KNOXVILLE, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – The City of Knoxville is asking residents for input as plans move forward for the redevelopment of the former Public Safety Building property downtown.
The site, located adjacent to the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, served as headquarters for the Knoxville Police Department for more than 55 years before the department relocated to its new North Knoxville headquarters.
City leaders are now gathering public feedback through community meetings and an online survey to determine how the property should be redeveloped.
According to officials, many of the responses received so far support a mixed-use development that would combine housing, retail businesses, restaurants, and public gathering spaces.
“People wanted to see a component of housing at the site. They wanted restaurant retail. They wanted open space,” said Ben Bentley, CEO of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation. “They definitely wanted whatever the future of the site was to reflect on the historic past.”
City officials say preserving the site’s connection to Knoxville’s history has emerged as a common theme among residents participating in the planning process.
The property occupies a prominent location near downtown Knoxville and could play a significant role in future development efforts in the surrounding area.
Residents will have another opportunity to share their ideas during a public meeting scheduled for October 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cal Johnson Recreation Center.
Officials encourage anyone interested in the future of the property to participate in the planning process through upcoming meetings and the city’s online survey.
What’s next for former Knoxville Police Department Safety Building (WVLT)
