Design board allows red LED "neon" sign for new Jackson Terminal tenant

The Downtown Design Review Board approved a certificate of appropriateness Aug. 19 for a red LED “neon” interior sign proposed for 205 West Jackson Avenue. Staff recommended approval with the added finding that, although Article 13 of the city zoning code generally restricts red illuminated signs, the sign’s placement behind the storefront transom made it appropriate in context.

Applicant AJ Tierney told the board the sign is LED (not classic glass neon) and would be illuminated only during open hours; he said the choice of red was driven by the building’s painted brick and a cabaret-inspired concept. “I just came back from New York. There's so much red neon in New York, and it's something I really like miss here,” Tierney said. Staff confirmed the sign will not flash and will meet the required vertical clearance.

Board members noted the sign’s distance from the street and Jackson Terminal setting as factors supporting approval. The board approved the staff recommendation by voice vote. The certificate approval will be enforced through the usual permitting and inspection process under Article 13 of the Knoxville zoning code.

Next steps: the applicant will obtain a sign permit and the city will verify compliance during plans review and a field inspection before final installation.