Knoxville is a city on the rise — and we mean that literally. Here are five new and coming soon developments changing our city’s landscape, from education to recreation projects.
Augusta Quarry
The beloved quarry at Fort Dickerson Park is scheduled to reopen this summer with a major glow-up. Back in 2019, phase one of the $5.4 million renovation brought a new entrance and parking lot. Phase two, which is nearly complete, will make the swimming spot safer — expect new floating beach and swim platforms, safer paths to the water, a vendor area, and restrooms (for the first time ever).
If you’re looking for some light reading on your summer swim day, learn all about the history of Fort Dickerson Park. The overlook spanning Lake Augusta and the city skyline was critical to the Union soldiers defending Knoxville — the park also features one of the best preserved forts and three replica cannons.
University of Tennessee chemistry building
In early May, the university’s Panhellenic Building was demolished to make way for an eight-story, modernized chemistry building. With $165.5 million in funding from the TN General Assembly, it’s the largest investment the state has ever awarded to a single higher education project. The project’s groundbreaking is set for September, with construction expected to wrap up in 2029.
Vintage Cal
The six-story downtown apartment complex has been a long time coming, but construction is scheduled to begin this spring between Marble Alley Lofts and the State Street Garage. Expect a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and a mixed-use ground floor with a combo of apartments and office space. Plans also include a coffee shop at the corner of State Street and Union Avenue. Developers hope to complete the complex by 2027.
Covenant Health Park
The new 6,355-seat stadium brings the Smokies back to Knoxville. It also brings good eats. The multi-use ballpark opened in April with plenty of concessions, but T. Ralph’s Burgers and Disco Chicken and Donuts will join in, available year-round in the Beauford Delaney Building this fall.
The building is part of a larger mixed-use development surrounding the park, including retail on the ground floor, underground parking, office space, and seven floors of apartments.
Knoxville Children’s Theatre
The Foundry announced its closure last fall, bringing an end to more than 30 years of hosting weddings and events. But now, the historic building will become home to the Knoxville Children’s Theatre, complete with a grand lobby, rehearsal space, black box theater, and 250-seat auditorium. The theatre has begun a $12 million campaign to fund the renovations.
Back to the drawing board
And to round us out, here’s one more development to keep an eye on. As donations for a new science museum recently fell through, the city will work with the community to develop the area at the former Knoxville Police headquarters. We’ll keep you updated with opportunities to get involved.
