Minvilla Manor Receives National Preservation Award
The Minvilla Manor townhomes project was recognized by the National Trust and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary for "Excellence in Historic Preservation" at the 2011 National Preservation Conference held late last year in Buffalo, NY. The prestigious award, one of only 23 distributed nationwide, recognizes efforts that further preservation of historic structures as well as provide affordable housing. It was received by the Volunteer Ministry Center for its role in rehabilitation of the property. Co-recipients were Southeastern Housing Foundation and Allan Associates Architects, PLLC.
In the early 20th century, Knoxville's commercial center could be conveniently accessed from Minvilla Manor by streetcar. The townhomes, located at Fifth and Broadway, were considered to be the height of sophisticated living for Knoxville's middle class. By the 1960s, however, the townhomes had been converted into the Fifth Avenue Motel, which became a magnet for crime. Between 1966 and 2005, Minvilla Manor experienced a period of decline and was condemned by the city in 2002.
Fortunately, in 2006 the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) acquired the property and, over a four-year period, recruited local craftspeople to meticulously restore the building's historic features. A total of 57 ENERGY STAR-certified housing units were constructed of high-quality durable materials. The restoration is part of a larger revitalization in the area and has spurred further redevelopment in the vicinity. The project, ultimately costing $5 million, was creatively financed through a variety of private, city, state, and federal programs and strategies. It was a collaborative effort among architects Randall DeFord and Allan Architecture, with much input and review by the Historic Zoning Commission and Knox Heritage, which were both instrumental in listing the property on the National Register of Historic Places. The Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission was among the entities to provide design and technical review for the project.
"While each is unique, this year's outstanding award winners all reflect the importance of protecting what is special and irreplaceable," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on entities whose skill and perseverance have provided a new perspective of their communities through preservation of architectural heritage. These efforts include attempts by property owners to preserve and maintain significant landmarks; the work of craftsmen to restore the richness of historic details; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation; and, educators and journalists who help citizens understand the meaning and value of stewardship.
Posted 2-08-2012, written by Kaye Graybeal
