(WBIR) One of the most iconic buildings in Knoxville is getting a makeover.
The Sunsphere's observation deck will be closed for a few weeks to undergo renovations to the fourth floor.
The project is part of a joint effort between the Public Building Authority and Visit Knoxville, the city's tourism group. The city said in a statement the goal of the renovation is to make the Sunsphere a must-see spot for Knoxville.
"It's going to be an exciting venture. It's going to look night and day different toward the end of April," said Visit Knoxville President Kim Bumpas.
Bumpas said many new visitors often turn to the Sunsphere to get to know Knoxville because of the 360 degree view.
"We have lots of visitors that come here and they say, 'What's that gold ball? Let me go check it out.' Then other people actually come here for it. We need to be doing a great job of telling the history of what the World's Fair meant to Knoxville," Bumpas said.
Renovations are set to wrap up in late April and are expected to cost about $10,000. Improvements include replacing floor and ceiling tiles, improving graphics, installing new plasma televisions, and removing the outdated organ.
Bumpas said the graphics will include facts about the history of the World's Fair in a more engaging manor and the screens will include other attractions around the city. Murals by Knox County students are also planned for seating areas.
The fifth floor, which houses the Icon Ultra Lounge, the sixth floor, and office floors will stay open.
The observation deck re-opened in 2007 during Bill Haslam's term as mayor. It has been free and open to the public ever since. The Sunsphere was built for the 1982 World's Fair.
