Is there development potential under our feet?



Entryway beneath Jackson Avenue, Knoxville

Regular readers of this blog know that I recently spent some time walking Depot Avenue and considering the possibilities for development. As a part of that post I took pictures from Depot toward the main portion of downtown across the tracks. These shots reminded me that I've wanted to explore the underside of Jackson Avenue.
It's been pretty widely documented that the 100 Block of Gay Street was elevated from its original topography in order to allow automobile traffic to cross the railyard more safely. I'd never thought about Jackson Avenue's rise and fall as it crosses Gay Street into the Old City as being a similar project, but it must have been.

Shaft checks out the possibilities beneath Jackson Avenue, Knoxville.

There are pretty intact doorways, passageways and areas that look as if they may be currently used for storage, perhaps in support of the renovations occuring on street level above. The corridors, passageways and rooms under the street would lead to some of the structures on the 100 Block of Gay Street, though much of that space, as has been documented elsewhere, is taken by pipes, wiring and other infrastructure for the residents and businesses above.


A Glimpse underneath Jackson Avenue, Knoxville

Some of the entry-ways could easily be attractive enough to be used in only slightly modified form for the entry into a bar or cool restaurant and the space behind them seems adequate for such a purpose. One of the steadiest long-term complaints about downtown would not be an issue as a large parking lot sits directly in front of these potetial businesses. If it all sounds a bit ridiculous as a location because it looks unattractive or unsafe, please consider the spot a few blocks to the west where the Valarium and Cider House seem to be thriving.


Beneath Jackson Avenue, Knoxville

Just to the east, on the same level, are the loading docks, which I assume were built to hold frieght from or for the trains when the rail system was at its peak. I've thought for years that these would also make great shops, restaurants and bars. I've seem similar structures so adaptated in San Francisco and I'm sure it's been done else where. This would further cement the connection between the 100 Block and the Old City. 

Loading Docks off Jackson: Storage now available.

Unfortunately, I recently received a flier advertising that some of that space will now be offered for storage. I've always felt long-term storage to be an indictment against western consumption and commercialism. If I don't have room for it I need to let it go - or better, yet, never buy it in the first place. But then, I'm as guilty as anybody of wasteful spending and needless accumulation. Besides, short-term storage is probably a need for many people. It just seems like a waste of real estate in the city. Maybe it's a temporary use for the buildings.
So, do I think we'll see this kind of development by the spring? No. I will likely be many springs until such a thing would be considered, but I think it's there waiting for the right vision. Maybe yours? Just askin'.

Urban Outfitters Pauses in Knoxville

Cool, but friendly Urban Outfitters, Knoxville, October 2011

It was an odd sight at the corner of Church and Gay earlier this week. A make-shift barricade segmented a portion of the parking lot which was thereby pronounced a retail establishment open for business. A small sign on the sidewalk beside Gay Street declared that Urban Outfitters, after an unrequited flirtation with a permanent presence in the city opted inside for a drive-by.


Sign on Gay Street Sidewalk, Knoxville



Uber Cool Stuff for Uber Cool People

I clearly didn't fit the demographic for which the display was so finely arrayed, so the fact that some of the way-cooler-than-I'll-ever-be people on the premises were friendly enough to talk to me was a bonus. My primary question, however, was whether this brief foray constituted a market probe of any sort, and to that I got a clear non-response.



Dishing out the Goods, Urban Outfitters Mobile Lab

The merchandise offered by the variously tattooed, pierced and totally awesome young people was out of the extreme reaches of my fashion world. Sunglasses and clothing were strewn about as were oddities like Instamatic cameras and headphones. The entire experience was a bit surreal, but the young people were upbeat and pronounced the visit a "success!" The tour includes college towns not otherwise served by the company.

Urban Outfitters' Mobile Home, Knoxville, October 2011

Shoppers at Urban Outfitters Mobile Fashion Response Unit

I spoke to a policeman who assured me there had been no incidents of concern. He specializes in that sort of thing, as his regular gig is the East Tennessee History Center where he only  need be concerned with occasional visits from that scruffy citizen Jack Neely. He did mention that he sometimes works at the public library which has seen a recent influx of trouble-making students from the STEM Academy waving their Ipods all about. I could only shudder to think.

