DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE

Not long ago, the only reason Knoxville residents ventured downtown was to go to the courthouse or post office. But not anymore, the revitalization of downtown Knoxville during the past 15 years has been more than dynamic. The drastic improvement has been in the number of hotels, housing, retail development, emerging restaurants, and varied business offices.

Downtown Knoxville is in actuality several areas. The traditional Downtown area (Old City, Gay Street, and Market Streets), Fort Sanders, University of Tennessee, Emory Place Historic District, Downtown North, and parts of the Morningside area. 

Boasting the oldest parts of Knoxville and many historic buildings, Downtown Knoxville is a stroll through the past yet it’s alive with the future. A good number of these buildings have been reimagined and turned into lofts and condos for purchase. Some recently renovated buildings such as The Sterchi Lofts, Penney’s Buildings, The Holston, The Burwell, The Emporium Lofts, and Southeastern Glass provide beautiful spaces for residents to live and play in the city.  New condo buildings are also popping up like Regas Square. And still, others have been made into restaurants, for example, The Vault is a small cocktail bar located in a vault of an old turn-of-the-century bank building. Also key to Downtown’s redevelopment were Market Square, the Old City, the World’s Fair Park, and Volunteer Landing (with a Ruth Chris Steakhouse) on the riverfront.

In addition to newer construction, some notable historic structures include Blount Mansion, the reconstructed James White Fort, the Bijou Theatre, Tennessee Theatre, Old City Hall, and the L&N Station.  Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and University of Tennessee Medical Center are all located downtown, offering a wealth of opportunities and access to first-rate healthcare.

Downtown Knoxville has so much to offer: from shopping, movies, and restaurants to Broadway shows, concerts, and sporting events like Ice Bears and UT Sports. Debuting in 2025, the minor league baseball team, The Smokies will be playing in a new multi-purpose stadium complex in the Old City.

Every month downtown Knoxville is host to First Friday ArtWalk with galleries and shops staying open late to encourage revelers to appreciate the art, live music, and shops that downtown has to offer. Downtown Knoxville boasts local eateries with award-winning chefs, some of who have decamped from nearby Blackberry Farm.  Knoxville classics include Emilia, The Oliver Royale, J.C. Holdway, Knox Mason, Kefi, Vida, and Bistro @ the Bijou.

Looking for your dream home in these neighborhoods?  Contact us today for more information!

Don’t Miss: OP Jenkins, Bliss, Mast General Store, Fizz and Union Avenue Books