Gone but not forgotten: Knoxville area restaurants and retailers we miss.

I think people forget that the Coliseum and the Auditorium are one large building. Hard to renovate one side and not the other.



I can't remember. I'd have to use a lifeline and call my mom. :)

Cough, I think the chosen option from the study left the auditorium standing without the Coliseum. The Coliseum portion was to be rebuilt on the property with the plaza and parking garage areas. That building was being separated, I believe.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
Why would you necessarily build a new Coliseum in the same spot...other than already owning the land?

Wouldn't it make sense to put it out west somewhere off of Pellissippi?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
You want the convention center to be downtown.

This. The downtown area of Knoxville needs to keep as much as possible and grow as much as possible. I think the idea of parking your car and wandering around shopping is much better in a downtown atmosphere. With a shopping center, there is only really one shop you will bother to visit, then you pile back into your car and go to the next shop.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
You want the convention center to be downtown.

The convention center is downtown and we're talking about the Coliseum.

This. The downtown area of Knoxville needs to keep as much as possible and grow as much as possible. I think the idea of parking your car and wandering around shopping is much better in a downtown atmosphere. With a shopping center, there is only really one shop you will bother to visit, then you pile back into your car and go to the next shop.

There is no shopping near the Auditorium/Coliseum as it is now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
My post was a bit of tongue in cheek. We just seem to build west.

It was originally cheaper to build out west because of the geography. But now it's all about the demographics. Lots of disposable income lives on the west side. There are lots of good paying jobs in Oak Ridge and in Blount County. It's more diverse now, but as Knoxville was growing it seemed like most families in the middle class 'burbs out west were there because of TVA, ORNL, and UT jobs. Bearden was the best school for the kids to attend. Then the Farraguts came along after that. Now Hardin Valley and all of the privates are keeping it rolling.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
The convention center is downtown and we're talking about the Coliseum.



There is no shopping near the Auditorium/Coliseum as it is now.

Fine. You want all similar venues downtown.

Also, it's a very short walk from the Coliseum to Gay Street and Market Square.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
Fine. You want all similar venues downtown.

Also, it's a very short walk from the Coliseum to Gay Street and Market Square.

I'm still amazed now I can go eat at any number of places downtown and walk to a game or a show at the Coliseum.

When we went to Cherokees games as a kid my Dad prepped like we were going to drive through Mosul. (Yes, I realize the area around the KCC isn't perfect).
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
The convention center is downtown and we're talking about the Coliseum.



There is no shopping near the Auditorium/Coliseum as it is now.

The Coliseum project was supposed to open up land where they tear down the current Coliseum and separate it from the auditorium, as well as around the fringes of the property and near the parking garage across the street. That was supposed to be for multiple residential and commercial spaces that included eating and shopping venues. That was supposed to be the economic driver for the city and provide a hedge against losing money on the coliseum itself.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
Fine. You want all similar venues downtown.

Also, it's a very short walk from the Coliseum to Gay Street and Market Square.

I don't completely agree with this. There are plenty of cities with concert venues/arenas removed from the downtown area.

I would almost guarantee that a location easy to access off Pelissippi near I-40 would sell more hockey tickets and do very well on shows and other events.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
I don't completely agree with this. There are plenty of cities with concert venues/arenas removed from the downtown area.

I would almost guarantee that a location easy to access off Pelissippi near I-40 would sell more hockey tickets and do very well on shows and other events.

People are moving into the city centers and away from the suburbs. The trend is reversing. You need to set yourself up for the future.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
That's not necessarily true, depending on what you're looking for...

I'll clarify my statement.. Within any reasonable walking distance there is nothing near that structure. If they are planning on building future shops then that's another thing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
I'll clarify my statement.. Within any reasonable walking distance there is nothing near that structure. If they are planning on building future shops then that's another thing.

We'll have to disagree on resonable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
I'll clarify my statement.. Within any reasonable walking distance there is nothing near that structure. If they are planning on building future shops then that's another thing.

Haha, I think you missed my joke :wink:
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
Construction and the housing market in West Knoxville disagree.

That said business in the downtown and surrounding area has never been better.

I suppose it all depends on what you take pride in. I take a lot of pride in a vibrant and exciting downtown area. It’s why living close to downtown was a priority for us when we were buying a home.

Other folks want things catered to the suburbs. Which is something I completely understand. They moved away(or grew up in the suburbs or rural areas) from the city because they liked the quietness, comfort and affluency many suburban areas provide. I grew up in the suburbs. I am certain I will indulge in it once I have a family and greater means.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person

VN Store



Back
Top