division (three lights) consistent with the house’s facade.

Commissioners discussed whether single-hung units permitted by manufacturer availability should be allowed; staff clarified the condition would require double-hung operation for replacement sash but would exclude the three fixed front windows and some side elevation fixed windows from that requirement. One commissioner offered to make a motion reflecting staff’s recommendation plus the neighborhood’s suggested conditions. The motion on the floor required that: (1) all replacement windows be double-hung except for the three fixed front windows and any other fixed windows identified in the elevations; (2) the three fixed front windows retain divisions as shown in the elevations; and (3) detailed window profiles/specifications must be submitted to staff for approval.

The roll-call vote recorded eight commissioners: Commissioner Blackburn voted yes; Commissioner Eason voted no; Commissioner Bradley voted no; Commissioner Kessler voted no; Commissioner Herns voted yes; Commissioner Closs voted yes; Commissioner Randazzo voted yes; Commissioner Tillman voted yes. One commissioner (Mitchell) did not cast a vote on that motion. The chair announced, "That's 5 yes, 3 no," and the motion passed.

The commission will follow up with the applicant on the staff-review items and the approved conditions.

The item began as a revision to a previously approved COA for a new primary structure on the corner of Deary Street; the revision addresses windows that were installed differently than the originally approved 3-over-1 double-hung sash. The applicant proposed 1-over-1 aluminum-clad-wood or fiberglass windows to replace the installed units. The staff and neighborhood discussion focused on matching the appearance of wood sash, maintaining appropriate divisions on the prominent front windows, and ensuring window operation (double-hung vs. single-hung) fits the commission’s contextual standards.