KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Property improvements are coming to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and the Birdhouse Neighborhood Center.
On Wednesday, the Knoxville City Council voted to approve $247,855 from the Historic Preservation Program grant to fund the improvements.
The improvements include $240,315 towards rehabilitating the botanical garden's visitors center roof and foundation, replacing the maintenance building roof and completing "additional historic architectural restoration," according to city officials.
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 2022.
The 133-year-old Birdhouse Neighborhood Center, located at 800 N. Fourth Ave., was originally a residential home. $7,540 will be used to repaint and replace portions of the wood siding and the front door.
Projects are funded and secured through a five-year forgivable loan, according to city officials. Work must be completed by June 2025.