Downtown growing east? New parks, apartments and streets could change these neighborhoods

As downtown Knoxville has continued to grow north and south in recent years, the neighborhoods just east of the city's core have not quite seen the same level of investment.

But with the intent of a new downtown baseball stadium incorporating workers and history from these historically Black neighborhoods, all eyes have been on East Knoxville and surrounding neighborhoods as of late.

Experts say a stadium will lead to redevelopment in the area, but it's not an economic silver bullet. However, the community is changing in other ways with new amenities, from parks to apartments to greenways that connect neighbors.

In anticipation of all these changes, neighbors connected April 11 at Chilhowee Park's Jacob Building with the city of Knoxville and the people leading some of these development efforts.

Here are some of the most notable projects in the works that will enhance the lives of people living in communities east of downtown Knoxville.

Morningside Park is getting a 'healthy' facelift

The reimagining of Morningside Park broke ground in the fall, with grading and utilities still laying the groundwork for construction.

Park, play and picnic: The community park will have new parking, playground equipment and covered picnic seating when renovations are complete.

How much will it cost?: Sheryl Ely, parks and recreation director for the city, told Knox News the project will end up costing roughly $5.5 million, including maintenance costs — all covered through a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation.

What are the other amenities?: The project, which includes an outdoor exercise area with equipment for adults, was approved by Knoxville City Council in October 2020. Other major park amenities include bathrooms and 40-yard dash lanes, where park guests can track their speeds with a timer.

Is the name changing?: The area of the park with the new amenities will be called BlueCross Healthy Place at Morningside Park.

When will the park be ready?: Ely said she hopes the project will wrap by the end of the year.

Where is it located?: Morningside Park can be found at 1600 Dandridge Ave. east of East Hill Avenue.

Burlington streetscape could beautify Knoxville neighborhood

A two-block stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue from Oakland Street to the Holston Drive intersection will see some upgrades to its accessibility and greenery.

Streetscape projects have occurred around the city, including a stretch of Magnolia Avenue.

What is it?: The project will widen sidewalks, add stamped crosswalks and remove the traffic signal at the Fern Street intersection. The project also will add trees along the street and bury utilities.

How much will it cost?: City of Knoxville civil engineer manager George Daws said the budget is about $2 million.

What’s the timeline?: Construction will begin in May and will take anywhere from eight to 12 months.

Downtown Knoxville baseball stadium ready to break ground

A multiuse baseball stadium just east of downtown is preparing to enter the next phase of construction.

When will it happen?: A spokesperson for the development team told Knox News via text message that a groundbreaking on the $114 million stadium could happen in May.

What has happened so far?: Initial contracts have been awarded, as utility and grading work has been happening at the site.

When would the project finish?: The stadium is expected to open in time for the 2025 Minor League Baseball season. The facility will host Tennessee Smokies baseball, One Knoxville soccer, concerts and community events.

East Knoxville greenways could connect communities

A greenway project is in the works for East Knoxville.

Where would the greenway go?: Plans call for a greenway − just less than 2 miles − that connects Harriet Tubman Park to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

What about connecting to Morningside Park?: The city of Knoxville was not awarded a federal Reconnecting Communities Grant that also would have bridged Harriet Tubman Park with Morningside Park.

When would it be built? Tim Hester, parks and greenways coordinator for the city, told Knox News construction is still two years away. The project needs a “smidge” more money, he said, but design and construction are mostly funded.

Five phases for the Magnolia Avenue streetscape

Similar to the Burlington Streetscape, but much larger, this project will give a stretch of Magnolia Avenue improvements.

What is it?: This project will add new crosswalks and trees. Daws said parking along the street will become more defined and bus turnouts with shelters and benches will be added.

A phased plan: The project is split up into five phases, and the entire project will span from Jessamine to North Cherry Street.

How much will it cost?: The total project is estimated at about $30 million.

What’s the timeline?: Phases one and two have been completed. The remaining three phases, which span from North Bertrand to North Cherry Street will begin in 2024, 2025 and 2026 respectively.

Riverside restaurants and apartments east of downtown

Earlier this year, Knoxville City Council approved a 12-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement – or PILOT – that will help Dominion Group bring 350 apartments and commercial space along the Tennessee River just east of downtown.

Where would this development be?: The property is located on the north side of the river near James White Parkway at 1624 Riverside Drive.

What types of apartments?: Brad Richmond, development associate for Dominion, told Knox News the apartments would be a mix of townhomes, studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms across two buildings. The buildings would include five levels of apartments with commercial space below and 35 rent-restricted workforce housing units.

Commercial space: The project also calls for roughly 30,000 square feet of commercial space in the buildings. Ideally, restaurants would occupy the spaces facing the river, Richmond said. A third structure would be built to accommodate a restaurant and boathouse.

How much would it cost: $138 million , according to the city.

What is a PILOT?: Typically, PILOTs transfer property proposed for developments to the city’s Industrial Development Board, and property taxes are frozen. The developer then pays the frozen property tax amount each year of the PILOT as rent, rather than pay property taxes, which most certainly will increase with a major development.

Parking included: Two parking garages are planned to accommodate residents, as well as surface parking for the greater community looking to visit the businesses.

What other restaurants are on the river?: In and around downtown Knoxville, Calhoun’s and Ruth’s Chris Steak House are the only restaurants along the river.

When will this project break ground?: Richmond said work could start next summer, with the goal of opening in 2026.

Magnolia Street, Rutledge Pike and Ashville Highway study

The city identified the intersection of these three roads as a divider of the community due to its challenging accessibility for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

What is it?: The study is looking to improve connectivity, pedestrian safety and access at the intersection of the three roads, according to City transportation engineering chief Karen McKeehan.

The project would also improve drivability by reorganizing some of the connecting roads. Areas with the old streets would become greenspaces.

How much will it cost?: Right now, there isn’t a solid design, and funding for the project has not been identified. However, McKeehan said preliminary estimate is $16 million.

What’s the timeline?: Similar to funding, the project is in a very early stage of development, so there is not a timeline.

More: Why Knoxville is planning to plant more trees, and how you can help

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: East Knoxville development bringing new parks, apartments and streets