Knoxville's East City Sector Sees a Decade of Community Improvements
MPC is updating the East City Sector Plan. It's been 10 years since the current plan was adopted, and significant gains in neighborhood vitality, park improvements, and corridor revitalization can be linked to the efforts of MPC and partner agencies.
Neighborhood Vitality Enhanced by Infill Housing and Home Repair Programs
Between 2000 and 2011, almost 800 new houses, duplexes, and apartments were constructed in the sector! Among development highlights are several noteworthy projects:
Both the Five Points neighborhood and the Skyline Drive area have made great strides in infill housing, including construction of eight of Knoxville's first LEED for Homes Gold-rated houses. These energy-efficient homes help owners lower their energy bills using advanced, green technologies, and, as infill projects, they complement the look and feel of existing homes in the neighborhood.
New infill duplexes on Chestnut Street, developed by KCDC, enable senior citizens to live in new housing without giving up the look of their neighborhood's older houses.
Habitat for Humanity has developed 13 homes in a new subdivision and plans to build more in the area.
Since 2005, when the City of Knoxville began applying MPC's Heart of Knoxville Infill Housing Guidelines for all city-funded residential projects, the design of infill housing has greatly improved. The guidelines ensure new development is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods by paying attention to details like front-yard setbacks, porches, alley access, and window and door placement. Existing neighborhoods Edgewood Park, Holston Hills, and Chilhowee Hills went a step further, adopting zoning overlays to ensure complementary new development.
While neighborhoods in the East City Sector have benefited from investment in new homes, existing housing has not been forgotten. Knox Housing Partnership's City Home Improvement Energy Retrofit Program brought structural repairs and energy improvements to 35 homes in the area.
New Parks?and Improvements to Existing Parks?Make the Sector a Great Place to Play
The East City Sector has an extensive park and open space system that saw several improvements in the last decade. A neighborhood park honoring community leader Thomas "Tank" Strickland was created adjacent to the new Burlington Branch Library. Renovations were completed at Paul Hogue Park, including new sidewalks, fencing, playground equipment, and a picnic shelter. Also, the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park received a $2.6 million renovation.
Williams Creek Golf Course?an 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed, par-3 championship golf course located two miles east of downtown?opened in 2003. And, nearby Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum saw considerable landscape restoration from a generous volunteer effort.
Corridor Revitalization Helps Retail Development
In 2007 MPC and Knoxville City Council adopted the Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue Corridor Plan. The document serves as a guide for improving the area, with a focus on Five Points, Burlington, Paul Hogue Park, and South Chestnut Street. The corridor has since experienced significant development in Five Points Village Plaza and several commercial facade renovations.
The Magnolia Avenue Corridor Plan was adopted in 2009 and guides MPC recommendations for zoning and locating priority areas for the city's facade improvement program. Implementation of the plan has been a priority of the newly established East Knoxville Business and Professional Association.
Sector Plan Update Underway
MPC is currently drafting a background report for the East City Sector Plan update. The public input process is expected to begin this Spring?watch for meeting announcements and join the effort to grow and revitalize the East City Sector!
Posted 02-20-2013, written by Jeff Archer