The Knoxville City Council is set to vote on two significant infrastructure projects: the $19.2 million Sevier Avenue streetscape project and the creation of a Magnolia Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Plan. These votes will take place at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.
“These are both transformational projects, and I’m encouraging Council members to support these investments,” stated Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon.
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The Sevier Avenue project, long anticipated, aims to update infrastructure and improve connectivity and public safety in the South Waterfront’s commercial heart. Meanwhile, the Magnolia Avenue plan will provide a modern roadmap for redevelopment, fostering public-private partnerships and utilizing available incentives.
**Sevier Avenue Project**
The Sevier Avenue project includes wide ADA-compliant sidewalks, a new railroad crossing, streetlights, upgraded utilities, and the relocation of utility lines underground. Additionally, a roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Sevier Avenue, Foggy Bottom Street, and Island Home Avenue.
The City Council will vote on four items, the largest being an $8.9 million construction contract with Whaley Construction, which is 80 percent state-funded. Another $6.5 million will be allocated to Southern Constructors for utility conduit and duct bank construction, and to reimburse Knoxville Utilities Board for underground utility relocation. This portion is entirely City-funded.
Construction is expected to start by January 2025 and complete by summer 2026, with minimal disruption to traffic flow on Sevier Avenue.
**Magnolia Avenue Project**
Mayor Kincannon and the Urban Design and Development Department, pending City Council approval, plan to task Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. with creating a redevelopment plan for the Magnolia Avenue corridor, spanning from the Old City to Chilhowee Park/Burlington. The plan emphasizes commercial properties and aims for multi-story mixed-use development.
The redevelopment plan will focus on restoring historic structures and enhancing safety connections to schools, parks, and public spaces. A public hearing will be held this fall, inviting commercially-zoned property owners, media, and the general public to participate.
“We’re eager to expand on the energy and excitement that’s happening along the corridor,” said Rebekah Jane Justice, Chief of Urban Design and Development. “Redevelopment means more jobs, more neighborhood amenities, and increased housing opportunities.”
These projects reflect the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering economic growth through strategic redevelopment.
Source: Read Original Release
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