South Knoxville Riverfront Site Moves Toward Redevelopment

South Knoxville’s riverfront could look very different in the next few years.

KCDC and the City of Knoxville are seeking development teams for a 15-acre waterfront site across from the University of Tennessee. The property sits along the Tennessee River and is part of a larger effort to shape the future of South Knoxville’s waterfront.

The goal is to find a team that can help turn the site into a more active, walkable area with public green space, river access, and mixed-use development. That could include a blend of housing, retail, restaurants, offices, hospitality, and outdoor gathering areas, depending on the final development plan.

For residents, the biggest piece to watch is public access. City leaders have emphasized walkability and riverfront connectivity, which could make this stretch of South Knoxville more accessible for people walking, biking, dining, or spending time near the water.

The project also matters because of its location. The site sits directly across the river from UT and near downtown, placing it in one of Knoxville’s most visible redevelopment corridors. Any future project could influence traffic patterns, housing options, business activity, and how both residents and visitors experience the riverfront.

The search for development teams is an early step, not a final construction announcement. Before anything is built, the city and KCDC will need to review proposals, select a team, and move through additional planning and approval steps.

Still, the request marks an important moment for South Knoxville. After years of discussion about the area’s waterfront potential, the city is now moving toward finding a partner to help bring a long-term vision to life.