News Summary
The University of Tennessee plans to create a 5.6-acre innovation district at 814 W. Hill Ave. designed to enhance connections between downtown Knoxville and the university campus. The initiative aims to foster a mixed-use neighborhood conducive to collaboration and innovation, integrating academic, corporate, residential, and retail spaces. A crucial meeting by the UT System Board of Trustees is set for June to discuss acquiring the property for $45 million, managed by The University Financing Foundation, to explore technology-focused development options.
Knoxville Plans New Innovation District
The University of Tennessee (UT) is in the early stages of developing a 5.6-acre innovation district located at 814 W. Hill Ave. The project is designed to foster a “live-work-play-learn” neighborhood, significantly enhancing connections between downtown Knoxville and the university campus. This initiative is set to be discussed by the UT System Board of Trustees at their annual meeting on June 30 and July 1, where the board will consider entering into an agreement to acquire the land.
Details of the Proposal
If the board approves the acquisition, the purchase price for the property will be $45 million, which will be managed by The University Financing Foundation (TUFF). TUFF’s management will include overseeing 199 apartment units and parking facilities on the site. The agreement allows TUFF to hold the property for five years, providing UT with the necessary time to explore various development options focused on technology innovation and economic growth.
During this holding period, UT is expected to pay TUFF costs not exceeding $1.5 million per year. Should UT decide not to develop the property, there is a contingency which could require the university to pay TUFF up to $10 million.
Objectives of the Innovation District
The proposed innovation district aims to integrate academic, corporate, residential, and retail spaces, ultimately creating a hub for collaboration and innovation. The concept aligns with contemporary urban development trends supported by research from the Global Institute for Innovation Districts, which illustrate the positive impact such districts can have internationally.
This particular area falls within a 1.5-mile radius as identified in UT’s master plan, which outlines future growth and development alongside the campus. The district’s proximity to significant landmarks such as World’s Fair Park and the Maplehurst Park Apartments makes it a strategic location for further development.
Expanding Community Initiatives
The innovation district will also serve as an incubator for several programs, including the UT AI Tennessee Initiative and various startup companies. Current discussions extend beyond the Maplehurst neighborhood, with additional innovation districts being considered in nearby areas such as Oak Ridge and across the Tennessee River.
Among the larger projects in discussion are the Peninsula Innovation District and the Oak Ridge Innovation Corridor, which will focus on state-of-the-art research areas including nuclear technology, materials science, and medical advancements. The Peninsula project is particularly ambitious, projected to cover over 300 acres and include partnerships with institutions such as the UT Medical Center and the UT Institute of Agriculture.
Next Steps for the University
As of now, none of the proposed innovation districts, including those in Maplehurst, Oak Ridge, and the peninsula, have established timelines. All remain in the conceptual development stage, where further planning and community engagement will be necessary. The upcoming Board of Trustees meeting will be a critical step in determining the future of the Maplehurst property and its role in UT’s innovation and community outreach efforts.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: University of Tennessee Innovation District
- WBIR: Webb School Dedicates New Governor’s Center for Innovation
- Knox News: Downtown Knoxville Anti-Ice Demonstration
- Business Wire: Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator Awards
- Business Wire: Safire Technology Group Expands in Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Innovation District
- Google Search: University of Tennessee Innovation District
- Google Scholar: Innovation Districts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Innovation
- Google News: University of Tennessee
