A historic space beneath the Emporium is finding new purpose as a destination for art, performance, and community connection.
Beneath the streets of downtown Knoxville lies a lesser-known piece of the city's architectural history. Once home to the coal furnace that heated the historic Emporium building, this underground space is being transformed into The Furnace, a new venue designed for immersive art, live performances, and cultural experiences.
Developed in collaboration with Christopoulos & Kennedy, McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects (MHM) is partnering with the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville to reimagine the former furnace room, preserving its industrial character while creating new opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement.
Preserving History, Creating New Possibilities
Built in 1898, the Emporium has served many purposes throughout its history and is now an important center for Knoxville's arts community. In 1919, the elevation of Gay Street was raised to accommodate railroad infrastructure, leaving portions of the original streetscape beneath the roadway and contributing to the unique underground environment that remains today.
The former furnace room was later used for storage, rehearsals, and classes by local performing arts groups. In 2020, flooding during construction on the Jackson Avenue viaduct damaged the space, prompting the Arts & Culture Alliance to explore new possibilities for its future.
The Furnace builds upon this history, transforming an underutilized area into a new cultural destination while maintaining a connection to the building's industrial past.
A Flexible Space for Art and Performance
MHM's design embraces the architectural character of the former furnace room, celebrating its exposed brick, heavy timber, and industrial materials while introducing contemporary elements that complement the historic structure.
The venue is planned to accommodate immersive digital projections, art installations, dance, theatrical performances, and community events. Its design incorporates flexible exhibition and performance areas, allowing the space to adapt to different types of programming and audience experiences.
By bringing immersive art and live performance together, The Furnace aims to expand opportunities for local artists and performers while creating an engaging destination for residents and visitors.
Connecting Downtown Through Design
The Furnace's transformation extends beyond the building itself.
A new entrance along West Jackson Avenue, beneath the Jackson Avenue viaduct, is designed to establish a more visible and welcoming presence along this portion of downtown. Proposed lighting and architectural improvements will help activate an area that has historically received limited pedestrian activity.
Situated between Gay Street and the Old City, The Furnace also presents an opportunity to strengthen connections between these downtown destinations. By introducing a new arts venue, the project supports broader efforts to encourage pedestrian activity, cultural tourism, and continued revitalization.
A New Chapter for Knoxville's Creative Community
The Furnace illustrates the potential of adaptive reuse to preserve architectural history while responding to changing community needs.
For MHM, the project reflects our commitment to historic preservation, thoughtful design, and collaboration. Through our partnership with the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, we're helping transform a previously overlooked space into a place for creativity, gathering, and cultural expression.
As The Furnace takes shape, it represents an opportunity to celebrate Knoxville's history, support its artists, and introduce new energy to a distinctive corner of downtown.