Yesterday Thursday May 15, 2025 before City of Knoxville HZC (Historic Zoning Commission) on 216 Cansler, R. Bentley Marlow was denied the use of Hardi Siding; denied use of concrete porches; denied a fiberglass front door; he was given a partial victory — Marlow was permitted to use aluminum clad windows.  Due to the requirement of wood siding and wood porches Marlow will not build this duplex.  He is suspecting that he will meet the same fate next month on 210 Cansler.  That’s a loss of 4 dwelling units and an estimated appraised value of $750,000 upon which taxes could be collected.

If you are interested in watching it begins at 1:36 to the end (about 30 min.)  Marlow is weighing his options to appeal (appeals are a court action).  Hist Zoning R 417 250515

Notably, the historic zoning commission at the same meeting granted houses in other historic districts the permission to use hardi siding; two in Fourth and Gill and the in Fourth and Gill guidelines read nearly identical to Mechanicsville regarding materials on new infill housing.  

Mechanicsville: ” R. Materials 1. The materials used for new building exteriors shall be consistent with materials already found on buildings on the street. 2. Artificial siding and split face block are not acceptable materials for use on new buildings.”

Fourth & Gill:  “Materials The materials with which the buildings are constructed contribute one of the most important visual factors in the neighborhood. The historic buildings use materials that were common when they were built. Those materials do not include concrete block, aluminum or vinyl siding or other synthetic wall coverings (unless they are added later. Recommendations: 1. The materials used for new buildings should be consistent with existing historic building materials along the street”

Marlow’s argument on appeal will essentially be reciting the relevant section from the Mechanicsville guidelines that he read at the beginning of his presentation that states new building materials should match what’s on the street–ergo there’s flexibility with that (Marlow also recited all the various materials on the street); and the fact the commission granted aluminum clad windows which are not allowed per guidelines (one commissioner suggested the reason they could not allow Hardi was due to it’s prohibition in the guidelines).  Marlow’s argument will be that inconsistency amounts to arbitrary and capricious conduct; the fact that one house on that block within the overlay currently has hardi (incorrectly referenced by me as 235 Cansler when it’s in actually 226); the National Park Service/Dept of Interior permits hardi on historic renovations; and the commissions approval of Hardi on the two Fourth & Gill projects the historic zoning commission heard immediately before Marlow’s.

Mechanicsville guidelines:  Mechanicsville Design Guidelines_2011 Update.indd

Fourth & Gill guidelines:  Neo4th&GillDGuidelines1-29

Members of the City of Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission are: Dationa Carter Mitchell, Travis Tillman, Rick Blackburn, Jennifer Bradley, Elizabeth Eason (excused absence from this meeting), Hallie Hearnes, Rev. Renee’ Kesler, Jade Kloss, Lisa Randazzo.