Faris Eid has played significant roles in preserving historic resources in recent years, most notably in providing design services for the preservation of the 500 block of Gay Street. He is the owner Design Innovations, an architecture firm based in the heart of Fort Sanders. As a member of the Knoxville Knox County Historic Zoning Commission over the past five years, he has not only contributed design review expertise but also provided voluntary design services in assisting property owners who are renovating or making additions to their buildings.
Undoubtedly, the most significant contribution has been his role in working with the 500 Block Task Force and Knoxville Heritage in contributing design services and estimating cost alternatives for various options that would result in the preservation of the block's historic buildings (the S&W Cafeteria, Central House Hotel, Knaffle Brothers/Athletic House, Walgreens and Grant Ogden Stationers). His work along with other members of the task force resulted in plan that would preserve these buildings and keep the viability of the Gay Street National Register District alive. The plan was accepted by the City and will be used to guide the preservation of the block. |
