ALCOA, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Business development continues to accelerate along Tesla Boulevard in Alcoa, with city leaders saying years of planning are paying off as the former Alcoa West Plant site transforms into a major commercial corridor.
Alcoa City Manager Bruce Applegate said the city purchased the former industrial property and has spent years preparing the area for redevelopment. One of the biggest advantages for prospective businesses, he said, is that much of the necessary infrastructure is already in place.
“Really the biggest drivers that are making this area more attractive outside of the infrastructure in place to let somebody start a project right away instead of having to do a lot of work to get that site up and going,” Applegate said.
That readiness has helped attract a growing number of restaurants, retailers and other businesses to the area in recent years.
Additional Development Planned
Applegate said the current growth represents only part of the vision for the corridor and that additional projects are expected in the future.
“It’s exciting to be a part of this time for the city, but there’s still more to come,” he said.
Among the developments being discussed is a potential In-N-Out Burger location.
According to Applegate, a site has already been selected for the restaurant, though the project has not yet been finalized.
“They have a site that’s picked out and we’re working through some of the details. I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and say it’s a done deal. They are still very committed to working through the final steps of that project,” Applegate said.
Businesses Welcome Continued Growth
Local business owners say they expected additional competition as the corridor developed.
Sean Lakos, managing partner of Kickback Jack’s, said when the restaurant opened a few years ago there was very little nearby development.
Today, the area is seeing increased commercial activity and more neighboring businesses.
Lakos said that while the addition of new restaurants and stores has resulted in a slight decrease in customer traffic, he views the growth as a positive sign for the community.
“There’s enough for everyone. It’s going to be fine,” Lakos said.
He added that the current development likely represents just the beginning of what is planned for the area.
“It’s a growing area and we knew what we were getting into. This is only like Phase 1,” Lakos said.
Strategic Location Driving Traffic
Applegate said one of the corridor’s strengths is its location along a major gateway into East Tennessee.
In addition to serving travelers using McGhee Tyson Airport, the area benefits from substantial tourism traffic heading toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding attractions.
City leaders believe that combination of tourism, transportation access and available development-ready property will continue attracting new investment to Tesla Boulevard for years to come.
