News Summary
Knoxville is experiencing significant development as various projects, including the Island Home roundabout and new condominiums, aim to enhance traffic flow and economic prospects. Notable developments include a $19 million roundabout at Island Home and Sevier Avenue, the Delaney Building with premium condos, and multiple hotel projects aimed at boosting lodging options, addressing increasing demand for housing and office spaces as the city continues to grow.
Knoxville is undergoing an extensive wave of development, with multiple projects and ongoing construction reshaping the city’s landscape. As these developments progress, they aim to address increasing traffic concerns and enhance economic opportunities within the community.
Island Home Roundabout Project Underway
A significant $19 million roundabout at the intersection of Island Home and Sevier Avenue has commenced construction. This project is expected to last two years, with initial utility work scheduled for this summer. Traffic issues have escalated at this intersection due to an influx of new businesses and residential developments in the area, necessitating updates to infrastructure.
New Condominiums and Office Spaces
Among the latest projects is the Delaney Building, which stands as one of Knoxville’s tallest structures. This nine-story facility will house approximately 40 condominiums and commercial office space. Pre-sale prices for the condos range from about $675 per square foot (psf) for smaller units to more than $950 psf for units with views of the nearby stadium. These prices significantly surpass the current downtown market average of $500 psf, reflecting the demand for premium housing options in the area.
Progress on Office Space and Hotel Developments
Additionally, the Axle Logistics Building is nearing completion, designed to accommodate workspace for 900 employees. At the same time, construction is ongoing for a new Home 2 Suites by Hilton hotel located at 1100 Clinch Avenue. This hotel will feature 130 rooms and is expected to improve connectivity between downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. The land for the hotel was acquired for $1.1 million in April 2021, and construction had faced delays following a proposed upscale hotel project in 2020.
More Hotel Projects in Downtown Knoxville
Several other hotel projects are in progress in downtown Knoxville, including a Moxy by Marriott, a SpringHill Suites by Marriott, an AC Hotel by Marriott, and a Tempo by Hilton. These developments are part of a broader effort to increase lodging options as the area continues to grow.
Utility Improvements in Fort Sanders
In the Fort Sanders neighborhood, utility projects are underway to enhance water and wastewater services in support of the expanding University of Tennessee. This series of construction phases is creating disruptions for existing roads, prompting concerns from residents and students about traffic issues and accessibility.
Baseball Stadium Construction Update
Construction for the new downtown baseball stadium is also in progress, with approximately $12.7 million (14.5%) of the total $86.9 million contract awarded to diverse business enterprises (DBEs). This figure falls slightly below the initial target of 17%. Monitoring of DBE participation has revealed challenges in finding qualified local contractors for the project, yet the focus remains on fostering community ties and creating opportunities for minority businesses. Plans for future job fairs to connect trained DBEs with employment during the stadium’s opening season have also been discussed.
Temporary Road Repairs and Future Planning
To address some immediate concerns during construction, Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is implementing temporary gravel backfill to reduce potential costs linked to road repairs. Once initial projects reach completion, plans to repave streets are scheduled, aiming to restore normalcy to disrupted areas.
As Knoxville continues its trajectory of growth through various development initiatives, residents and stakeholders remain vigilant about the impacts of construction on daily life and the infrastructure’s ability to support the increased demand for housing, office spaces, and transportation solutions.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Knoxville Construction Near World’s Fair Park
- Wikipedia: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Inside of Knoxville: Downtown Development Updates January 2025
- Google Search: Knoxville development updates
- Kniakrls: Knoxville Housing Projects to Start Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville construction
- WBIR: Construction in Fort Sanders
- Google News: Knoxville traffic updates
