As Downtown Knoxville grows and more people discover what it has to offer, attention has turned to the original streetcar suburbs and historic neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are both extremely convenient to Downtown and beautiful and unique in their own right. Of course, this is not news to families who have lived in these communities for generations; they would never have wanted to live anywhere else. Still, a new generation brings new people and new perspectives to these communities. In order for Knoxville to reach its full potential as a city, these neighborhoods must move forward in a way that preserves their history both in structure and community.
Promoting preservation of Knoxville's historic neighborhoods
Between large trees, beautiful homes, and proximity to downtown, these communities have much to offer. As more and more attention is paid to these neighborhoods' assets, we strive to do our part to maintain what makes these neighborhoods great as well as promote responsible redevelopment efforts. You could call our role "preservation through awareness."
Assisting in the purchase and sensitive renovation of historic homes
Historic homes require special consideration beginning with the purchase, through any renovations, and ending with continued maintenance. While historic homes have an earned reputation of being a lot of work, we hope to use our own experience to help you find resources that can help you through the entire process.
Weaving new ideas into the existing neighborhood fabric
Our challenge is to improve quality of life in a way that respects the longstanding strengths of these communities. Historic neighborhoods always have new residents and those who have been there for many decades, and each can greatly benefit from the other's perspective. As we see increased interest in historic neighborhoods, it's important to never lose sight of those things that have made them a great place to live for so many years.
Mike and Jessica stay involved in the community by volunteering in organizations such as the Island Home Park Neighborhood Association, Knox Heritage, Legacy Parks, the South Knoxville Foundation, and United Way of Greater Knoxville. There are plenty of opportunities to improve our city and we encourage everyone to be a part of the effort.
Mike and Jessica Rodocker each started working downtown in 2001 where they played their small roles in downtown's revival, Mike working for a developer and Jessica for an architect. Their offices were both on the 100 Block of Gay Street, where they would meet in 2003. Between them they have lived in Fourth and Gill, Fairmont-Emoriland, Downtown, South Haven, Fort Sanders and in their current neighborhood, Island Home Park. They're working on renovating their 1915 bungalow, where they happily reside with their dog and two cats.
Jessica works as a real estate agent specializing in Knoxville's historic neighborhoods. Mike continues to work for the same developer renovating historic buildings in downtown Knoxville.