Are we still tearing down Knoxville? St. John's Episcople says, "Yes!" at 710 and 712 Walnut Street

710 and 712 Walnut Street, Knoxville, November 2011

I'm no historian and, though I've been coming to downtown Knoxville since the nineteen-eighties, I've only lived downtown for just over two years. I can't call the names of the buildings that have been lost over the years in the manner that Kim Trent or Jack Neely (whose latest comment on this issue can be found here) would be able to effortlessly recite. Still, a walk around downtown reveals large swaths of surface parking lots and each of those plots once held buildings where people lived, worked and enjoyed life in the city. As each of those parking lots emerged, someone involved likely proclaimed that we were making progress, moving forward into the modern era.

Sometime in the last decade or so that trend has reversed in our city. We've come to better understand what was lost and to more highly value the older structures that remain. Largely, Knoxvillians have come to value their city and its history. While not every building is considered beautiful or, perhaps, even historic, the idea of demolition has increasingly become anathema to so many people, one might assume that era in Knoxville's past was simply that: past.


Close-up of 712 Walnut Street, Knoxville

In this context, it comes as a surprise, if not a shock to hear that a group housed in one of the most architecturally interesting buildings, St. Johns Episcopal Church, would move to destroy two 1920's era buildings at 710 and 712 Walnut Street. St. Johns has, of course, participated in the destruction of other buildings downtown as they expanded their parking lots over the years. But churches are not perfect and historical behavior may not necessarily be fairly judged by current mores. Times change. But then, they submitted a request that is reminiscent of that prior era.

The contention on the part of the church is that the buildings have deteriorated severely and are in need of very expensive repairs the church cannot afford. Also noted was the fact that the Interdenominational Bible Institute which has used the buildings is moving out. The minister has been quoted as saying the buildings are "ugly." Further noted was that they are particularly ugly when viewed from the rear.


View of 710 and 712 Walnut from the rear

Of course, they are only visible from the rear because the buildings which used to hide that view were destroyed by the church years ago. Further, one has to wonder how much deterioration happened on the church's watch? Was this a purposeful deterioration simply to eventually rid themselves of buildings they did not want?

When I first heard about the request it was assumed the church wanted more parking. Knowing that would not be received well, plans were drawn up and presented that include a fence and a courtyard which they suggest will be accessible to the public. They further imply they will build on the spot at an undetermined time in the future. I would not be surprised to learn that the same statement was made about previous demolitions downtown including many sites that remain parking lots even now.


712 Walnut, Home of the Interdenominational Bible Institute

It seems the whole thing has happened suddenly and with no opportunity for groups such as Knox Heritage to find alternatives. I find it completely inconceivable that someone would not want those buildings if they were offered for sale. Buildings in worse condition have certainly been preserved by people who want to do so. I think the smaller of the two buildings could make an amazingly beautiful residence which is what it was origninally. With the inlaid patterns in the brick, its arched entryway and its proximity to the heart of the city, someone would likely be inclined to make it home.

So, this is another case where we have to decide who we are and who we want to be. Are we people who continue to tear down the past? The Downtown Design Review Board makes the next decision this Wednesday at 4:00 at their meeting in the Small Assembly Room at the City County Building. The recommendation on the table is for demolition. I'm taking off work early to be there and I'm hoping the decision hasn't already been made. Why not consider joining me there?

Interestingly and somewhat ironically, there are two other meetings I wanted to mention which also happen this week. The first is that CBID (the Central Business Improvement District) is beginning quarterly night meetings which, I assume, are in response to the concerns of some downtown residents that our voices aren't heard at the monthly meetings because they are held in the middle of the day. The plan is for Residential Quality of Life meetings which will allow residents an ongoing point of communication with CBID. I hope so. I'm a little disappointed that a regular meeting each quarter wasn't moved to the evening. I'm hoping this is an informative meeting in which major efforts and issues of CBID are elucidated and the majority of the members of the board are present to hear from residents in some organized fashion. This meeting will be held at 5:30 on November 16 in the Knoxville Chamber/CBID office at 17 Market Square.

