In 1993 when the Downtown Knoxville Central Business Improvement District (CBID) was formed, most people agreed that downtown Knoxville needed significant improvement, with the city center nearly devoid of residents and essentially deserted after the workday ended.

Not so today. Downtown residents, workers and visiting guests now enjoy what some have described as a surprisingly vibrant city – at all times of day. The district now includes dining, hotels, shopping, theaters, parks, public art and more, all in a 0.67-square-mile, walkable area.

As of June 7, the CBID will be known as the Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA). The name and corresponding logo reflect extensive research conducted by Robin Easter Design with downtown stakeholders and the organization’s staff, board and committee members.

“Our goal with the new name and brand is to reflect the vibrancy of Downtown Knoxville today,” DKA Executive Director Michele Hummel said. “Downtown Knoxville is moving beyond the ‘improvement’ stage, and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance now is focused on retaining and attracting a thriving community of residents, businesses and visitors.”

Through the research, the district was characterized as an inviting, inclusive and intimate community offering a unique and diverse selection of dining, musical, artistic and cultural experiences. 

“Downtown Knoxville receives high praise for its incredible energy; blend of history and unique character; and the quality and variety of arts, culture and cuisine offered in a walkable district,” said Tim Hill, chair of the DKA board of directors. “The Alliance will continue to support these defining characteristics as we embrace the possibilities of this renewed brand.”

In addition to enhancing and promoting the district, the DKA provides financial support for events located downtown, including Nourish Knoxville’s Farmers’ Market, the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee’s Asian Festival, and the Dogwood Arts Festival and Rhythm N’ Blooms by Dogwood Arts. It also promotes and produces popular downtown events such as the monthly First Friday ArtWalk; the summertime, kid-focused “Where’s Waldo?” scavenger hunt; and the holiday-themed Peppermint Trail, all designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore the district’s eclectic mix of merchants.

To plan a visit to Downtown Knoxville and to keep up to date on the latest developments, visit https://www.downtownknoxville.org, which has been updated by Designsensory to reflect the new brand, and connect with Downtown Knoxville on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.