Knoxville’s ETCDC Marks 50 Years of Transformative Community Design Initiatives

Knoxville Celebrates Local Design Impact with ETCDC

In the heart of Knoxville, a remarkable organization has been quietly shaping communities and enhancing lives for over fifty years. The East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) operates under the radar, yet its influence resonates throughout the sixteen counties it serves. While many residents may not realize it, the work of ETCDC enriches the everyday lives of tens of thousands of people who benefit from their projects.

A Noteworthy Beginning

The ETCDC was founded back in 1970 by Bruce McCarty, who was the president of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects at the time. The organization’s core mission has always been to “make East Tennessee a better place” by offering design and planning assistance to communities and organizations that lack the resources to acquire those services. With the help of professional architects, designers, and other skilled volunteers, ETCDC provides crucial architectural guidance that turns dreams into reality.

Documenting the Change

During a recent conversation with Executive Director Duane Grieve, we explored the impact ETCDC has had on the region. Since Duane took the helm in 2018, one of his primary goals has been to document the organization’s footprint. It turns out, they have more than 1,300 projects under their belt from the past 50 years!

Even more impressive is the voluminous effort from volunteers—over 120,000 hours dedicated to helping non-profits achieve their vision through architectural design. Duane noted, “We want to show the community that we are devoted to helping make their ideas possible.”

Community Collaboratives: A New Focus

Expanding their reach, the ETCDC now organizes Community Collaboratives that cast a wider net by focusing on specific neighborhoods or areas over two years. This initiative aims to explore the potential of those areas through thoughtful design. For instance, they kicked things off by examining the Burlington area in east Knoxville. By gathering extensive community input, they collaborated with architecture students at the University of Tennessee to bring innovative ideas into focus.

Following Burlington, they addressed areas like Southerland Avenue and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, and are currently centering their attention on a section of North Broadway. Duane shared that city officials have begun responding positively due to their collaborative efforts, which fuels excitement for future development.

Funding the Vision

To sustain their impactful work, ETCDC relies on a mix of grants and community support. Key contributors include the City of Knoxville and Knox County, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and foundations like the Lawson Family Foundation and the Clayton Foundation. Membership contributions represent ten percent of their budget, with additional funds coming from their annual event, ticket sales, and sponsorships.

A Special Celebration on the Horizon

Looking ahead, ETCDC invites the community to celebrate its achievements on October 16 at the historic Ramsey House. The evening promises good fun, featuring bluegrass music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. Notably, the event will honor the Union County Heritage Park with the prestigious Annette Anderson Director’s Award, recognizing those who strive to uplift East Tennessee.

Positively Impacting Communities

One of ETCDC’s most exciting projects, as Duane revealed, is the Heritage Park project. When local representatives approached ETCDC to honor musical legends from Union County like Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, and Kenny Chesney, the collaborative efforts resulted in a vibrant space that includes a performance stage and a market. They garnered a million-dollar grant from state officials—all with plans cultivated by ETCDC.

Duane summed it up nicely: “We want to steer Knoxville toward a future that embraces good design and celebrates our community’s heritage.” With their loyal volunteers and committed team, ETCDC is poised to continue changing lives, one design at a time.

If you’re eager to witness this positive impact for yourself, consider joining ETCDC or purchasing a ticket to the upcoming celebration!