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Tennessee Theatre sets March opening for 612 Building

The newly renovated 612 Building will open this spring, adding performance space, amenities, and community gathering areas to downtown Knoxville.

Street scene with historic buildings, including one with a large vertical "Tennessee" sign. Cars line the street under a partly cloudy sky.

Over the years, the 612 Building has served many purposes, including as a bank, a hearing aid company, and a ticket office for the Southern Railway. | Photo via Google Maps

The Tennessee Theatre’s long-awaited expansion is almost curtain-ready. Work on the 612 Building at 612 S. Gay St. — the property adjacent to the historic theater — is nearing completion, with an official opening set for Friday, March 20.

After two years of construction, the refurbished building will connect directly to the Tennessee Theatre, improving crowd flow and operations while giving audiences more places to linger and experience events beyond the main stage.

A carousel of images showing the latest construction project update inside the 612 Building.

Spaces are taking shape inside the 612 Building. | Photos via @tntheatre

Here’s what’s inside the renovated 612 Building:

  • More public restrooms, including a 50% increase in women’s facilities
  • A full-service bar on the theater’s balcony level
  • A donor lounge and bar on the main theater level
  • A state-of-the-art recording studio on the top floor

Beyond upgraded amenities, the 612 Building expands what the Tennessee Theatre can offer, adding new spaces for theater programming, administrative staff, nonprofit events, and rehearsals for touring Broadway performers. Learn more about the 612 Expansion Project.

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