The push to preserve East Tennessee's historical architecture has received a significant boost, with state grants totaling $6.1 million aimed at the rehabilitation of historic structures. Among the beneficiaries are a number of heritage-rich courthouses and iconic buildings that mark the region's storied past.
Grants have been awarded to various local governments and private entities, according to reports by WBIR and WATE. Notable allocations include $500,000 to both the Greene County and Hamblen County governments for courthouse renovations in Greeneville and Morristown, respectively. A sizable grant was also given to the City of Cleveland for the Cherokee Hotel and Morristown Corner Development, LLC for the Whittaker-Holtsinger Hardware Co. building.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) has partnered with the Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) on the initiative. "Through the Historic Development Grant Program, we are helping restore and revitalize some of Tennessee’s most historic buildings so that they once again can flourish, attracting further economic opportunity across our state," TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter stated in a release covered by WJHL.
These grants aim not just at preservation but also at catalyzing future private investment and economic activity. Estimates suggest that the state's input could leverage more than $13 million in private funds. The diverse list of recipients spans beyond courthouses to encompass a range of historically significant sites, such as the Greyhound Bus Lines Complex in Memphis, and the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church building in McKenzie. "We are honored to participate with TNECD in this successful program that revitalizes historic buildings and energizes communities across our state," THC Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick McIntyre shared with WJHL.
To qualify for the grants, sites must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or be part of a registered district. Criteria also include being located in a distressed or at-risk county, a federally recognized opportunity zone or being part of accredited Tennessee Main Street or Tennessee Downtown communities. The investments are tailored to support projects in counties with populations under 200,000 and certified local governments verified by the National Parks Service, as noted by WBIR.
