KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – New Housing Project Aims to Revitalize Mechanicsville Neighborhood
In a notable development for Knoxville, plans are underway to introduce multi-unit housing in the Mechanicsville neighborhood. This initiative comes as part of the City of Knoxville’s recently adopted ‘Missing Middle Housing’ plan which gained approval earlier this year.
Understanding ‘Missing Middle Housing’
The Missing Middle Housing initiative seeks to provide housing options that fall between single-family homes and large apartment buildings. These housing structures include duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes that aim to create walkable neighborhoods. The plan modifies the city’s zoning code, making it easier to develop various types of residential units within established neighborhoods. The ultimate goal is to increase housing availability and promote homeownership in the city.
A Local Builder’s Vision
R. Bentley Marlow, a local builder with over two decades of experience in the area, is spearheading the initiative on Calloway Street in Mechanicsville. Marlow currently owns three single-family homes on the block. After having one of these homes rezoned last year, he has recently received approval to rezone the remaining two homes. If the city council gives its nod, he plans to transform these properties into 15 new housing units.
What the Project Looks Like
- The leftmost house at 1214 Calloway St will be converted into a duplex featuring a one-bedroom unit at the back and a two-bedroom unit at the front.
- A new duplex will be constructed behind it, which will house two one-bedroom units.
- The middle house will be transformed into another duplex, comprising a one-bedroom unit and a two-bedroom unit.
- Additionally, Marlow plans to build a larger multiplex behind the middle house that will include seven more units.
- The rightmost house will remain intact as a single-family home, with a duplex containing two one-bedroom units built behind it.
Community Support and Expectations
Marlow expressed optimism, stating that his plans have garnered positive responses from neighbors living nearby. He believes the project will not only enhance the area but also alleviate housing shortages, noting that more units could lead to lower or more stabilized rental prices in this part of the city.
“We can preserve old homes and renovate them. This brings a renewal to the neighborhood and also increases housing availability,” he said, highlighting the benefits of multifamily unit developments under the Missing Middle plan. He emphasized that his efforts are rooted in a genuine desire to improve his neighborhood rather than simply seeking financial gain.
Next Steps in the Approval Process
The ongoing process now sees the rezoning proposals heading to the city council for a vote, scheduled for September 3 and September 17, where a final decision will be made about the project’s future. Successful approval will pave the way for significant changes to the Mechanicsville neighborhood, allowing for more diverse and affordable housing options.
With the city seeking to revamp and refresh residential areas, this project reflects a bigger vision of creating vibrant communities that cater to a range of living needs.
