At the May neighborhood potluck neighbors discussed the need to update the H-1 Zoning Overlay Historic Design Guidelines for Old North Knoxville. These guidelines are used as the primary determination of appropriateness for exterior restoration and rehabilitation projects in our neighborhood. The current guidelines were established in 1992, and we all now enjoy the benefits as we have followed those guidelines toward a common goal.

Through the years we have learned to establish priorities for preservation while finding ways to adapt these historic homes to our more modern lifestyle. As our neighborhood evolves the ONK Historic Design Guidelines need to evolve with us. We are looking at strengthening the preservation language where needed and adapting the guidelines to permit the use of new methods and materials where appropriate without sacrificing our focus on preservation.

Toward that end, the neighborhood is forming a committee to work with the MPC’s Historic Preservation department to create an updated set of design guidelines for ONK. The first meeting of the committee will be Tuesday, August 5 at 6:00 pm at St. James Episcopal Church at 1101 N. Broadway. You can enter the fellowship hall from the small parking lot at the rear of the building off Folsom. All neighbors are welcome to attend the meeting and share any ideas or concerns you may have.