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

[WallyBalls]

Construction and the housing market in West Knoxville disagree.

I think that's where the problem would be. Land would be prohibitively expensive...at least I would think so.

 

[Aavoxx]

Construction and the housing market in West Knoxville disagree.

Urbanization and the Mass Movement of People to Cities | Grayline Group

 

[VolAllen]

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.

My wife and I loved living downtown in the Sterchi lofts early in our relationship. Downtown Knoxville has definitely blossomed and there was always something going on. We visit my brother often at UT and only hope it keeps getting bigger and bigger. It needs more high end shopping like King Street in Charleston. I think that would really make it a destination.

 

[GreveHaller]

question: why does Knoxville need a new civic center?

Granted that its an old facility (built in 1961) and only holds 8-10k but the city already had TBA for large events (concerts, wrestling, monster trucks, etc...). What else would be in a new civic center besides minor league hockey and possibly minor league indoor football? From what I've seen any concerts needing smaller venues are going downtown (Bijou, Tennessee theater) much like Nashville is doing with Ryman and Ascend Amphitheater.

Not being argumentative or fiscally conservative nor trying to say they need something other than a 57 yr old place.

PS I have some really great memories of that place. I can remember seeing Loverboy, Billy Squier, and Van Halen there. Compared to the monstrous caverns of today where you are miles away from the stage, its amazing how close we were to the actual performances. Cant believe I'm not completely deaf too

 

[1972 Grad]

That's a resonating comment.

I see what you did there.

 

[kiddiedoc]

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.

Can I like both?

We live in Farragut due to the combined factors of school district, proximity to my office, my parents, neighborhoods, safety, access to the lake/parks, and ease of shopping/groceries.

I also love going downtown for dinner, shopping, shows, etc. It's awesome to see the rejuvenation of Market square/Gay street and now the development of South Knox and the area just north of the train tracks.

 

[kiddiedoc]

I think that's where the problem would be. Land would be prohibitively expensive...at least I would think so.

Farragut would be impossible. But, the more industrial areas around Lovell/Pellisippi would probably be manageable and would be easy to access.

 

[Nerd-Vol]

Can I like both?

We live in Farragut due to the combined factors of school district, proximity to my office, my parents, neighborhoods, safety, access to the lake/parks, and ease of shopping/groceries.

I also love going downtown for dinner, shopping, shows, etc. It's awesome to see the rejuvenation of Market square/Gay street and now the development of South Knox and the area just north of the train tracks.

I think it’s possible to like both. That said I think a person develops a rooting interest towards where they live.

So I live on the south side but I work in Farragut. I’m always hoping that more stuff comes up near me because I think it’s good for the city and it’s good for me from a convenience stand point.

I also want Farragut in particular to thrive as that means more potential business for me and people here are nice.

 

[SmokyRiverDog]

question: why does Knoxville need a new civic center?

Granted that its an old facility (built in 1961) and only holds 8-10k but the city already had TBA for large events (concerts, wrestling, monster trucks, etc...). What else would be in a new civic center besides minor league hockey and possibly minor league indoor football? From what I've seen any concerts needing smaller venues are going downtown (Bijou, Tennessee theater) much like Nashville is doing with Ryman and Ascend Amphitheater.

Not being argumentative or fiscally conservative nor trying to say they need something other than a 57 yr old place.

PS I have some really great memories of that place. I can remember seeing Loverboy, Billy Squier, and Van Halen there. Compared to the monstrous caverns of today where you are miles away from the stage, its amazing how close we were to the actual performances. Cant believe I'm not completely deaf too

The coliseum seating capacity is too low for most shows to be profitable, especially with high local entertainment tax. Coliseum capacity is around 4 or 5 thousand or a bit more depending on floor arrangement. There has to be 8 or 9 thousand to atyract more shows. Thompson Boling is too large and cost prohibitive for most shows. Knoxville desperately needs a proper coliseum. I dont think the city is attractive in comparison to what it believes are its peer cities without it.

 

[VolAllen]

The coliseum seating capacity is too low for most shows to be profitable, especially with high local entertainment tax. Coliseum capacity is around 4 or 5 thousand or a bit more depending on floor arrangement. There has to be 8 or 9 thousand to atyract more shows. Thompson Boling is too large and cost prohibitive for most shows. Knoxville desperately needs a proper coliseum. I dont think the city is attractive in comparison to what it believes are its peer cities without it.

What’d be great is if they built the new Coliseum across the Henley bridge on the water in South Knox. In order for the city to really grow, business is going to have to jump the Tennessee River. Develop more shopping, dining, and loft buildings over there surrounding it and watch it just boom.

