Frank Murphy interviews Hollie Cook, Director of Preservation Services at Knox Heritage. May is National Historic Preservation Month. The mission of Knox Heritage is to protect Knoxville’s unique character for future generations by preserving, restoring, and transforming historically significant structures and places. 

Knox Heritage will hold its 2026 East Tennessee Preservation Awards on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in The Emporium, 100 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. The event is free to attend. Complimentary wine, beer, and small bites will be served. RSVP by Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at https://www.knoxheritage.org/events/2026awards/ 

The 2026 East Tennessee Preservation Awards will recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, and projects contributing to historic preservation efforts within a 16-county region. Eligible projects include historic (50+ years old) residential or commercial projects that were completed between January 2025 and February 2026, or an individual or organization that has recently and significantly contributed to furthering historic preservation in the region. Eligible counties include Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union. 

The Knox Heritage Fragile & Fading list identifies and prioritizes local properties, landmarks, and neighborhoods in need of preservation strategies. This initiative aims to create awareness and strengthen community support to save these historic places from being lost forever. The list includes the Knott-York House, situated on the median strip of Middlebrook Pike near 3rd Creek Road. Constructed circa 1845 with locally sourced brick and traditional craftsmanship,the home reflects both the architectural sensibilities and the practical construction methods of the Antebellum period.