Knoxville Readies for a Historic Transformation: Meet Me at the AJ
Hey folks, mark your calendars for a wonderful event that aims to breathe new life into one of Knoxville’s most iconic gems – the Andrew Johnson Hotel! On Friday, November 15, from 5:00 – 9:00 PM, get ready for a special early look at the hotel before its much-anticipated renovations kick off. Dubbed Meet Me at the AJ, this event, hosted by The Friends of the Library and Oliver Hospitality, is just the thing for history buffs and locals looking for a good time.
A Cause Worth Supporting
This event isn’t just about soaking up some nostalgia. It’s a fundraiser for the Knox County Public Library’s Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS). For just a ticket, attendees will also snag a complimentary year-long membership to the Friends of the Library. How neat is that?
Time to Uncover History
Now, if you’re wondering about the Andrew Johnson Hotel itself, it’s worth noting that this beauty nestled in downtown Knoxville has a rich history dating back almost a century. It was famously a last stop for luxury travelers on their way to the Great Smoky Mountains—can you imagine the stories those walls could tell? Just think, the legendary Amelia Earhart stayed here, along with cultural icons such as Duke Ellington and Tennessee Williams. Most notably, this was the place where Hank Williams spent his last conscious hours, which only adds to the hotel’s allure.
What’s on the Horizon?
After some back and forth since 2015 about its future, it seems like the Andrew Johnson Hotel is finally on the verge of a grand comeback! The folks at BNA Associates, led by Knoxvillian co-founders Philip Welker and Ethan Orley, have some exciting updates on the renovation plans. They’ve shifted things around a bit since the last update. The restaurant will now occupy the ground floor, with the lobby positioned at the corner of Gay & W Hill. Plus, the entire second floor is being transformed into a hub for events and music!
A Peek Inside
Earlier this week, I had the chance to tour the hotel with some other media folks. Matt Morelock, who’s in charge of music programming, highlighted that the team is keen on making this place a culturally vibrant space. He seemed genuinely excited about the potential for music to play a huge role in the hotel’s new identity! No doubt, music fans have a lot to look forward to.
Expect Great Things!
The meal area will be inviting, featuring a patio and a historical restoration of the grand marble staircase that once led to the ballroom—how classy is that? Plus, Morelock is talking about turning the space into a haven for various musical genres, ranging from jazz to more contemporary offerings.
Experience the Past at the Event
Now, let’s get back to that exciting event happening soon. If you manage to grab a ticket, you will step foot on the main floor and ballrooms, plus catch a glimpse of vintage footage from the hotel’s heyday, thanks to TAMIS. And guess what? Besides refreshments, there will be amazing live tunes from the Absinthe All Stars to spice up your evening.
Excitement in the Air
While VIP tickets are already sold out—that sound of disappointment you hear is from fans everywhere—there will be plenty to enjoy for all who can make it. You’ll soon be able to say you were among the last few to wander through the untouched building before its renovation journey begins. Can you even imagine? Mayor Jacobs put it simply when he said, “We are thrilled to see this project come to life.”
Have Your Say!
If you’re someone who has memories, photos, or even little tidbits about the hotel’s past, the new owners are all ears! They would love to hear from you about anything that could enrich the history they aim to celebrate.
So there you have it, folks! The Andrew Johnson Hotel is gearing up for a grand revival, and you won’t want to miss out on seeing it transform before your very eyes. Grab your tickets while they last, and let’s turn back the pages of Knoxville’s history together!
