The Knoxville City Council approved eight facade improvement grant applications at their last meeting.

The city introduced this first of its kind program in 2022 and had 22 applications during the first round. Going into the fourth year of this program, the city has awarded over 40 applications and has now approved eight more applications with more to be approved at a later meeting. Business owners can submit applications for facade improvements, in which the city will provide a reimbursement of 50% up to $10,000. 

The biggest change for this year is that not only are downtown commercial buildings eligible, but the city opened up the window for commercial buildings along Lincoln and West Pleasant Streets. Knoxville City Manager Heather Ussery says it is good to see businesses in Knoxville investing in their buildings.

“We are very happy that property owners are taking advantage of these grant applications. It is an opportunity for them to focus on improvements of their buildings and the city is also investing in those so we appreciate the business owners continuing to invest in their buildings and making those improvements.”

The applications passed in a 4-1 split vote with council member Megan Day being the nay vote. A complete list of the applications that were approved can be found here.