Knox Heritage names historic Fragile and Fading sites
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Standing in the median strip of Middlebrook Pike is the 1845 Knott-York House. Before its sale in March of this year, it remained under the same family ownership for 180 years. The two-story home was constructed of locally-sourced brick and shows the resilience and character of early Knox County.
Knox Heritage released its annual Fragile & Fading List of historic sites last week and noted that the construction of a convenience store is proposed near the historic house. The old vacant home is listed as “Fading Fast,” although it does have a historic zoning overlay and is protected from demolition.
Also designated as “Fading Fast” are the iconic JFG neon signs at West Jackson Avenue and formerly at the Gay Street Bridge. The company, noted for its coffee, is owned by Reily Foods, which is working with Knox Heritage, Allen Sign Company, and the city to restore the West Jackson sign and find a new location for the one in storage.
Located at 2921 North Broadway, the Paul Howard House was the home of two city council members, a city manager and a Knox County Trustee. Built in 1910, it was designed by architect Charles Hayes on what was then known as Dixie Highway. Knox Heritage seeks to preserve the Fading Fast property.
The Lord Lindsey at 615 West Hill Avenue was built in 1901 by businessman and civic leader A. Percy Lockett. The home was purchased by the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in 1926 and renovated for their church services. It later became a restaurant and is now abandoned. Knox Heritage is promoting it for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
Properties on the “Still Fragile” list include the West View Cemetery District on Keith Avenue, Knoxville College at 901 Knoxville College Drive, and Standard Knitting Mill at 1400 Washington Avenue.
Sites designated as “Moving Forward” are the Howell House at Knoxville Botanical Gardens and the Giffin School at 1834 Beech Street.
Maplehurst Park at 814 West Hill Avenue and the Alfred Buffat House/The Maples at 1717 Love Creek Road are on the “Ones to Watch” list.
Knox Heritage was formed in 1974 when the Bijou Theatre was at risk of becoming a parking lot. Anyone can contribute to the Vintage Properties Fund to help restore important blighted properties. More information on the organization’s preservation efforts is available at knoxheritage.org.
