Knoxville TN, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation has unveiled redevelopment plans for the old St. Mary’s Hospital site, which closed in 2018. Spanning 30 acres, the plans include preserving the historic hospital building while introducing senior living facilities, multifamily housing, townhomes, a dog park, and green spaces. The Dominion Group will lead the project alongside community input from the Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association. Construction is expected to start by late 2026, with significant investments from the city for infrastructure improvements.
Knoxville – The Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has announced conceptual redevelopment plans for the old St. Mary’s Hospital site in North Knoxville. The hospital, which closed its doors in 2018, has remained largely unused since then, leading to some areas of the site becoming vandalized.
This 30-acre property includes the historic St. Mary’s building, constructed in 1929, which is planned to be preserved as part of the redevelopment efforts. KCDC’s proposals exhibit a multifaceted approach, featuring senior living facilities, multifamily housing, and townhomes. Additionally, the plans encompass the creation of a dog park and green spaces, focusing on addressing priority needs within the community.
Ben Bentley, a representative from KCDC, emphasized the significance of maintaining historic structures, providing open space, and meeting the housing demands in the area. The Dominion Group has been designated as the developer responsible for bringing these plans to fruition. KCDC collaborated closely with the Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association to ensure community input was integral to the planning process.
Michelle Ivester, president of the Neighborhood Association, conveyed appreciation for the commitment to preservation and the involvement of neighborhood residents in the project. However, there are concerns among some residents regarding the potential impact of high-density housing on property values.
The redevelopment initiative is still in its preliminary stages, with developers projected to break ground by late 2026. Recently, the planning commission approved a rezoning of the land from institutional use to multifamily residential, which is a significant step towards the realization of the project.
It is noteworthy that some parts of the site have already seen prior developments, including the Knoxville Police Department Public Safety Complex and a facility managed by the McNabb Center. The city of Knoxville has allocated $40 million to construct a new Public Safety Complex on the site to consolidate the operations of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD), Knoxville Fire Department (KFD), City Court, and Pension System offices. Additionally, $6 million has been set aside for private redevelopment on the northern end of the property.
Lincoln Memorial University is also planning to launch a satellite campus for nursing students in the Magdalen Clarke Tower, adding further educational resources to the area. Overall, the city of Knoxville is committed to preserving the historical significance and integrity of St. Mary’s, as it remains an iconic aspect of Knoxville’s heritage.
FAQ
What are the redevelopment plans for the old St. Mary’s Hospital site?
The redevelopment plans include senior living facilities, multifamily housing, townhomes, and the preservation of the historic St. Mary’s building.
When did St. Mary’s Hospital close?
St. Mary’s Hospital closed in 2018 and has been mostly unused since then.
What is the size of the St. Mary’s Hospital site?
The site encompasses 30 acres.
Who is the developer for the project?
The Dominion Group has been selected as the developer for the project.
What community features are included in the plans?
The plans include a dog park and green spaces to address community priorities.
When is construction expected to begin?
The developers aim to break ground by late 2026.
What has been done to gather community input on the redevelopment plans?
KCDC has worked closely with the Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association to gather community input.
What is the financial commitment made by the city of Knoxville?
The city is allocating $40 million to develop a new Public Safety Complex and $6 million for private redevelopment on the northern end of the property.
What significant facility is planned to be established at the site?
Lincoln Memorial University plans to establish a satellite campus for nursing students in the Magdalen Clarke Tower on the site.
Key Features of the Redevelopment Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Redevelopment Plans | Senior living facilities, multifamily housing, townhomes, historic building preservation |
| Site Area | 30 acres |
| Developer | The Dominion Group |
| Community Features | Dog park, green spaces |
| Construction Start Date | Projected late 2026 |
| City Investment | $40 million for Public Safety Complex, $6 million for redevelopment |
| Educational Facility | Lincoln Memorial University satellite campus |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Leaders Plan Revitalization of McClung Warehouse Site
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Plans to Redevelop Old St. Mary’s Hospital Site
- Multi Housing News: Former Children’s Home in Massachusetts to Become Affordable Housing
- Knox News: Knoxville Police and Fire Headquarters
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
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