The City soon will be seeking proposals for the redevelopment of the McClung Warehouse site along West Jackson Avenue. But first things first: What does Knoxville want to see at this site? 

An open house on the redevelopment of the McClung Warehouse site will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at The Standard, 416 W. Jackson Ave.

In attendance will be Knoxville residents and project partners, including downtown advocates, Knoxville’s Community Development Corp., the City of Knoxville, Knoxville-Knox County Planning, and Sanders Pace Architecture.

“The location and size of this site present a unique opportunity for meaningful infill for our growing city,” said Rebekah Jane Justice, the City’s Chief of Urban Design and Development.  

As a first step, project partners want to hear from residents. Input will guide the creation of a concept plan that will engage development teams to submit proposals for developing the site. 

“We want input from residents to help shape the future of the site,” Justice said. “What’s missing from downtown? Do people want to see a mix of uses, including mixed-income housing, retail, parking and/or public spaces? Increased connectivity and walkability?”  

The historical significance of the McClung Warehouse site cannot be overstated: With its location adjacent to the railroad, it was critically important to the early economy of Knoxville. It’s a major downtown corridor today – clearly visible from Interstate 40 – and its next chapter will make a statement about the future of the city. 

After years of neglect, the City acquired the McClung Warehouse properties in 2013, with the intent of managing a rehabilitation of what was left of the series of red brick five- to seven-story warehouses, the oldest dating back to 1893. 

But three buildings had burned in a 2007 fire, and the remaining two were lost in second blaze on Feb. 1, 2014.  

Since then, the Environmental Protection Agency funded an environmental cleanup of the site, and a large part of the property was converted into a well-used public parking lot. The City invested $8.7 million in 2019 and 2020 to replace and preserve parts of the historic Jackson Avenue Ramps at Gay Street. 

In spring 2024, the City and KCDC will seek proposals from development teams interested in developing the site in accordance with the community-driven concept plan. 

For more information, visit www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/McClung.

The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. 

To request language translation services, contact the City’s Human Resources Department at [email protected] or 865-215-3100. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at [email protected] or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the Nov. 16 open house.