Commission approves Sunsphere visitor sign with electronic messaging center
Summary
The Historic Zoning Commission approved a 96-by-60-inch freestanding monolith sign with a 48x36-inch electronic messaging center at the Sunsphere, presented by Visit Knoxville; staff said the sign is removable and separated from the landmark so it meets guidelines.
The commission voted to approve a new freestanding monolith sign for the Sunsphere at 810 Clinch Avenue on Aug. 20. Staff described the sign as 96 inches tall by 60 inches wide with a 48-by-36-inch full-color electronic messaging center, vinyl cladding and acrylic push-through letters; the sign will sit near the entry to the visitors center and will be separated from the historic structure by a railing.
Kim Bumpus, president of Visit Knoxville, said the sign had been part of the original welcome-center plan but was postponed for budgetary reasons; she told the commission the sign would help present visitor information and stories about the Sunsphere. "We think it will be a dynamic addition for visitors and for telling the story to our groups that are coming into town," Bumpus said. Staff acknowledged vinyl and acrylic are not traditional materials for the landmark but noted the sign is freestanding and removable and therefore acceptable under standards that favor compatible, noninvasive additions.
A commissioner moved to approve the proposal as submitted; the motion passed on a voice vote.
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