The City of Knoxville’s Community Development Department has selected six projects to receive funding from the Historic Preservation Fund. City Council voted to approve the spending on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

“Historic buildings are our City’s architectural legacy, but restoration can be a challenge to finance through traditional means,” says Community Development Director Becky Wade. “By establishing this fund, Mayor Rogero has helped make it less difficult for owners and developers to return buildings that are unique to Knoxville to usefulness and create additional value in neighborhoods and commercial districts.”

“Some of these commercial properties we’re funding will return vacant buildings to productive use and the tax rolls, as well as create jobs and ultimately provide services to downtown and the surrounding area,” said Ken McMahon, Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Knoxville. “You’re taking something that wasn’t contributing much to a neighborhood and making it something that will bring businesses and customers or clients—more people on the sidewalk.”

The six projects, receiving a total of $544,153.60, were selected for their eligibility, cost feasibility, project readiness, and community benefit:

• The Dempster Building, 611 - 617 North Central St., $200,000

This project will include restoration and development of two, long-vacant buildings into a mixed-use development to include residential units and commercial tenants. Built in 1895 as the W.C. McCoy Livery, it was one of the first buildings in what was known as the Central Market area. In the 1920s, it housed Dempster Construction Company and Dempster Motor Company, owned by George Dempster, who served as Knoxville Mayor 1952-1955 and invented the Dempster Dumpster.

• Baker Creek Bottoms (former Sevier Heights Baptist Church), 3700 Lancaster Dr., $150,000

The church’s large sanctuary will be developed as an event and performing arts venue. The smaller, original sanctuary is being restored to house a restaurant utilizing funding from last round.

• Former Tex Ten Printing Supplies, 1520 Washington Ave., $100,000

Originally a grocery store, the building will be restored and developed as a new home for three businesses in the Park City neighborhood’s historic commercial district.

• Architects Weeks Ambrose McDonald, Inc., 30 Market Square, $45,000

Funding will be used for structural repairs to both walls shared with neighboring buildings. 

• Mabry-Hazen House and Meek Cottage, 1711 Dandridge Ave., $27,770.60

Funding will be used for additional renovation and restoration of windows, siding, and porch repair for the historic home.

• Blount Mansion, 200 W. Hill Ave., $21,383

The Blount Mansion Association will use the funding to restore the windows of the home, which was constructed between 1792 and approximately 1820.

For additional information about other projects that have received funding from the City’s Historic Preservation Fund, visit the Historic Preservation Fund information page.