Stabilization and repair of the historic Howell House began in August 2024.

The Howell House served as the Joe and Mary Howell Family home, and as the offices for the Joe N. Howell Landscape Nursery.  It is architecturally significant as an example of traditional minimalism and in its use of specific design features, such as a custom photographic mural of the Great Smoky Mountains by Jim Thompson, custom decorative iron and copper work, as well as the use of high quality and locally sourced materials including marble and stone. Currently, the structure is essential to the operations of KBGA. The building provides the only restrooms accessible to the public as well as serving as administrative offices, bride and groom suites for garden weddings, gift shop, and guest services.

Stabilization began with work on the roof, siding, and foundation. Roof work included removal and preservation of historic red clay roofing shingles; new copper canopies, gutters, and downspouts; decking replacement and repairs; and stone chimney repairs. The cedar shake siding on the home’s exterior was restored and sections of the framing were rebuilt. Foundation work included installation of six piers down to the bedrock, reinforcing steel beams in the basement, and a water channeling system with sump pumps. This phase of the project addressed two of the five sources of water intrusion.

The upcoming work will address the three remaining sources of water intrusion: deteriorated window lintels, masonry cracks, and a failing exterior drain that should be moving water away from the basement level. Arresting water damage buys time for the Garden to continue raising funds for further repair and restoration of the building.

This project is being supported in part by the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and the Tennessee Historical Commission. Additional funding sources include the City of Knoxville Historic Preservation Program, City of Knoxville capital funding, and private donors such as Ambassador Victor and Mrs. Joan Ashe, Aslan Foundation, and Lawson Family Foundation.