Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) officially has fully reopened Guy B. Love Towers after a $6.5 million renovation of the affordable housing community for the elderly and disabled residents that features new flooring and appliances in units and a landscaped courtyard.
The renovations also include new cabinets, lighting and heating and air conditioning units to align with KCDC’s sustainability and energy-efficiency initiatives. Additional improvements outside include an urban wildlife habitat, certified butterfly garden and community gardens.
Other amenities that are coming soon include a wellness center that will serve Love Towers residents and a dog park that will be available to the North Knoxville community. Residents will continue to have access to an on-site social worker through a partnership with the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC).
Retiring Love Towers property manager Steve Ellis
“The renovation of Love Towers addresses the overall well-being of our residents,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “From energy-efficient lighting and appliances to outdoor areas to socialize and interact with nature, the residents will be better connected to each other and the community. The improvements to each unit also will boost everyday quality of life for our residents.”
Guy B. Love Towers was built in 1966 and is located at 1171 Armstrong Ave., in North Knoxville off Broadway. The two towers consist of seven stories each with a total of 249 units. Renovations were completed by floor to minimize the number of units needed to be taken offline at any given time.
The certified butterfly garden and urban plant installation was installed last fall for the enjoyment of residents. The garden is designed with specific nectar- and pollen-producing plants to attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators, giving these important animals a place to fill up so they will continue pollinating plants in the area. It also provides a habitat for wildlife affected by urbanization inside the city. The Native Plant Rescue Squad generously donated two planter beds with low-maintenance annuals so Love Towers residents can easily care for the garden for years to come.
“The organization recognizes the need for our residents to have a relaxing space that brightens their day and betters the environment,” said Darlene Farmer, Love Towers property manager for KCDC. “This garden and all of the renovations will give the Love Towers community an opportunity to pick up a new hobby or simply love where they live even more.”
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) celebrates on March 22 the opening of the renovated Guy B. Love Towers, a 249-unit affordable housing complex for elderly and disabled residents in North Knoxville. Participating in the ceremony, from left: Gerry Moll of Native Plant Rescue Squad; KCDC board members Kimberly Henry and Scott Broyles; KCDC staff members Patricia Clement and Steve Ellis; KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley; Brian Nicholson of Studio Four Design; Calvin Sise and John Kitts of BESCO; and Shane Nocus of Management Solutions.
Studio Four Design served as the architect for the renovation project with BESCO as the contractor and Management Solutions, LLC, as the owner representative. All three companies are based in Knoxville.