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Board approves 21‑unit Huron Street townhouse project with landscaping and masonry conditions
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Summary
The board approved a 21‑unit townhouse infill at 1914 Huron Street with conditions requiring native shade trees, parge coating or brick veneer for exposed foundations/retaining walls, and porch column and façade detailing to match neighborhood context.
The Knoxville Design Review Board approved a 21‑unit townhouse development proposed for 1914 Huron Street on April 15, subject to a set of staff‑recommended conditions focused on materials and landscaping.
Staff described the project as a grouping of three‑story townhome clusters with alternating facade types to break up the long frontage; the proposal includes a shared rear parking court accessed from side streets and pedestrian connections to adjacent community amenities. Melinda Woolard said staff recommended approval contingent on meeting engineering/zoning standards, replacing proposed ornamental trees with native or naturalized shade trees in front yards, parge coating or brick veneer for any exposed foundation or retaining walls, and retaining porch column proportions (columns at least 6x6) and brick veneer at porch foundations.
Applicant Ben Hudgins explained revisions made after a workshop, notably reducing repetitive gable porches and varying porch treatments and column detailing to make facades feel more “house‑like.” Board members asked detailed questions about grade changes, retaining walls and how lower‑level units would daylight; Hudgins and project representatives described a stepped plan in which half of the lowest‑level units include a bedroom suite and others provide den or office space at the ground floor.
Cameron Bolen moved approval for staff recommendations with an added condition that exposed concrete ends be wrapped in brick veneer; Perry Childress seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. The board also asked the applicant to provide clearer landscape and retaining‑wall details as part of the final plan set and to keep façade variety that responds to nearby minimal traditionals and cottages.
The board’s action clears the design‑review step; project permits and any major revisions to foundation height or porch configuration must return to the board for further review.