Get your lavender soda on the way out!

The tour is sponsored by the Dry Soda Company, which seemed odd for a corporation to have a corporate sponsor. The drink flavors offered didn't make me particularly thirsty, with their rhubarb, cucumber and blood orange blends.

Alive After Five, Kaziques and Dancing into the Night Latino Style



Caziques performs at Alive After Five, Knoxville Museum of Art

Alive After Five, Knoxville Museum of Art

I recently enjoyed another round of Alive After Five at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Alive After Five actually starts at 6:00 and is easily confused with the former Live at Five on WBIR, which has now become "Live at Five at Four," which makes absolutely no sense, but this has nothing to do with that. Got it? Me either, but several Fridays each Spring and Fall the Art Museum rocks, which isn't something you necessarily expect of an art museum.

 

Friday before last the doors opened to Kaziques, a Nashville band with featuring "a dynamic Pan-Latin, Afro-Cuban mix of salsa, meringue, cumbia, bachata." Got that? Neither do I, but the Latin rhythms filled the night and filled the dance floor. I recognized some faces from the Hola Festival, which is likely because volunteers from that event got into this event without charge. The dance floor was filled with denizens of Casa Hola moving to the Salsa and more.

Scottish-Latino Dancing at the Knoxville Museum of Art



Kaziques at the Knoxville Museum of Art

As is the case at each of these events, Michael Gill co-ordinated, hosted and emceed the gathering. The entire museum with all its public collections is open, a cash bar and food for sale (very inexpensively) from selected vendors are also offered. For ten dollars anyone may walk through the door. The cost is six dollars for students and free to members. It's an incredibly cheap date and is usually packed, though there is room for you. The music rolls on this Friday night with Boys Night Out.

Beautiful Belinda was ever present

Lovely, smart and talented singer jams with the band

Late in the evening the band was joined by a young woman whose name evaded me, but I gathered she is working her way through law school (smart) while occasionally displaying her amazing vocal skills (talented). If life was fair she would at least be ugly. Life isn't fair.

I hope you enjoyed these photographs of the beautiful dancers. Imagine yourself to be one of them next time around. 

 

October Business Update, Part 2

It is amazing how quickly things continue to change downtown. In this post I'll mention some changes that have happened and others that are underway. These have been mentioned in other places (particularly Josh Flory's excellent Property Scope), for the most part, so there is no huge breaking news to be found here, but it is interesting to see all the changes laid out together. It's easy to move along thinking not much is happening until you see all the changes together. I've seen nothing to indicate it will slow down. If anything, the pace seems to be quickening.


Aveda Institute, Gay Street, Knoxville

There is one opening that I don't think I've officially mentioned and that is the Aveda  Institute which appears open for educating the future stylists of Knoxville. I'll admit that I don't think the S and W looks as bad as I anticipated in its new incarnation. I'm not necessarily excited to see the new business, but compared to an empty storefront, it's beautiful.

31 Bistro, Market Square, Knoxville

We also had a conversion overnight on Market Square, much in the same manner as Black Market suddenly became Crass Couture last month. This month's conversion doesn't involve a change in ownership as much as a change in format. Longtime favorite La Costa became 31 Bistro. Ownership changed last year and the new owner is simultaneously putting her personal stamp on the business and shifting it away from the Latin theme that seems to be somewhat overdone on the western side of Market Square and promises to become even more saturated when Lime Fresh opens in the Arnstein Building next spring. The new restaurant will focus on fresh, locally grown food, while retaining some of the favorites from their previous incarnation.


Newly Re-opened Jay's Megamart, Gay Street, Knoxville

 

Jay's Megamart, Wigs on Sale!

We also have one re-opening this month. Almost like a zombie that just won't die, Jay's Megamart is open once more in the Kress Building on Gay Street. It's an unlikely business to survive as downtown evolves, but I'm assuming when the building didn't sell, the owner let them re-open. How long that will be the case remains to be seen, but in the interim you can find items there you won't find anywhere else downtown, such as the scissors an out-of-town guest of ours bought there recently. Of course, that old staple of Jay's, those fine wigs, are on sale!

