News Summary
St. John’s Episcopal Church has acquired a downtown parking lot at 409 W. Church Ave. for $10.65 million, repurposing the site originally designated for a hotel. The acquisition is aimed at addressing the church’s increased need for accessible parking as attendance grows. With plans for a capital campaign to fund the purchase, the church remains committed to enhancing community services in Knoxville, marking a significant shift in its strategic vision.
KNOXVILLE – St. John’s Episcopal Church has purchased a downtown parking lot located at 409 W. Church Ave. for $10.65 million. This acquisition marks a shift in plans as the property was originally intended for the development of a nine-story hotel.
The space was initially proposed by Vector Hospitality, which planned to build a 175-room Tempo by Hilton hotel on the site. The company submitted plans for the hotel in 2024 after acquiring the parcel for $8.4 million in 2023 from Premier Parking of Knoxville. However, no construction activities have commenced as of now.
The church treasurer, Sharon Miller Pryse, indicated that the newly acquired property will specifically be used to address the growing accessible parking needs of the congregation. With the church’s ongoing expansion and increased attendance, the decision to purchase the property underscores the pressing demand for more parking options.
In response to this financial transaction, St. John’s Episcopal Church plans to initiate a capital campaign to fund the purchase. This strategy aims to bolster the church’s financial resources while enhancing accessibility for its community members.
The Rev. Chris Hackett, the dean of the church, expressed intentions to remain firmly established in downtown Knoxville, emphasizing the church’s commitment to community enrichment and outreach efforts. St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest Episcopal congregation in East Tennessee, with the current structure dating back to the 1890s.
The church has a long-standing tradition of community engagement, hosting a variety of events, cultural programs, and worship services to serve its congregants. It aims to continue these initiatives while accommodating a growing number of participants.
Surrounding developments add context to the church’s acquisition. Nearby structures such as the Walnut Building are being retrofitted for hotel purposes, while the Duncan Federal Building and the downtown library remain significant landmarks in the area. The church’s proximity to these developments enhances its visibility and engagement with downtown activities.
While the original hotel plan may no longer proceed, St. John’s Episcopal Church’s acquisition presents an opportunity to fulfill the needs of its congregation and continue its legacy of community service in Knoxville. The ongoing commitment to expanding accessible parking aligns with the church’s overall mission and strategic vision for the future.
The purchase signifies a new chapter for St. John’s Episcopal Church, enabling it to further its role in the vibrant downtown community. As the church prepares for upcoming projects and initiatives, it remains focused on fostering a welcoming environment for all visitors and worshippers.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: St. John’s Episcopal Church Buys Downtown Knoxville Parking Lot
- Knox News: Downtown Knoxville Churches Transform for Concerts
- WATE: New Pastor Appointed at St. John Neumann Parish
- Inside of Knoxville: Open Letter to St. John’s Episcopal Church
- Arts Knoxville: St. John’s Showcase of New Pipe Organ
- Wikipedia: History of Knoxville
- Google Search: St. John’s Episcopal Church Knoxville
- Google Scholar: St. John’s Episcopal Church Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- Google News: St. John’s Episcopal Church Knoxville
