Phil Lawson, founder and chairman of LHP Capital, expanded his vision for community revitalization, celebrating the restoration of the historic 104-year-old Rule House in East Knoxville and its new role as the home of Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville’s Anchor Program. On March 28, Phil joined City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and other community leaders for a ribbon cutting and open house at the home located at 2445 E. Magnolia Ave.
Ribbon cutters (l to r) Kendrise Colebrooke, Executive Director, Autism Breakthrough, Phil Lawson, LHP Capital founder and chairman, and City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon
The ribbon cutting can be viewed at LHP Capital’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1UenkTuHVq/
The five-bedroom, three-story Rule House, originally the residence of Dr. Andrew Lafayette Rule, a beloved physician who lived there until his passing in 1950, has been meticulously restored to its former glory. The Rule House is one of several properties on the block owned by The Grandiflora Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Phil.
The Rule House in East Knoxville
“It is a joy to see the Rule House restored and to welcome Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville as our first tenant,” said Phil Lawson, speaking at the ribbon cutting. “This project breathes new life into a historic building that was a cornerstone of East Knoxville for many years, and we are proud to carry on its tradition of providing valuable resources to the community.”
Phil and the foundation chose to restore the historic Rule House, honoring its original community-focused purpose as envisioned by Dr. Rule, who was known for his dedication and accepting unconventional payment. Dr. Rule often accepted payment in the form of homegrown vegetables left on his back porch.
After considering the best use, the foundation issued an RFP. Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville was selected as the tenant, occupying the space for five years under a $1 annual lease. The Rule House will serve as the location for their new Anchor Program, providing adults with autism the structured support and essential life skills needed for independent living.
The Rule family
“Breakthrough is excited and grateful to be chosen as the beneficiary of this generous and thoughtful gift,” said Kendrise Colebrooke, Executive Director, Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville. “It has been a wonderful experience working with such an awesome team to create opportunities for adults with autism who are transitioning to independence.”
For more information about The Grandiflora, please visit https://thegrandiflora.com and for additional information about Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, please visit https://breakthroughknoxville.org.
About Grandiflora Foundation
The Grandiflora Foundation, a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to creating vibrant public spaces for everyone, is revitalizing a section of East Magnolia Avenue into a thriving community hub. The 100-year-old Rule House, located at 2445 Magnolia Ave., has been meticulously restored to house essential services provided by Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville. Complementing the historic Rule House, two new homes designed to reflect the grand architectural style of the neighborhood have been built and will provide office space for the foundation and other nonprofits. At the heart of the revitalization project is the transformation of the former Knoxville Baptist Tabernacle into The Grandiflora, an elegant venue for weddings, concerts, and special events. Beyond its role as providing an affordable event venue, The Grandiflora aims to create genuine connections in a one-of-a-kind setting and space that is inviting and accessible to everyone. For more information, please visit https://thegrandiflora.com.
