Commission recommends historic overlay for Craftsman bungalow at 2515 N. Central St.

On June 18 the Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the city apply a historic overlay to a Craftsman bungalow at 2515 N. Central St., finding the property retains key architectural features and historic associations.

Staff presented a designation report noting the house's circa-1925 construction, intact Craftsman details (three-over-one double-hung wood windows, wide eave overhangs, tapered porch columns on brick piers, carved wooden doors), and the Watson family's long ownership and local significance. Staff said the house sits at the edge of the Oakwood neighborhood and adjacent to properties in the Happy Holler and Emory Place National Register districts, and recommended approval of the overlay under National Register-related integrity criteria.

Staff further explained the commission's role: its recommendation and staff memo will accompany the rezoning application to the planning commission, which is scheduled to hear the matter on July 10. The applicant was not present because of a recent move to assisted living; staff has met with family members and documented the property's history.

A commissioner praised the documentation and moved to approve the overlay recommendation based on staff's report. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission's favorable recommendation will be included in the planning commission's package and considered as the rezoning proceeds.

Staff recorded the property as meeting the seven aspects of integrity used in National Register evaluations and noted that the owners seek protection from demolition and encouragement of adaptive reuse.