 

[davethevol]

What’d be great is if they built the new Coliseum across the Henley bridge on the water in South Knox. In order for the city to really grow, business is going to have to jump the Tennessee River. Develop more shopping, dining, and loft buildings over there surrounding it and watch it just boom.

The problem is how rough that area is. I recently drove up Maryville Pike through the Vestal community by accident and realized they have the best view of Knoxville. If I were a developer, I’d be buying up the properties with that view, demolish the houses, and either build luxury condos or a gated community.

But they definitely need more business to bring people in that direction. Supposedly Knoxville was going to put in a river walk on the south side, but I haven’t heard much about that in years.

 

[Zues1]

question: why does Knoxville need a new civic center?

Granted that its an old facility (built in 1961) and only holds 8-10k but the city already had TBA for large events (concerts, wrestling, monster trucks, etc...). What else would be in a new civic center besides minor league hockey and possibly minor league indoor football? From what I've seen any concerts needing smaller venues are going downtown (Bijou, Tennessee theater) much like Nashville is doing with Ryman and Ascend Amphitheater.

Not being argumentative or fiscally conservative nor trying to say they need something other than a 57 yr old place.

PS I have some really great memories of that place. I can remember seeing Loverboy, Billy Squier, and Van Halen there. Compared to the monstrous caverns of today where you are miles away from the stage, its amazing how close we were to the actual performances. Cant believe I'm not completely deaf too

Oh yeah, great memories of great shows in there. Skynyrd, ACDC, Motorhead, Boston, Bad Co etc.

 

[VolAllen]

The problem is how rough that area is. I recently drove up Maryville Pike through the Vestal community by accident and realized they have the best view of Knoxville. If I were a developer, I’d be buying up the properties with that view, demolish the houses, and either build luxury condos or a gated community.

But they definitely need more business to bring people in that direction. Supposedly Knoxville was going to put in a river walk on the south side, but I haven’t heard much about that in years.

Yea, ideally you’d hope to build and price the “rough” out. You have the right idea with luxury condos and restaurants.

 

[pismonque]

The problem is how rough that area is. I recently drove up Maryville Pike through the Vestal community by accident and realized they have the best view of Knoxville. If I were a developer, I’d be buying up the properties with that view, demolish the houses, and either build luxury condos or a gated community.

But they definitely need more business to bring people in that direction. Supposedly Knoxville was going to put in a river walk on the south side, but I haven’t heard much about that in years.

I could see it becoming the equivalent of North Chatt.

 

[Nerd-Vol]

Yea, ideally you’d hope to build and price the “rough” out. You have the right idea with luxury condos and restaurants.

Man this is the part of gentrification that makes me feel uncomfortable. Essentially kick out the lower class by jacking up rent and property prices. So just shove them off to some other area deemed undesirable.

Kinda makes me just want them to leave the south side like it is and let the west have the stuff.

It’s part of the reason I love living on the south side. It’s safe enough. I can afford it. It’s blue collar people. I have everything I need, and I don’t feel like I’m trying to keep up with the Jones’s. I remember growing up on the west side(1994-2005) and it has a superficial feel. Having the biggest house, fanciest car, sending your kids to the fanciest private school. Out on the south side, I don’t worry about that, we’re just trying to work, go home, and shop at the Kroger.

 

[VolAllen]

Man this is the part of gentrification that makes me feel uncomfortable. Essentially kick out the lower class by jacking up rent and property prices. So just shove them off to some other area deemed undesirable.

Kinda makes me just want them to leave the south side like it is and let the west have the stuff.

It’s part of the reason I love living on the south side. It’s safe enough. I can afford it. It’s blue collar people. I have everything I need, and I don’t feel like I’m trying to keep up with the Jones’s. I remember growing up on the west side(1994-2005) and it has a superficial feel. Having the biggest house, fanciest car, sending your kids to the fanciest private school. Out on the south side, I don’t worry about that, we’re just trying to work, go home, and shop at the Kroger.

You could live in Powell if proximity to the downtown area wasn’t important. That’s pretty blue collar. But if Knoxville wants to grow, the space doesn’t just magically appear. Someone always gets pushed out.

 

[Nerd-Vol]

You could live in Powell if proximity to the downtown area wasn’t important. That’s pretty blue collar. But if Knoxville wants to grow, the space doesn’t just magically appear. Someone always gets pushed out.

Funny you mentioned. We looked at homes in Powell and Halls. Needless to say, it didn’t feel like a place where we were going to be warmly welcomed. Halls much more-so than Powell.


