KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A New Chapter Begins for St. Mary’s Hospital Site
It’s been quite a ride for the old St. Mary’s Hospital building since it shut its doors back in 2018. Abandoned and left to the elements, the once-bustling hospital has unfortunately been the target of vandalism and deterioration over the past five years. But there’s some exciting news on the horizon for this historic site!
Reimagining a Historic Space
Back in 2019, Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) came to the rescue with a vision to revitalize the area. This week, the planning commission gave a big thumbs up by voting to approve rezoning the land from institutional use to multi-family residential. This means that before long, we could see new homes and possibly community spaces popping up where the hospital once stood.
So, what has been happening around the stony site over the years? Well, the land has seen some action with the creation of a brand new Public Safety Complex, an educational tower for Lincoln Memorial University, and a facility operated by the McNabb Center. The community has definitely not stood still!
Listening to the Community
Ben Bentley, the head of KCDC, has made it clear that the organization is focused on keeping the community involved. They’ve hosted a series of public comment meetings—talk about transparency! Neighbors have had the opportunity to voice their worries, ask questions, and share their ideas about the redevelopment.
“We had a big community meeting at Fulton High School in 2023,” Bentley shared. “We heard that housing was a priority—improving connectivity to Fulton High School, maybe some additional open space, and a dog park. So those are the things we’re trying to accomplish: working with the neighborhood and listening to their needs.”
The enthusiasm is palpable. Michelle Ivester, President of the Oakwood Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association, shared her excitement about the recent meetings. “KCDC was kind enough to come to our meeting on Monday so that neighbors could have their concerns addressed. A lot of folks left feeling relieved. We are very supportive of responsible development,” Ivester said.
What’s Next?
But hold your horses, construction isn’t kicking off just yet. Bentley mentioned that it’s going to take a little while for things to get rolling. The next required step is getting the Rezoning plan approved by the Knoxville City Council. Once they give the green light, KCDC will kick off the search for a developer who can bring the community’s dreams to life.
A Bright Future Ahead
With plans taking shape, it’s clear that this community is determined to breathe new life into the St. Mary’s site. While residents are hopeful about the possibilities, it’s heartening to see that their voices are being heard. The idea of creating not just homes, but also public spaces where families can gather, kids can play, and pets can frolic is a vision worth cheering for.
As we await more updates on the future of this historic location, it’s a reminder that closing a chapter doesn’t mean the end—it’s often the start of an even more exciting one! Keep your eyes peeled, Knoxville; changes are coming, and the community is poised to embrace a bright new era.
