An almost 100-year-old parking garage once set to be demolished will instead be converted into a mix-use development.
On Thursday, developers announced the plans for the Pryor Brown Garage on Church Street in downtown Knoxville. The garage dates back to the 1920's, and is believed to be one of the oldest parking decks in the country.
A year ago, the northwest corner of the garage collapsed, and last month, Knox Heritage added the garage to its Fragile 15 list.
Now its owner, Royal Properties, is partnering with Dover Development to give the historic building a new future.
The proposal includes apartments in the upper floors of the garage with private parking, along with retail space below. The developers would also like to put an outdoor venue on the roof.
The company's general manager says Knoxville is leading the charge across the country to save and re-purpose old buildings.
Dover's work includes restoring Old Knoxville High and the Farragut Hotel.
Dover also hopes to
"Downtown has come a long way certainly in the last ten years. I think it's the poster child for urban redevelopment certainly for midsize cities in the United States," said Rick Dover, General Manager of Dover Development.
Dover is also working on restoring Old Knoxville High School and the Farragut Hotel.
The Pryor Brown investment is expected to cost $10-million dollars. Developers are requesting tax increment financing or a TIF to help with costs.
The TIF would have to be approved by the city council and county commission.
Original story
The vacant former Pryor Brown Garage downtown could be redeveloped with a residential-retail use.
City and county leaders are set to announce a plan 2:30 p.m. Thursday for the garage on site, 322 W. Church St.
Among those set to attend are Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett along with developer Rick Dover and owner and co-developer Kelly Conley, according to a release Wednesday.
Dover, whose work includes restoring Old Knoxville High School and the Farragut Hotel, is partnering with Kelly and Mike Conley on the project, according to the notice.
Kim Trent, head of Knox Heritage, which has sought to save the 1925-era garage, also will be on hand, according to the notice.
The parking garage, which previously featured shops and commercial use, was built in two phases, according to Knox Heritage. A livery stable formerly occupied the site.
In 1925, businessman Pryor Brown built the first part of the garage on Market Street, according to Knox Heritage. He expanded it several years later to its current footprint along Market and Church.
Knox Heritage last month put the garage on its Fragile 15 list, which calls attention to historic structures that face possible demolition.
Pryor Brown Garage at one time was to be demolished and has been the subject of debate by Knoxville City Council.