Honored to Paint a Knoxville Icon: The Sunsphere
CertaPro Painters of East Tennessee has been painting homes and businesses in our area for more than 20 years. Their longevity can be attributed to the company’s certainty promise of a “job well done.” This promise comes directly from a consistent presentation of their job expectations, making CertaPro Painters a go-to for residential and
commercial property improvements. When the opportunity to repaint the iconic downtown Sunsphere arose, the company jumped at the chance to participate. Everything Knoxville talked to those involved in the now successfully completed project.
The project to repaint the steel truss structure from the current weathered and peeling green color back to its original blue was initiated by Visit Knoxville who, in 2018, took on the responsibility of improving the visitor experience at the World’s Fair Park Sunsphere. CertaPro’s Commercial Sales Manager, Steve Thrasher, submitted a bid for the fall 2023 painting project. All prospective vendors were vetted by Visit Knoxville, the Knoxville Public Building Authority, and the architectural firm McCarty Holsaple McCarty, who originally designed World’s Fair Park. There were many distinct challenges to consider: weather conditions, structure height, tourism safety, and a secure work environment. After many meetings, detailed questionnaires, and a site visit, CertaPro of East Tennessee was chosen for their overreaching professional effort.
John Duncan, CertaPro’s Commercial Service Manager, knew that “having a daily and weekly production plan was key to the project’s success. Balancing communication between the customer, the rigging crew, as well as onsite security staff was essential to keep the project moving as efficiently as possible to prevent downtime for our crew and to keep everything on schedule.”
Because of the height of the structure and the time of year (autumn/winter), there were many considerations and special equipment required. CertaPro’s Director of Commercial Operations, Patrick Harmony, remembers that not only was there a need to “check temperatures for primer and paint applications twice daily, but a fall hazard safety area at the base of at the Sunsphere was a necessity to keep workers and visitors protected.” A two-point swing stage suspended scaffold (like high-rise window washers use), an 80-foot articulating boom lift (like a free standing cherry picker), and a Bosun’s Chair (suspends a single person) had to be lifted and moved as the painting of each hexagon section was completed.
The immense project was broken down in to multiple phases. With a standing weekly meeting between the customer and CertaPro Painter’s management team to report on current progress, production plans, and completed work, John
found that they “really enjoyed the complexity of this project!”
By the end of 2023, the entire base of the historic Sunsphere had been completely transformed to its original blue color – and it was paid for by the Visit Knoxville Sunsphere Fund. CertaPro Painters of East Tennessee was delighted to play a part in this very visual transformation that minimally impacted last year’s Sunsphere visitors.
Steve recalls that “the entire commercial team excelled to deliver the project on time, on budget, exceeding expectations. We are proud to be able to be a part of such a significant project for the city of Knoxville.”
If you would like the same care and attention for your project that the Sunsphere received, call CertaPro Painters for an estimate. As a locally owned and operated business, their skilled team of East Tennessee residents is ready to serve their community.
CertaPro Painters of East Tennessee
10904 McBride Lane
Knoxville, TN 37932
865.470.0001
CertaPro.com/East-Tennessee
Sunsphere History
Knoxville’s Most Iconic Landmark
The Sunsphere was designed for the 1982 World’s Fair. The theme of the Fair was “Energy Turns the World,” with the gold orb representing the sun on a blue base that was meant to blend in with the color of the sky.
The 26-story hexagon structure stands 266 feet high and features reflective glass panels made with 24 karat gold dust that cover the 75-foot diameter orb. Each pane cost approximately $1,000 at the time of construction. The Sunsphere served as the symbol of the Fair, like the Eiffel Tower (1889 World’s Fair) and Seattle Space Needle (1962 World’s Fair), that could be seen when entering Knoxville from any direction. During the Fair, it was home to a
full-service sun-themed restaurant and an 360º observation deck that could be accessed by visitors for a $2 elevator ride up.
Unfortunately, the Sunsphere was closed to the public soon after the Fair ended. Since then it has mainly housed business offices. The 4th floor Observation Deck was refurbished and reopened in 2014. Visit Knoxville, in partnership with the City of Knoxville, the Public Building Authority, and Knox County, is now managing the Observation Deck, where a gallery of local images – including those from the 1982 World’s Fair – has been added. It is open to the public for a $5 fee that contributes to the Sunsphere Fund. Since reopening in February 2022, the Sunsphere has welcomed more than 115,000 visitors from all 50 states and more than 55 countries around the globe.
Painting the Sunsphere was Phase I; Phase II is an update and expansion of the 3rd level Welcome Center that will include retail space and expanded Knoxville visitor information. The goal is to enhance the structure for the enjoyment of groups and individuals for generations to come.
To donate to the Sunsphere Fund that continues to protect and preserve this iconic piece of the Knoxville skyline, email SunsphereFund@Knoxville.org, go to VisitKnoxville.com, or stop by the Visit Knoxville offices downtown at 301 South Gay Street.