Investing in two corridors – the $19.2 million Sevier Avenue streetscape project and creation of a Magnolia Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Plan – will be up for votes at the
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, City Council meeting.
"These are both transformational projects, and I’m encouraging Council members to support these investments," Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said.
"After years of planning and anticipation, the Sevier Avenue project is about to become a reality. It will replace outdated infrastructure and enhance connectivity and public safety in the commercial heart of the South Waterfront.
"Meanwhile, having an up-to-date roadmap for redeveloping the Magnolia Avenue corridor will help the public and private sectors create partnerships, focus priorities, and tap into available incentives and tools."
Here is a quick look at each project:
| Sevier Avenue |
The project includes wide ADA-compliant sidewalks, a new railroad crossing, streetlights, upgraded utilities and relocation of unsightly utility lines below ground, and a roundabout at the intersection of Sevier Avenue, Foggy Bottom Street and Island Home Avenue.
Council on Tuesday will vote on four items – the biggest being an authorization for Mayor Kincannon’s administration to execute an $8.9 million construction contract with Whaley Construction, which is 80 percent funded by the state of Tennessee.
Another $6.5 million will go to Southern Constructors to build utility conduit and a duct bank, and to reimburse Knoxville Utilities Board for relocating utilities underground. The utility portion of the project is completely City-funded.
Construction would begin by January 2025 and be completed by summer 2026. With few exceptions, traffic flow on Sevier Avenue is expected to remain open in both directions throughout the construction.
The $19.2 million total project cost reflects design work, right-of-way acquisition and construction. |
| |
| Magnolia Avenue |
Mayor Kincannon and the Urban Design and Development Department, subject to City Council approval, will task Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. to create a redevelopment plan for the Magnolia Avenue corridor, roughly between the Old City and Chilhowee Park/Burlington.
This plan will focus solely on commercial properties and encourage multi-story mixed-use development along the corridor.
The plan is expected to encourage restoration and reuse of historic structures and create safer connections to schools, parks and public spaces.
Owners of commercially-zoned properties along Magnolia, as well as media and the general public, will be invited to a public hearing this fall.
"We’re eager to expand on the energy and excitement that’s happening along the corridor – everything from Reconnecting Knoxville to the multi-use public stadium to large-scale private, public and non-profit investment," said Rebekah Jane Justice, the City’s Chief of Urban Design and Development.
"We want to capture and extend that excitement and momentum. Redevelopment means more jobs, more neighborhood amenities, and increased housing opportunities." |