Is Standard Knitting Mill still being redeveloped? We answer your urban Knoxville questions – Knoxville News Sentinel
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This week, the Knox News team looked into reader questions about developments planned for the downtown Knoxville waterfront and Standard Knitting Mill. Plus, we find out the latest on Jim Clayton’s proposed science museum and the recent purchase of a Gay Street property.
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Q: What ever happened to the 19-story apartment complex announced in 2018?
A: You must be talking about “The T at Riverfront,” which Knox News has confirmed is still in the works — a scaled-back version, at least.
The original plans called for 287 apartments across 19 floors, with retail and restaurant space also included in the mixed-use development.
But any future development on the site, located on the Tennessee River’s north waterfront between the Henley Street Bridge and First Baptist Knoxville, likely would be substantially smaller.
That’s according to Blackburn Development Group President Rick Blackburn, a project manager and representative of the owner.
“The bottom line is (the owner) is still exploring options to make the project viable and trying to get financing secure,” Blackburn said.
Blackburn said the biggest holdup has been the cost of constructing a foundation, given the challenging topography along the waterfront. The project area also includes a steep slope.
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While the initial announcement in 2018 focused on student housing, Blackburn said, the strategy will likely shift to providing market-rate housing for anyone looking to move to the downtown area. However, there would be an affordable housing component.
“It’s just a math equation, and we’re trying to make all the numbers work,” he said.
Q: Is the Clayton science museum still going to be developed?
A: East Tennessee businessman Jim Clayton revealed his vision in 2019 for a science museum at the current Knoxville Police Department headquarters on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue.
An April 27 statement from Clayton indicates the project is still in the works.
However, Clayton and his team have been met with challenges as they plan an interactive, hands-on concept during a pandemic. Unlike zoos or aquariums, Clayton said, a science museum would rely on “physically engaging” experiences.
“Planning for the Knoxville Science Museum remains active, and our team is encouraged by industry progress in adapting to the post COVID-19 new world requirements and visitor concerns,” he said.
Knoxville City Council approved a development agreement for the museum, originally planned as a $100 million facility with a $50 million endowment.
Knoxville police intend to vacate their current facility and establish a new headquarters with the Knoxville Fire Department at the renovated Tennova Physicians Regional Medical Center.
Q: Is the Standard Knitting Mill redevelopment still happening as planned?
A: Still happening? Yes. As planned? Not exactly.
Like with many projects, COVID-19 put the Standard Knitting Mill redevelopment in East Knoxville on hold. Justin Cazana, principal with Avison Young, said developers hope to complete environmental remediation by the end of the year.
Cazana helped the owners acquire the property and is now working on the leasing component.
“Probably the most likely scenario today would be a mixed-use development with multi-family, retail and an office component,” Cazana told Knox News.
However, one group has reached out to developers about turning the entire site into a corporate headquarters. The development team has also heard from grocery stores interested the property, he said.
Q: What are the plans for the former TVA Credit Union building on Gay Street?
A: Downtown’s TVA Employees Credit Union branch has moved to Market Square from its home on the corner of Gay Street and Wall Avenue. The former property recently was purchased for $5.5 million, according to real estate transfer records.
Knox News is the best source for retail, housing and downtown development news. Check back at knoxnews.com for the latest updates on these projects and more.