Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Big changes are in-the-works for Knoxville’s most iconic structure: the Sunsphere.

The showpiece in World’s Fair Park is getting a paint job and a visitors’ center.

Beginning October 1st, the base of the Sunsphere, currently green, will be restored to its original PANTONE color Classic Blue 19-4052 TCX. The project should only cause minor inconveniences to visitors.

The renovation is in keeping with the designers’ original vision when architecture firm Community Tectonics created the Sunsphere for the 1982 World’s Fair. Inspired by the fair’s theme, “Energy Turns the World,” the golden sphere at the top was meant to symbolize the energy of the Sun, while the tower was originally blue to blend in with the sky.

Visit Knoxville is spearheading the project which also includes the installation of a visitor center on the third floor, home to a retail space, visitor information and more. That construction is expected to be done by the end of 2024. The Sunsphere’s exterior makeover is expected to finish by the end of this year.

Both projects will mark Knoxville’s first dip into the Sunsphere Fund. The fund, operated by Visit Knoxville, is aimed at preserving and enhancing the historic structure.