The other meeting is the Knox Heritage Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards to be held Thursday night, November 17, at the Bijou. Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation will speak and awards for outstanding preservation efforts will be presented.

Come to all three meetings and be involved in your city.  

Related articles

• Downtown church's demolition plan sparks debate (knoxnews.com)

Surviving the Snow, Part Two

First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, State Street, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Downtown Knoxville did not return to normal today, but it managed a closer approximation. The roads were much more navigable as the ice and snow succumbed to the ice, wind and warmth of the tires passing over the surface. More people stirred as temperatures rose into the thirties, though walking in the street ironically seemed safer than walking on most of the sidewalks.

A Row in the Snow, Church Street, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

As promised, I'm posting additional pictures from Monday. I followed the edges of downtown, hopefully spotting some scenes I've not photographed as much in the past along with some I just can't help but photograph over and over.

Whittle Building, Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Whittle Courtyard, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Saint John's Episcopal, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

I walked up State Street as I left the Old City, crossed Gay and walked to Cumberland. The Whittle Building, which may be the best thing that Chris Whittle ever accomplished in my opinion, was beautiful in the snow as it is in every weather. Ironically, though it was locked tight and a guard was posted, the brick had been cleaned as if anyone would be allowed to walk there. He wasn't happy that I took this picture through the gate. I've always thought it seemed wrong that this is locked up when the building isn't open. It seems it should be a truly public place, but it's not. Security, I suppose. I don't think I looked that threatening.

Empty Henley Street Bridge, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Church Street United Methodist Church, Henley Street, January 10, 2011

Entrance to Maplehurst, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Maplehurst Inn, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

 I crossed Henley Street (with my eyes closed - it's that easy!) and entered Maplehurst.

Headless, Frozen Man on porch in Maplehurst, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Home in Maplehurst, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Home in Maplehurst, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Home in Maplehurst, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Apartments in Maplehurst, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

This is a hidden neighborhood behind Church Street United Methodist and on the bluff over the river. Nestled against a green way to the west, it is easy to overlook. Some of the homes are both unique and beautiful. It's worth a stroll if you are ever in the area.

Looking north down the tracks into the World's Fair Park, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Frozen pool, Ampitheater and Sunsphere, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

North end of the World's Fair Park, Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Finally, I ended my walk with a trip through the World's Fair Park, before walking back into downtown. We have so many beautiful buildings and views. And snow, well, snow just makes everything a little prettier, don't you think?

The way home, Clinch into downtown Knoxville, January 10, 2011

Downtown Churches, Christmas Eve and a Slight Inexplicable case of the Creeps

One of the little secrets about downtown to the people who aren't involved is that there is a lot of action in the streets around midnight on Christmas Eve. Just after midnight is when a number of downtown churches end their Christmas Eve services and probably between one and two thousand people spill out into the night. First Baptist, St. John's and Church Street UMC have services and I believe Immaculate Conception does, as well. As the various parishioners move out into the cold night, the bells ring and it's Christmas day.

St. John's Episcopal, Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville

On my walk Christmas afternoon I took a small stab at photographing St. Johns. It is one of the most beautiful of some seriously beautiful churches downtown. I stopped after one picture because I couldn't find a way to capture the whole thing. It's worth taking some time the next time you are in the city to check it out.

First Baptist Church, Main Street, Knoxville

First Baptist Knoxville's Creche

I also walked to First Baptist to check out their creche. If you haven't seen it, you might want to make the effort next year. I think it is life-sized, but it seems larger than life sitting high on the front portico of the building. I'm not sure why, but it has always given me the creeps. The figures are all white and maybe that is part of it, though statues don't generally give me the creeps and they are often white. It is strange looking into their vacant eyes, though I've never been close enough to do so before this trip. Maybe the unease is from some buried fear from my childhood or from a superstitious nature I don't fully appreciate in myself.

Mary, Joseph, Jesus

Angel at First Baptist

I walked up to photograph the tableau and faced whatever was there. It did demystify the figures a bit. There's some wear. A shepherd has lost a finger, the angels are fraying a bit around the edges. What do you think? Do you see beauty and mystery or do you get the creep factor? Maybe it's just me. Maybe I should see a therapist and find out what is really going on in my little brain.