Knoxville’s Historic Department Store Transforms into Modern Conference Center

Knoxville’s Conference Center: A Blast from the Past!

In the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, stands an iconic building that has danced through the decades, evolving from a bustling department store to a modern conference center. If you’ve strolled down Henley Street, you might recognize it by its distinctive wavy white awning and striking tiled green facade, a true testament to midcentury modern architecture! But did you know this place once held the hearts and shopping lists of local residents?

The Early Days: A Shopping Wonderland

Completed in 1955, the building originally housed *Rich’s*, a department store that revolutionized shopping in Knoxville. It was the very first Rich’s to open its doors outside of Georgia! Imagine a place where locals flocked for everything from TVs to slacks, and you’d have the lively atmosphere of Rich’s. Back in January 1954, Rich’s merged with S. H. George and Sons, a popular Knoxville department store, stirring excitement among shoppers. Following this merger, the Knoxville City Planning Commission quickly authorized construction plans for the future George-Rich department store, which included the ambitious idea of tunneling beneath Henley Street—now that’s some architectural ingenuity!

A Grand Opening and Plenty of Surprises

When Rich’s ultimately opened its doors on August 29, 1955, it became a shopping sensation. About 5,000 eager patrons were lined up outside, ready to dive into this new realm of retail. As the ribbon was cut, chaos ensued: “it was like opening dam gates,” and inside, the decor was nothing short of enchanting. Rich’s featured gold leaf accents, plush carpeting, and inviting restaurant spaces. It was a “world of glamour” that drew in shoppers day after day. The store offered a slew of amenities, including a free nursery, restaurants, a bakery, and even a miniature hospital. Talk about being ahead of its time!

More Than Just Shopping: A Hub for Change

However, Rich’s wasn’t just about retail therapy. The store became a backdrop for significant social change during the civil rights movement. In 1960, demonstrations erupted after the Atlanta location faced protests for refusing service to Black customers. Knoxville swiftly followed suit, with over 100 demonstrators voicing their opposition to segregation outside of Rich’s. This pivotal moment showcased the intertwining of commerce and the push for equality, and local activists like Theotis Robinson Jr., who broke barriers as one of the first Black students at the University of Tennessee, played a vital role in these demonstrations.

Changing Hands and a New Purpose

Following a series of ownership changes, Rich’s closed in 1961 and was sold to Miller’s Department Store. Fast forward to 1987, and Miller’s was deemed a part of Hess’s. By 1988, the University of Tennessee began discussions with Hess’s to lease part of the building, but it was the closure of Hess’s in 1991 that pivoted the building’s purpose entirely. Today, it serves as the University of Tennessee Conference Center, welcoming visitors from near and far for events, meetings, and celebrations within its historic walls.

A Fond Legacy

As the UT Conference Center stands proud at the intersection of history and contemporary use, it reminds us of the vibrant and sometimes tumultuous past of this cherished Knoxville landmark. From its bustling consumer origins to its role as a hub for social change and now a functional conference center, the building continues to be an integral part of Knoxville’s story.

If you find yourself walking along Henley Street, take a moment to appreciate not just the architecture but the rich tapestry of experiences that has unfolded within its walls. Here’s to the charm of Knoxville’s past, still echoing through the halls of this once-renowned department store, now cherished conference center!