HUD Joins Partners to Recognize Minvilla Manor for National Trust and HUD Secretary of Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards

On November 1st, Ed Ellis, Knoxville HUD Field Office Director, Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown (http://www.ci.knoxville.tn.us/mayor/), City Council members and other officials joined together in congratulating the Volunteer Ministry Center, Inc. (VMC) (http://vmcinc.org/) in recognition of the historic Minvilla Manor Project (http://minvilla.knoxtenyearplan.org/about/) as one of 23 recipients of the National Trust Award (http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/awards/) and for selection of the HUD Secretary's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. The Secretary's Award is bestowed on distinguished individuals, agencies, and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural, cultural heritage, and promotes affordable housing and economic development for low-moderate income residents. The Award was presented to the VMC October 20, 2011, at the National Awards ceremony in Buffalo, NY.

"This project is an example of a partnership between the private and public sector; HUD and other partners in preserving a historic building that is now an asset to families and to the redevelopment of the community." said Ellis.

Minvilla Manor's exterior view

Minvilla Manor's interior view

One of only 23 recipients, Minvilla Manor is part of the Knoxville-Knox County Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (http://knoxtenyearplan.org/) and build permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless in Knoxville neighborhoods. Minvilla Manor is working closely with the Veteran's Administrative to place as many VASH voucher holders as possible in the new units.

Minvilla Manor is an historic rehab of the former 5th Avenue Motel into 57 units of permanent supportive housing. Renovations cost $7.2 million and include 33 one bedroom and 24 efficiency units with a large common area for entertainment and common meals.

Prior to renovations, Minvilla was the notorious Fifth Avenue Motel, which attracted illegal activity such as prostitution and drug dealing. The building had become neglected and dilapidated. The local Knox Heritage Foundation and other local organizations sought to protect the historic buildings from demolition that was planned by the city. Many organizations supported the purchase of the building by VMC.

Funding for the project came from $580,000 in HUD CDGB grant monies through the City of Knoxville; historic tax credits and low income housing tax credits to provide the low-income permanent supportive housing. Other funding sources included $975,000 in NSP funds, $100,000 in HOUSE Funds, $250,000 in HUD Supportive Housing Program funds, and $300,000 from the THDA Housing Trust Fund. NSP Funding made it possible for VMC to borrow less on the first mortgage, which essentially enhanced the overall project completion and operational viability.

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