City council approves building restoration, renews zoo lease
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
The old building at 825 North Central Street is getting some restoration funds from the City of Knoxville. District 5 Councilman Charles Thomas welcomed a vote for improvements in his district.
Thomas said the $75,000 in Historic Preservation and Façade Improvement Program funds are needed. He called the renovation “critical” and noted the structure is between two restored properties.
The funding goes to Paragon Development L.P. for restoration and reuse of the property.
In other business, the council renewed the lease for Zoo Knoxville for five years. The Urban Design and Development Department recommended the agreement for 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, with Knoxville Zoological Gardens Inc. approved to supervise, manage and operate the popular Knoxville attraction.
True Grip and Lighting Inc. was hired to provide the stage, lighting and production equipment for the city’s Festival on the Fourth. The $68,000 agreement, requested by the Office of Special Events, includes an option for future July 4th events over the next two years and may increase by up to 3.5% each year.
The council also approved a new contract for the North Cherry Water Quality Improvements Project, as well as approving a storm water project study and as-needed staffing augmentation, both requested by the Engineering Department, in contracts with Ardurra Group Inc. They voted to accept a $15,000 grant from AARP to use on the Vision Zero program to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets.
