At its meeting on May 28, 2024, the Knoxville City Council approved $247,855 in Historic Preservation Program grant funds to support property improvements at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and the Birdhouse Neighborhood Center.
Since 2014, the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Department has received applications for projects seeking grant funding from the City’s Historic Preservation Program. A committee of staff and professionals in architecture and historic preservation evaluates applications based on their alignment with the program’s purpose and their ability to meet funding conditions such as cost feasibility, project readiness, and community benefit.
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**Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum**
The 44-acre Howell Nurseries, now known as the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 2022. The Council approved $240,315 to rehabilitate the Visitors Center roof and foundation, replace the maintenance building roof, and complete additional historic architectural restoration.
**Birdhouse Neighborhood Center**
The 133-year-old Birdhouse Neighborhood Center at 800 N. Fourth Avenue was originally built as a residential home. Grant funding of $7,540 will be used to repaint and replace portions of deteriorated wood siding, as well as replace the front door with one that is energy-efficient and harmonious with the building’s architectural character.
Projects are funded and secured through a five-year forgivable loan. Work must be completed by June 2025.
Visit the Historic Preservation Fund web page for more information about the City’s investments in historic preservation and supported projects.
Source: Read Original Release
Chattanooga Secures $3.5 Million for Brownfield Cleanup
Chattanooga has received a $3.5 million grant from the EPA for brownfield cleanup, part of a $5.6 million allocation for Tennessee. The funding, facilitated by TDEC, will support the city’s Revolving Loan Fund program aimed at transforming contaminated sites into community assets.