City accepting proposals for historic preservation funding

KNOXVILLE - The City of Knoxville is accepting proposals from owners of historic residential or commercial buildings within city limits who are seeking funding for property improvement projects from the Historic Preservation Fund. The RFP for Funding for Improvements of Historic Buildings is available now at www.knoxvilletn.gov/bids.

Mayor Madeline Rogero established the fund with a commitment of $500,000 in the City’s 2014-15 budget, and City Council has renewed the fund at that level each year since. The allocations made from the fund have assisted in the improvement of historic homes, churches, theaters and other commercial and residential buildings and projects.

“This fund has helped preserve and revitalize historic buildings that may not qualify for financing through traditional bank loans,” said Becky Wade, the City’s Director of Community Development.

Applicants must own the property and present a deed of trust. Eligible properties must also be located within H-1 or NC-1 historic overlay districts, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic places. Important application dates are as follows:

• 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2019: Mandatory pre-proposal meeting at the City of Knoxville Public Works Center (3131 Morris Avenue). Proposals by applicants who don’t attend this meeting will not be considered.
• 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2019: Deadline for questions to be submitted in writing to Assistant Purchasing Agent Penny Owens.
• 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2019: Proposals are due.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the planning and bidding process prior to the mandatory meeting. Proposals and questions about the RFP should be directed to:

Penny Owens
City of Knoxville
Office of Purchasing Agent
400 Main Street, Room 667-674
Knoxville, TN 37902
powens@knoxvilletn.gov
(865) 215-2648 phone
(865) 215-2277 fax

Published September 30, 2019