The Market at Union and Gay, Knoxville

One unfortunate change is that the Market at Union and Gay has stopped selling meat. They had stocked excellent chicken, bison and grass-fed beef along with a small portion of seafood and lamb. It was the best meat market downtown in a long, long time. Unfortunately, the owner of that portion of the store (who is separate from the owner of the rest of the Market) decided sales weren't strong enough and he pulled out. Assurances are being given that meat will return, soon, though probably not in the quantities it was previously available. This is very disappointing in my household as we had taken to buying all our meat there, daily as needed. We've shifted that portion of business to the new location of the Three Rivers Market for the time being, although that requires climbing in a car.



The former Market Square Kitchen: New Tenant Coming Soon!

There are other changes afoot which will become more apparent in the near future. A tenant has been located for the previous Market Square Kitchen, though the identity of the tenant isn't being released, yet. The requirements set out initially, which I assume still stand, included a restaurant that would serve three meals a day, so that's something to look forward to. It also must mean renovation work on that corner of the square and along the side on Union Avenue since the exterior of the location is in poor condition.

Likely bringing more construction in a never-ending-cycle of construction to Union Avenue is the purchase of the strip of office/retail space on the ground-floor of the residences at Market Square. Aside from a print shop these spaces have languished and the new owners, who include David Dewhirst, feel that alterations and improvements including clear windows will be more likely to attract occupants. If this turns out to be true, a retail connection will be made from Market Square to the Daylight Building, which should benefit merchants and downtown citizens alike.


Retail possibilities in the Residences at Market Square, Union Avenue, Knoxville



Finally, the White Lily Building has been purchased in the Old City just the other side of the tracks toward Magnolia. The plan is for residences to take most of the space. This could prove to be a huge development in several ways. It stretches the active portion of the Old City to the north, provides connections to the Magnolia corridor and also to Regas Square which may then become more attractive to further development. Anything that extends the footprint of the center city is an exciting thing. A tour of this historic building will be offered to Knox Heritage members next week. Join today and take the tour next week!

John Adams Speaks to the Knoxville Writer's Guild

John Adams at the Laurel Theater

 The Knoxville Writer's Guild meets the first Thursday of each month at the Laurel Theater. Each meeting features refreshments and a speaker - usually a writer. This month's guest was a local writer who is well-known and sometimes appreciated, though often reviled. John Adams has been a sports columnist with the Knoxville News Sentinel for the last twenty-five years. I remember when he first joined the Sentinel staff and I find it hard to believe he has aged twenty-five years since that day. I'm sure I haven't.

A very entertaining speaker, he told stories of writing for his hometown paper from age fifteen, of being a sports columnist in a range of cities including Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he covered the LSU Tigers. Among his most humorous stories was an accounting of the hostility he endured from the LSU football coaching staff after he wrote complimentary articles about their opponent's quarterback. Ultimately, they were out for his head and he left town never revealing his source inside the program.

When asked about the outrage that he sometimes inspires by his columns, which are often biting, acerbic and sarcastic, but always honest, he indicated it doesn't bother him. He understood early in life that he wanted to be a sports writer and he knew that his only obligation was to tell the truth and he has tried to do that for his entire career.

It was challenging to me in a personal way. I love downtown Knoxville which is, of course, my topic of choice. I really like many of the people who live downtown and who own businesses here. I've been called a booster of downtown and I don't mind that people think I have the city's best interest at heart. I do. Still, I need to have the courage to say something is bad when it is bad, that something needs to change when it does and that something is wrong when I feel it is. It's a good challenge for all of us.

I'd encourage all writers or supporters of the written word to consider joining us October 6 when the focus will be the new anthology produced by the guild. Writers will read their works which were chosen for inclusion in the book.

