DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE - Knoxville Chamber of Commerce

Downtown
The recent residential growth
of downtown Knoxville has
been tremendous as
developers turn a succession of
historic buildings into attractive
homes, condominiums and lofts.
The downtown area has drawn more than 1,800 residents and grown
by 40 percent over the past couple of years, according to Michele Hummel,
director of the Downtown Knoxville Central Business Improvement District.
“I am a downtown resident and love the lifestyle,” says Hummel. “It
is great to be able to take my daughter for a stroll, walk to the bank, the
YMCA and the dry cleaners.”
The city center is attracting an eclectic mix of residents, from students
(due to the proximity to the University of Tennessee campus virtually
nextdoor) to young professionals to empty nesters.
Hummel lives in the Gallery Lofts because of the unique architecture.
“It’s great to have exposed brick combined with high ceilings,” she says. “It’s
an old building with new conveniences. The ambiance is almost impossible
to recreate with modern construction.”
Hummel’s home is located above the new Mast General Store that
opened in August 2006 on Gay Street. The Knoxville location of the
popular Southern merchandiser has an interesting mix of unique, nostalgic
items — mercantile goods, outdoor gear and big barrels of candy.
A new cinema will open in downtown Knoxville during the summer
of 2007 and is expected to attract further attention to downtown. “Having
the ability on evenings — or weekends — to park in one of the downtown
garages for free, walk to dinner, have a coffee or a drink after a movie or
perhaps shop at the many great retailers is very appealing,” says Hummel.
In addition, the downtown area offers a free concert series, Sundown
in the City, throughout the warmer months. Sundown began as a single
show, but today’s schedule of free concerts is cited as a catalyst for
revitalizing the downtown area. “Sundown in the City has been a great
event that has grown tremendously through the years,” says Hummel. “It
is presently celebrating its 10th year.” Concerts are staged every Thursday
night April through July.
Downtown Knoxville is also home to gorgeous theaters. Most
prominent is the Tennessee Theatre, located in the heart of the area. The
theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been
honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee. It offers a little bit of
everything, including classical music, popular music by today’s well-known
performers, vintage films, theater and dance. The facility underwent a $22
million renovation between 2003 and 2004, and the five Czechoslovakian
chandeliers in the lobby, alone, are valued at around $750,000.
The newly renovated Bijou Theater is another major draw. It dates
back to 1909 and its stage has been graced by such performers as Groucho
Knoxville Chamber