ETCDC COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE
A VISION FOR NORTH KNOXVILLE
ETCDc community Collaborative
LOCATION:
Knoxville, TN
PROJECT NARRATIVE:
MHM presented a proposal reimagining the future of two important North Knoxville sites — the former Knox Central site (1000 N. Central Street) and the Knox County Schools Maintenance & Operations site (900 E. Fifth Avenue) — during the 2025/2026 Community Collaborative event hosted by the East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC). Guided by the ETCDC Community Collaborative initiative and informed by community and developer input, MHM’s proposal establishes a framework for a more walkable, mixed-use environment that builds on the area’s existing character while supporting future growth and reinvestment.
At the Sears site, the existing condition is dominated by surface parking and limited street engagement. The design reinforces the Central Avenue frontage with new mixed-use development while introducing pedestrian connections through the site. A combination of residential, retail, and structured parking is organized around courtyards and open spaces, creating a human-scaled environment that supports a range of uses and activates the public realm.
The Kahn site presents challenges related to visibility, access, and disconnection from the surrounding neighborhood. The proposal repositions the historic building through adaptive reuse, introducing restaurant, gallery, and studio spaces. New residential development strengthens the block edge, while a network of pedestrian pathways — including the reimagining of Frazier Street as a pedestrian connection — improves circulation and connectivity. A future mixed-use development opportunity incorporates affordable housing to support broader community goals.
Together, these strategies create a cohesive vision that balances preservation and new development, supports economic and social activity, and prioritizes the pedestrian experience. The result is a plan that transforms underutilized properties into active community assets while reinforcing North Knoxville’s identity and long-term vitality.
