Updated: 8/27/2008 10:03:25 PM
A multi-million dollar development in the works for downtown Gatlinburg may include four hotels, themed-retail villages, and an indoor-outdoor waterpark.
A developer from Indiana wouldn't confirm every detail, but he told 10News that description is "mainly on track" and "just a glimpse of what's coming."
The developer, who did not want to be identified, said he's working on behalf of Gatlinburg Twin Falls, LLC, which includes about ten investors. He says most of them are local.
That developer also says he has at least one signed contract in hand and can share official plans in about two weeks. He declined to name any other projects the group has put together in the past.
Women's fraternity Pi Beta Phi has said they are negotiating with developers to sell their nearly 80-acre site on the Parkway, across the street from Ripley's Aquarium.
However, it's still unclear what that means for the future of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, which leases that property.
"Arrowmont is a vital organization," Arrowmont Director David Willard explained. "It's been here a long time, and it will be here a long time in the future. This is in many ways a counterpoint to a lot of what visitors in Gatlinburg may see. They can't see anything like this anywhere in the country. That's why this is so special."
Compared to the t-shirt, fudge, and old-time photo shops, Arrowmont should stand out in Gatlinburg. It does for thousands of artists who go there to work and learn.
More than 200 are expected to visit the school next month for a conference with some of the nation's leading clay artists. Arrowmont hosts a national conference each fall highlighting different media, including clay, basketry, and more.
The school, founded in 1912 as a Settlement School for the once very remote mountain community, now also shares its art facilities and teachers with Sevier County's public schools.
However, a possible multi-million dollar development on the site would be hard for anyone to miss.
"Maybe four hotels, and retail development, and restaurants," Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner explained. "It's sort of like if you could write down your wildest dreams, and that's what was on their sheet."
Werner says he met with the developers, who expressed interest in property he owns in front of the school currently leased by Camp Thunder.
The developers also mentioned themed retail villages and an indoor-outdoor waterpark as part of their plans. Werner says those developers also approached several others about buying their nearby land.
"I don't know if it's going to happen or not," Werner said. "I'm much more concerned with this development -- and with any development -- about how it affects the environment and the aesthetics of the community. We're not opposed to development, but we're very concerned about how it's done."
A study commissioned to determine a vision for Gatlinburg and released last week mentions the goals of becoming the "greenest destination East of the Mississippi River" and of being true to the area's history -- including its craft heritage. It specifically names Arrowmont as part of that strategy.
"Embrace the Arrowmont School strategic plan and its cornerstone strategy of forging better connections with the community," the plan explains.
Like Werner, some tourists are skeptical whether the development plans "fit" Gatlinburg.
"That's what we come here for, is to get away from commercial-type atmosphere," Lisa Batson, a tourist from Alabama, explained. "Because we live in a city. That's what lots of people come here for -- nature and natural things."
Meanwhile, landowner Pi Beta Phi told its alumnae in a letter that without $9 million dollars from the sale, Arrowmont would suffer "a rapid decline."
"Its [Arrowmont's] future is short-lived without a large infusion of cash from an independent source," the letter from the Grand Council, the organization's leadership, explained. "Current financial projections give the School three-to-four years before all its cash reserves are depleted."
Willard said Arrowmont continues to have a good relationship with Pi Beta Phi, which donates about $300,000 each year to the school. But he said the Grand Council does not speak for the school.
He said the school's own Board of Governors is examining its lease and all of its options.
"I can't really respond to comments made by others and other correspondence, but what I am here to tell you is Arrowmont is here, it's continuing, it will continue, and we have a very positive future for the school," Willard said.
He admits Arrowmont is facing financial challenges, just like many other arts organizations across the nation.
"Whether it be the symphony or the art museum, we're always looking for funding and support. Arrowmont is no different," Willard explained. "Arrowmont has tremendous challenges, but we have a good plan."
Willard adds that since their plight has made news, people have been calling and registering for classes, noting that they want to support the school that which relies heavily on tuition and donations.
