The City of Knoxville Community Development Department, in partnership with Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) and the Partnership for Neighborhood Improvement (PNI), has completed phase one of the Vestal Public Improvements project.
Design and Construction Services was the contractor for the project which implemented the first portion of the Vestal Master Plan. The Master Plan and construction designs were created by Elizabeth Eason Architecture and involved numerous public input sessions. Thanks to intensive efforts by both the contractor and the City Engineering Department, Phase 1 was completed before the Empowerment Zone funding expired on August 15, 2010.
The Ogle Street and W. Martin Mill Pike intersection has been improved with a new sidewalk and curb now connecting the vacant parcel next to Vestal United Methodist Church to a new public parking lot east of Allen Biermakens. The City will soon solicit proposals for redevelopment of the vacant parcel. Chappell Road has been removed and a cul-de-sac has been constructed behind the South Knoxville Community Center on Maryville Pike to allow the Boys and Girls Club buses to turn around.
The new permeable parking lot demonstrates the commitment the city has to sustainable design and development. The brick pavers used for the parking surface allow rain water to filter between the pavers and to be absorbed into the soil below the parking surface, thereby reducing storm water runoff.
In addition, six commercial Façade Improvement Projects are now complete:
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King Tut’s Grill
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Vend-A-Wash (Laundry Room)
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Allen Biermakens
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The Shops at Vestal (Next to King Tuts)
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Todd Greene’s Sports Agency, 3839 Martin Mill Pk.
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Rocky Top Air, 3832 Martin Mill Pk.
The City’s Façade Improvement Program provides a five year forgivable loan of up to $50,000 to business owners who are willing to improve the exteriors of their buildings. This program requires a minimum 20% match from the property owner and is only available in limited locations. For more information on this program, see the following link on the City of Knoxville web page: http://www.cityofknoxville.org/development/facade.asp
For more information, contact Rogers Doughty, City of Knoxville Community Development Department, at 865-215-2113 or rdoughty@cityofknoxville.org.
