News Summary
Knoxville is set to breathe new life into the historic Sanitary Laundry Building, with plans for its transformation into an eco-friendly creative hub. Originally built in 1925, the building has remained vacant since 1993. The restoration is led by McCarty Holsaple McCarty and will feature sustainable design elements, including a roof with solar panels and preservation of the building’s historic charm. With community space for offices, a café, and initiatives for certifications like LEED and WELL, this project promises to revitalize North Knoxville and support local businesses.
Exciting Plans Unveiled for Knoxville’s Historic Sanitary Laundry Building
Knoxville is buzzing with energy as plans to transform the Sanitary Laundry Building into a vibrant eco-friendly creative hub are set in motion. Nestled at 625 North Broadway, this gem has been sitting empty since 1993, waiting for a new lease on life following its closure as an industrial laundry facility. Originally built in 1925, the building served as a bustling hub for Sanitary Laundry until it closed, leaving behind a rich history now on the verge of awakening once again.
Restoration Underway
With a team led by The Christman Company and McCarty Holsaple McCarty (MHM), excitement is building as the restoration progresses. MHM, who purchased the property this past January, is gearing up to make it their new headquarters while also welcoming other commercial tenants. This renovation journey is not just about modernizing but also about maintaining the building’s historic charm.
Reviving Historical Beauty
The project aims to preserve the building’s original features, including its massive windows that will be restored to flood the spaces with natural light. The iconic brick exterior will get a makeover too, undergoing tuck-pointing to restore its once vibrant appearance and architectural highlights. It’s not just about looks; architects and designers are committed to fusing the old with the new, ensuring the building tells its story while adapting to contemporary needs.
Focus on Sustainability
This project isn’t just any run-of-the-mill renovation; it aims for the stars with plans to apply for LEED, WELL, and Net Zero certifications. What does that mean? Essentially, this could become the first building in East Tennessee to achieve all three, setting a benchmark for sustainable building practices in the region. LEED certification showcases environmental stewardship, WELL certification focuses on occupant health, and Net Zero guarantees the structure will produce as much energy as it consumes. Talk about a triple threat!
Innovative Features Planned
As part of its ambitious plans, the building will sport 10,000 square feet of solar panels on the roof. It’s expected that these panels will pay for themselves in about five years! But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A new staircase and lift will be added to ensure improved accessibility, while the interior design will keep an industrial vibe with exposed concrete floors and painted interior brick that nods to its storied past.
A Community Space for Growth
Roughly half of the renovated space will be occupied by MHM, with about 17,000 square feet up for lease for other creative minds and businesses. Plans include dedicated and shared office spaces, a fitness center, conference rooms, a community café, and an inviting outdoor patio. The surrounding neighborhood can also look forward to improvements, as this renovation is part of a broader vision to elevate North Knoxville’s business landscape and enhance safety.
Support & Financial Backing
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation is backing this exciting project, recognizing its potential to revitalize the area. The city government has also extended a friendly hand with a 12-year payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement, providing essential financial support to help kickstart the renovation. Environmental remediation work has already begun, addressing any contamination from past operations.
Looking Ahead
With a projected budget of approximately $8 million, the renovations are set to wrap up by late 2025, just in time to celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary. Knox Heritage is partnering on this endeavor, ensuring that the historical elements are preserved according to rigorous guidelines. There’s even talk about repurposing the Bar Marley structure at the rear as a potential coffee shop or lounge for tenants and visitors, adding yet another layer of community engagement.
As Knoxville gears up for this transformative project, the excitement is palpable. From historic preservation to innovative sustainability practices, the Sanitary Laundry Building is poised to become a beacon of creativity and modernity in the heart of the city.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville
- WATE
- Knox News
- WBIR
- WATE Video
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Google Search: Sanitary Laundry Building Knoxville
- Google Scholar: Sanitary Laundry Building Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sanitary Laundry Building
- Google News: Sanitary Laundry Building Knoxville