Knoxville Idol Brings a Different Crowd Downtown

A crowd gathers for Knoxville's version of American Idol, April 2011

What in the world is Knoxville Idol? I didn't know, either, until a recent Friday night when Market Square came alive with a slightly different crowd than we find most nights on the square. Tents were set up lining the center of the Square manned by vocational education teachers from area high schools. Each of the thirteen Knox County high schools had selected a representative from the student body based, I presume, completely on talent. The crowd included many families from little siblings to grandparents, fellow students and the usual curious onlookers, of which I was one.

Making nice in a joint song before the competition

Family, Friends and onlookers watch the competition.

I've never watched American Idol, so it's hard for me to say how precisely they followed the format of the television program, but this program opened with all the contestants singing a song together, followed by individual performances. The talent was variable and power ballads overwhelmingly filled the set list. I wondered if that is common on American Idol. It seemed to me something more exciting might be in order in such a competition.

Fulton High School contestant sings on Market Square Stage, Knoxville.

Almost all the singers were accompanied by pre-recorded music, which made the whole thing feel like karaoke to me. I hate taped music behind a live singer. I have since the first time I heard it, which must have been around 1974. After the performances the judges, who were all accomplished musicians on a national scale, deliberated for about thirty minutes before delivering their verdict.

Knoxville Idol Contestant, Market Square Stage, Knoxville, April 2011

In an example of this town being pretty small, Steve Hunley provided live music in the interim. This is the same Steve Hunley who publishes the Knoxville Focus, which I had never heard of until recently. Apparently he had just run an article intimating that Mayor Burchett was after an $80,000 raise, which Metropulse indicated may have had more to do with their disagreement over the fee-office budget. I don't know about any of that, but it made for an interesting moment when the music stopped and Mayor Burchett was introduced and immediately thanked his "good friend" Steve Hunley. Isn't Knoxville special?

Contestants hold their breath as the winner is announced.

Mayor Burchett then announced that Kevyn Meheula of West High School took the very nice grand prize which included, among other things, a recording session in Nashville. I couldn't disagree with the choice; she was a competent a singer and she had more stage presence than most. I did have to wonder how much culture influences all of us, though: She was a pretty, thin, somewhat photogenic white girl. She fits the Nashville profile. Would Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith or even Bob Dylan have a chance in today's vapid musical environment? She was joined onstage by her posse for an encore of her winning song as the other contestants and their families drifted off into the night.

Kevyn Meheula reprises the winning selection backed by her posse.

Dogwood Arts Continues: Market Square Art Fair

What I think of as the primary Dogwood Arts Festival event took place this weekend downtown. It is actually only one piece of many as the festival expands in many directions. This portion focuses on art and while it is called the Market Square Art Fair, it spilled on down Market Street where the food vendors and a few artists were located and it virtually filled Krutch Park.

Music and a view of the center booths on Market Square, Knoxville, April 17, 2011

While not all the art was for everyone, there was a wide range of art to appeal to most people from pottery to oil paintings, from metal objects to wood-working.

Glass art at the Market Square Art Fair, Knoxville, 2011

Pottery at the Market Square Art Fair, Knoxville, 2011

Booths lining Market Square, Knoxville, 2011

I wasn't able to attend the first two days, but the weather wasn't very good and I suspect attendance suffered. The final day brought absolutely gorgeous weather and solid, though not spectacular crowds. My shots are from the first hour and the last hour. I was told it was more crowded in between.

Award winning Art, Knoxville, 2011

A stick, a Spam can and music, Knoxville, 2011

Cheesy Vendors abounded, Market Square Art Fair, Knoxville, 2011

One of the amazing things about these events is how rapidly they seem to spring from the earth only to disappear as rapidly to make way for the next event. I realize, of course, many people work feverishly to make it all happen, but it is striking.

Glass Art, Market Square Art Fair, Knoxville, 2011

Metal Art, Knoxville, 2011

Impressive Dogs, Krutch Park, Knoxville, 2011

Though there are on-going events, the festival seems to lay a bit low for next weekend, I assume because it is Easter weekend. The last weekend in April is a big one with the parade on the 29th and the Chalk Walk (one of my favorite events) happening primarily the next day.

The Ledbetters, Market Square Art Fair, Knoxville, 2011

Market Square Art Fair, Knoxville, April 17, 2011