Knoxville’s South Waterfront is Getting a Makeover!
Hey there, Knoxville! Have you noticed the hustle and bustle around the South Waterfront lately? It certainly feels like our lovely riverside area is getting ready for a fresh look, and there’s quite a lot happening that we can all get excited about.
New Developments on the Horizon
Right across from the Thompson-Boling Arena, the sound of construction equipment is turning the peaceful river views into a scene of progress. The big project in question is called Livano Knoxville. This ambitious development is coming to life on West Blount Avenue and is set to include 348 apartments spread across two buildings. With a variety of options from cozy one-bedroom units to spacious three-bedroom apartments, there’s a little something for everyone! Can you imagine the river views residents will enjoy from their homes?
The team working on Livano is comprised of LIV Development and Capital Square, and they’ve got their eyes set on completion by spring 2025. So, if you’re planning to move or know someone who is, keep your ears open!
Student Housing on the Rise
But that’s not all! Another noteworthy project in this revitalization effort is aimed directly at students. Rhode Partners and Villas Student Housing have teamed up to create a two-building student housing complex that just broke ground in April at 1425 Rocky Shore Lane and 1440 Cityside Lane. The buildings are still in their early stages of construction, and they’re expected to accommodate over 600 students when they open in the summer of 2026. This shows a strong commitment to meet the housing needs for students, particularly as enrollment at the nearby University of Tennessee continues to grow year after year.
A Bridge to Connectivity
Now, amidst all this housing development, you might have heard about the proposed pedestrian bridge that’s meant to connect our beautiful South Waterfront with the bustling University of Tennessee campus. Sounds exciting, right? However, it seems this project hit a bit of a snag. Back in June, the city’s application for a hefty federal RAISE grant was unfortunately denied for the second time. This grant was supposed to chip in $25 million to help cover the $60 million total cost of building the bridge.
On a brighter note, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has provided a generous $20 million, along with an additional $15 million in tax increment financing from Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation. Even with these hurdles, the determination to see this pedestrian connection come alive remains strong. A bridge would not only enhance accessibility but also foster additional growth in the area.
Looking Ahead
Even though the bridge project is currently stalled, the ongoing construction of new apartments shows the excitement and potential in the South Waterfront area. Each building that goes up improves our housing market, and helps support the increasing number of students at UT. It feels like the South Waterfront is evolving into a hub of modern living where river views can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
So, whether you’re looking to enjoy the scenic beauty, searching for a new place to live, or simply intrigued about what’s happening in our city, there’s plenty to watch for in the coming years. Let’s keep our eyes peeled on the South Waterfront, Knoxville, because it looks like some wonderful changes are just around the corner!
