The City of Knoxville has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for historic preservation renovation projects that qualify for assistance.

This is the second year that Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and City Council have funded the initiative to help restore historic properties. In back-to-back years, the City has allocated $500,000 for improvement projects of historic structures within the Knoxville city limits.

Last year, five projects receiving awards in the program’s inaugural year were construction projects focused on historic rehabilitation. The recipients were: Branson House, Kern’s Bakery, Alfred Buffat House, Park City Church and McMillan Flats. Additionally, the Metropolitan Planning Commission received funding for administrative work to update its Historic Building Inventory. 

“I’m proud of the City’s efforts to create a program that preserves the cultural identity of Knoxville,” said Becky Wade, the City’s Director of Community Development. “These projects are also stimulating the local economy and generating new capital.”

A mandatory pre-proposal conference for interested parties will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, in Room 511 of the City County Building. The deadline for proposals is 11 a.m. on Dec. 14; any questions regarding the RFP process should be directed to the City’s Purchasing Department.

“This fund is a powerful tool to protect our historic treasures,” Mayor Rogero said. “Historic preservation also creates vibrant residential and commercial neighborhoods that stimulate new economic activity.”