I understand what you are saying and it makes sense, but seeing how the sausage isn’t fun.

 

[1972 Grad]

Funny you mentioned. We looked at homes in Powell and Halls. Needless to say, it didn’t feel like a place where we were going to be warmly welcomed. Halls much more-so than Powell.


I understand what you are saying and it makes sense, but seeing how the sausage isn’t fun.

We built our dream house (one of the first few built) in what later became possibly the most expensive neighborhood in our town, and lived there for 10 years. People started moving in that I didn't want to live around, so we sold it, and moved to a very middle class working neighborhood.

We found out that we didn't like living around snooty people in a snooty neighborhood. When we were out there almost by ourselves, it was a fantastic place. The neighbors make the neighborhood, not the big houses. We are much happier here in a house half the size, and less than half the price.

 

[VolAllen]

Funny you mentioned. We looked at homes in Powell and Halls. Needless to say, it didn’t feel like a place where we were going to be warmly welcomed. Halls much more-so than Powell.


I understand what you are saying and it makes sense, but seeing how the sausage isn’t fun.

I don’t remember Powell being a bad area. I played basketball over there on an AAU team and have great memories of that and those people. Now, I haven’t lived in the Clinton/Claxton/Powell area since I was in middle school, so things could have changed.

I just know we loved living downtown Knoxville. If my business would do there what it does here in Myrtle Beach, I’d be out of here and would buy one of those lofts on Gay St without hesitation. I see them for sale all the time for $300-350k. That just doesn’t exist here.

 

[1972 Grad]

Man this is the part of gentrification that makes me feel uncomfortable. Essentially kick out the lower class by jacking up rent and property prices. So just shove them off to some other area deemed undesirable.

Kinda makes me just want them to leave the south side like it is and let the west have the stuff.

It’s part of the reason I love living on the south side. It’s safe enough. I can afford it. It’s blue collar people. I have everything I need, and I don’t feel like I’m trying to keep up with the Jones’s. I remember growing up on the west side(1994-2005) and it has a superficial feel. Having the biggest house, fanciest car, sending your kids to the fanciest private school. Out on the south side, I don’t worry about that, we’re just trying to work, go home, and shop at the Kroger.

If you like where you are, stay there. This is coming from someone who moved up, and didn't like where I moved to.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

The coliseum seating capacity is too low for most shows to be profitable, especially with high local entertainment tax. Coliseum capacity is around 4 or 5 thousand or a bit more depending on floor arrangement. There has to be 8 or 9 thousand to atyract more shows. Thompson Boling is too large and cost prohibitive for most shows. Knoxville desperately needs a proper coliseum. I dont think the city is attractive in comparison to what it believes are its peer cities without it.

The Coliseum seats over 6,000. The capacity for concerts is several thousand more than that. The record attendance was either 10,000 or 13,000... Marshall Tucker, Charlie Daniels Band, and the Outlaws around 1977. The Fire Marshall stepped in afterwards and placed a limit of several thousand below that record.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Funny you mentioned. We looked at homes in Powell and Halls. Needless to say, it didn’t feel like a place where we were going to be warmly welcomed. Halls much more-so than Powell.


I understand what you are saying and it makes sense, but seeing how the sausage isn’t fun.

Good call on staying out of Halls. They burned crosses out that way not too long ago. I suppose that it could have just been a couple of stupid, drunk Bubbas... but I kind of doubt it.

 

[MR_VOL]

Oh yeah, great memories of great shows in there. Skynyrd, ACDC, Motorhead, Boston, Bad Co etc.

I'll add a few more concerts.....Motley Crue, KISS, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Heart, Bon Jovi.....I could go on and on. Damn, this makes me feel old!

 

[VolAllen]

I'll add a few more concerts.....Motley Crue, KISS, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Heart, Bon Jovi.....I could go on and on. Damn, this makes me feel old!

I’ve seen some of my dads ticket stubs. $8.00 got him in to Van Halen and Ozzy. $8.00.....

 

[Nerd-Vol]

I don’t remember Powell being a bad area. I played basketball over there on an AAU team and have great memories of that and those people. Now, I haven’t lived in the Clinton/Claxton/Powell area since I was in middle school, so things could have changed.

I just know we loved living downtown Knoxville. If my business would do there what it does here in Myrtle Beach, I’d be out of here and would buy one of those lofts on Gay St without hesitation. I see them for sale all the time for $300-350k. That just doesn’t exist here.

I was harsh and I should’nt have directed it at Powell. Powell was fine and it was nice, good shopping and all that. The issue was with halls. Neither me nor my girlfriend, felt like it would be a place we would be welcome.