The East Tennessee Preservation Conference is held annually as a regional resource for civic leaders, history enthusiasts, and professionals in the fields of architecture, real estate, property development, and academia to provide education about East Tennessee’s historic sites and how we can all work together to preserve our shared history.

This year’s theme, “The Intersection of Preservation & Progress”, will explore trends and resources related to affordable housing and building density with a focus on adaptive reuse in our rapidly growing communities.

$100/person, or $80/person for current Knox Heritage members.

Not a member? Join here.

Registration includes all Friday sessions, light breakfast, and lunch.

5:30 PM Networking

6:15 PM Opening Remarks by City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon

6:30 PM The Historic Preservation Response to the Affordable Housing Crisis

Nearly every city in America is experiencing a severe shortage of affordable housing. All too often historic districts are identified as the major cause of this crisis. The reality is, however, that historic and older housing need to be at the center of any affordable housing strategy. This session, led by Katlyn Cotton of PlaceEconomics, will focus on why and how historic preservation is part of the affordable housing solution as well as other findings on the impact of historic preservation in recent years.

This Thursday evening event is open to all community members. Wine, beer, and light snacks will be served.

This event is free to attend, but space is limited. Kindly RSVP by Monday, October 21, 2024.

9:00 AM Registration Opens | Networking

Join us for coffee, light breakfast, and mingling with like-minded preservationists! Typical conference attendees include preservation professionals, architects, planners, tourism professionals, government and community leaders, economic developers, real estate professionals and others who value advanced knowledge of historic preservation principles and practices.

Coffee generously provided by

9:30 AM

State of Preservation in Tennessee

Presented by:

E. Patrick McIntyre, Jr. | Executive Director & State Historic Preservation Officer, Tennessee Historical Commission

10:15 AM

Historic Giffin Square: Affordable Housing & Community Revitalization in South Knoxville

For nearly 100 years, Giffin School has been a cornerstone of South Knoxville’s history and community, helping to educate and inspire thousands of students. In 2015, Knox Heritage acquired the property and placed it on its “Fragile Fifteen” list in hopes of revitalization. Seven years later, Case Enterprises approached Knox Heritage with a proposal to rehabilitate the Giffin School as 35 units of affordable housing while delivering an additional 42 affordable units through the construction of two new buildings on the property. George Armour Ewart Architect has provided the artistic vision for that plan, which is now nearing construction. This discussion will explore the school’s planned new chapter as affordable housing and how combining community-based development, sustainable strategies, and historic preservation can enhance neighborhood vitality.  

Presented by:

Ben Case, Principle | Case Enterprises Development Corporation

Cody Grooms, AIA NCARB | Project Architect, George Armour Ewart Architects

11:15 AM

Lost Knox: The Connection Between Historic Preservation and Density

Knoxville is often credited by locals and visitors alike for retaining its many historic downtown buildings. However, every parking lot in downtown Knoxville was once a building. This realization came from studying the history of downtown, the existing gaps and what once occupied those spaces. There is a direct link between historic density and revitalization which we can harness to support preservation efforts as cities grow. By reviewing what was lost and why, we can both learn from the past and see what is possible for the future.

Presented by:

Whitney Manahan, AIA | Architect, BurWil Construction Company

12:15 PM Lunch Break

Generously provided by

1:15 PM

East Tennessee Community Design Center: Better Communities by Design

The East Tennessee Design Center (ETCDC) has a long history of working with communities to find new uses for landmark historic structures within their neighborhoods. Through community input sessions and surveys the Design Center develops a consensus on preferred uses and potential development for these iconic buildings. These projects are primarily abandoned or surplus school buildings like the Moses and Oakwood Schools but have also included the former Lonsdale Public Library building and Mechanicsville’s Firehall Number 5.

The ETCDC also developed “Façade Design Guidelines” to be used in the application of the City of Knoxville’s Façade Enhancement Grant program. These design guidelines encourage the maintenance and restoration of historic elements to the various storefronts found around the city and assists the owners with their application. The city provides funding toward the appropriate restoration / renovation of commercial facades in specific historic commercial centers around town.

​Presented by:

L. Duane Grieve, FAIA | Executive Director, East Tennessee Community Design Center

J. Perry Childress | Design Studio Project Coordinator, East Tennessee Community Design Center

2:45 PM Walking Tour

Gay Street: 50 Years of Preservation Stories