Revitalization Plans Spark Excitement for Knoxville’s Historic Andrew Johnson Building

Exciting Changes on the Horizon for Knoxville’s Beloved Andrew Johnson Building!

Knoxville, Tenn. — For almost 100 years, the Andrew Johnson Building has stood tall, casting its shadow over the vibrant heart of Knoxville. This architectural gem, which now sits empty, holds a treasure trove of stories from its past that pave the way for a lively future!

A Glimpse into History

Let’s take a trip down memory lane! Back in the mid-1920s, a savvy group of investors saw a golden opportunity in Knoxville’s booming tourism industry, thanks in large part to the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Eric Dawson, an enthusiast from the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound, shares that the investors thought a new hotel would be a brilliant addition to the area. They broke ground on the Tennessee Terrace in late 1926.

However, the name was soon changed to The Andrew Johnson after a naming contest, and by late 1928, it opened its doors to the public sporting grandeur and elegance befitting its new moniker. A true marvel at its debut, the hotel was not only the tallest building in East Tennessee for a whopping 50 years, but also featured a colossal neon sign that became a landmark itself!

A Hub of Culture and Celebrities

The Andrew Johnson soon established itself as much more than just a place to stay. It transformed into a cultural hotspot, brimming with activity and hosting an array of events, from concerts to art shows. Legendary figures like the extraordinary French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, renowned composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, and adventurous aviator Amelia Earhart graced the hotel with their presence!

Adding to the hotel’s rich tapestry of stories, the iconic country music superstar Hank Williams spent his last night there—a fact that still sparks debate among fans about his fate that fateful evening. Meanwhile, other country legends, including Roy Acuff, thrilled crowds with live performances as part of WNOX radio’s much-loved show, “Midday Merry-Go-Round” which was broadcast from the hotel’s top floor until 1935.

The Fall and Rise Again!

As the years rolled on, the Andrew Johnson experienced its ups and downs. By the late 1970s, the once-glorious building faced challenges, leading to its closure and reopening multiple times as various establishments—an office space here, housing for UT students there, and even Knox County School’s central office for a while. However, hope isn’t lost! In a thrilling twist, the Andrew Johnson is gearing up for a fresh start!

The future looks bright as Nashville developer BNA Associates has exciting plans to restore the Andrew Johnson back into a chic hotel complemented by entertainment space! Sounds fantastic, right?

Be Part of the Journey!

To kick off this revitalization, you have a chance to explore this iconic building before the renovation kicks off. Mark your calendar for Friday, November 15th for the “Meet Me at the AJ” event, running from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. It promises to be a delightful evening filled with music, archival video footage showcasing the building over the years, and a peek at the vibrant downtown Knoxville!

Don’t miss out on this unique commemorative event—everything you pay will support the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound. So, grab your friends and family, and join the fun as we celebrate this piece of Knoxville’s rich history while looking forward to an even brighter future!