Former McClung Warehouse Site Moves Closer to Transformation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A location in downtown Knoxville, which has remained mostly vacant for over ten years, is now one step nearer to being transformed into something new.

In 2007, a huge blaze devastated the McClung Warehouse, and then in 2014, another fire compelled the City of Knoxville to tear down the remaining parts of the building.

Ever since then, it has remained an unused plot of land. However, now the Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation is collaborating to transform it into something more beneficial.

It sits perfectly between the Old City and extends towards World’s Fair Park as well as the University of Tennessee’s campus. According to KCDC’s CEO, Ben Bentley, the project on Jackson Avenue might serve as the crucial link for downtown Knoxville's connectivity.

There are multiple sections of our downtown area that seem somewhat desolate due to different factors," Bentley stated. "It feels as though you start walking towards a particular spot but halt since there isn’t much more around. Our aim is to reconnect this urban tapestry.

KCDC is at the forefront of determining the future of the three-and-a-half-acre site. Following over ten years of gathering community feedback, the request for qualifications has been launched, signaling the initial significant move toward turning redevelopment into an actuality.

Scott West is a business owner with multiple holdings in the city center, among them being LunaVerse, located across from this property. His contributions were significant in shaping numerous sections of the downtown area, and he views this as a chance to unify all these parts into one cohesive whole.

The potential here is almost boundless," West stated. "You can stop at any terminal, and from whichever spot you choose, you can travel all over without needing to relocate your vehicle. Hence, once you park in downtown Knoxville, you could visit multiple locations effortlessly. This is the kind of future I envision.

Bentley mentioned that the feedback indicated people were looking for various housing options across different price ranges, along with street-level retail spaces and parking facilities. West expressed his hope that these elements would be taken into consideration.

People will pursue whatever the demand calls for, and housing is certainly something in high demand," West stated. "However, I genuinely hope that there can be some enjoyment beyond mere living quarters. This piece of property is quite significant, so ideally, someone with vision will take control of it.

KCDC mentioned they are seeking submissions that encompass all these elements to ensure benefits for the community.

Companies have the option to apply until early June, after which KCDC will select a shortlist to develop comprehensive plans, providing clearer insights into potential outcomes.

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