But if you want to live in the heart of the Old City nightlife scene, why not consider moving to a former nightclub? The former Bowery and NV Nightclub buildings are set to become a mixed-use development just steps away from the new Smokies stadium.
Church + Henley is just one half of the development planned for the former Tennessee State Supreme Court building.
The empty 200 block of Gay Street has long been considered one of downtown’s most notorious gaps. But Hatcher-Hill Properties has big plans to bring a mix of commercial and residential units across two buildings on the property, which would create a corridor of storefronts in a pedestrian plaza similar to Market Square. Look for it at the intersection with Summit Hill Drive.
The Scruffy Stuff: Can redeveloping the 200 block create a new downtown district?
Hotels One block north is 304 S. Gay St., which already is home to Knoxville’s priciest Airbnb and the city’s tiniest speakeasy. The property, along with the empty lot next door, recently was sold to Ephant Group for $7.3 million. While no plans have been announced for the lot, Ephant specializes in hotel developments.
Similar to the empty lot at 308 S. Gay St. is “the notch” just a few steps away, where developer Shailesh Patel wants to bring a mixed-use development with an upscale hotel between Chivo Taqueria and Mast General Store.
A $22 million SpringHIll Suites by Marriott was proposed for an empty lot in the Old City if the stadium was approved. With developers continuing to clear hurdles to bring minor league baseball downtown, it looks like fans could have a place to stay after games, concerts and other stadium events.
Shop, eat, sleep, stay Condos and rentals Living above a restaurant sounds dangerous for anyone prone to the munchies, but Jim Klonaris believes his mixed-use plan for the Willow Creek Gallery space can help elevate the Old City. Jim’s on Jackson steakhouse would be on the ground level, with short-term rentals and up to six stories of luxury condos on top.
On the 100 block of Gay Street, Vijay Bansode is planning a convenience store and a fast-casual downtown version of his Aroma Indian Kitchen. Short-term rentals are the cherry on top.
Urban living: What would it take for downtown Knoxville to get a grocery store?
Crescent Ebenezer,: New luxury apartment complex already planning for more growth
This concept isn’t new for the area. Curious Dog, an Old City staple for hot dogs, is located on the ground level of the JFG Flats building. Will Sims and Thomas Boyd recently purchased the property, with plans to keep the residential units as apartments.
One-of-a-kind living
Apartments If you’re looking for something out of the box, check out the co-living opportunities at Flagship Kerns next door to the proposed South Knoxville food hall. Just south of downtown, this new apartment development includes shared amenities with private suites. Don’t worry — there are no shared bathrooms.
In Loudon, Dover Signature Properties has proposed building an entire neighborhood from the ground up, with 210 multifamily units on the riverfront, 60 single-family units, pocket parks, greenways, a coffee shop, retail and walking trails. Dubbed Lakeshore Loudon, this $40 million idea would be built across a 15-acre property.
Hotel Knoxville
Yes, the Hotel Knoxville building at 501 E. Hill Ave. deserves its own section. Not only is it one of the most notorious structures, earning it a spot on our list of ugliest downtown buildings, but no one can seem to decide on a viable plan for the giant vacant pyramid.
Last we heard, senior living was the plan, but that has since been scrapped. Melrose Knoxville LLC, owned by billionaire Neil Kadisha, purchased the property for $16.8 million in October 2020. While no new plans have been announced, something is bound to happen on the property. Check back at knoxnews.com as we follow the story.
Artsy and boutique
Hotels It’s 2022, and hotels aren’t just for travelers anymore. The people behind the downtown Marriott and Tennessean hotels have opened the Maker Exchange, a shared amenity between the two properties that includes a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, game room and maker space designed with locals in mind.
On Gay Street, the Ephant Group is transforming the Hope Brothers Building into Hotel Cleo, a boutique hotel concept that would maintain the building’s historic feel. The people behind the building’s former occupant, Sapphire, are planning a public bar and restaurant concept for the property.
One developer, two concepts
Leigh Burch III helped kicked off a downtown living trend when he developed Sterchi Lofts, which began leasing in 2002. The lofts transitioned to condos a few years back.
His latest development, Stockyard Lofts in the Old City, finally has units available following some delays. Now, his focus is likely shifting to Capitol Lofts, a $30 million project with built-in parking, workforce units and what Burch is advertising as the city’s “top pool.”
