KNOXVILLE, TENN. – The Historic Fort Sanders Neighborhood Association and Knox Heritage will host a Neighborhood Homecoming on Sunday, October 26 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in James Agee Park at the corner of Laurel Avenue and James Agee Street. The organizations invite all current and former neighborhood residents and anyone interested in the future of Fort Sanders to attend and help set the course for the future of the neighborhood.

 

Guests will enjoy food and music while helping set the vision for the future of one of Knoxville's most beloved historic neighborhoods. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Laurel Theatre (1538 Laurel Avenue).

 

The Fort Sanders neighborhood is one of Knoxville’s oldest historic districts, and has been influenced for many years by market forces that are created by its location near the University of Tennessee, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. These forces have created a neighborhood that is a mix of residential owners, apartment complexes, and uses that accompany these major institutions. However, an alarming number of historic properties in the neighborhood are threatened by deterioration or demolition.

 

The Fort Sanders Neighborhood stands at a crossroads as opportunities and threats converge to determine the future of East Tennessee’s most densely populated and eclectic neighborhood. At the Neighborhood Homecoming, everyone will cast their vote for what they believe are the most important initiatives that should be undertaken to secure the future of the neighborhood known as Knoxville’s Front Porch. Those priority areas will become the focus of efforts by the Historic Fort Sanders Neighborhood Association and Knox Heritage as they work with other stakeholders and the City of Knoxville to revitalize the neighborhood.

 

For more information or to volunteer please send a message to historicftsanders@gmail.com or call Knox Heritage at (865) 523-8008. Information is available on the Historic Fort Sanders Neighborhood Association Facebook page.

 

Knox Heritage advocates for the preservation of places and structures with historic or cultural significance.  For more information, visit www.knoxheritage.org