A Powell landmark is soaring into a new chapter of its 93-year life.

Airplane Filling Station on Clinton Highway will be available for overnight stays once Justin Bailey, CEO of Realty Executives, turns it into an Airbnb.

Justin and Kristin Bailey and Justin's parents, Larry and Laura Bailey, purchased the historic landmark in March for $150,500 from Knox Heritage, which had owned it since 2018, according to Knox County property records.

The idea for an Airbnb came after Bailey read an article showcasing each state's most unique Airbnb. He was amazed to see overnight getaways in the shapes of shoes and walnuts, but was underwhelmed with Tennessee's: the castle in South Knoxville.

When he saw the plane was for sale, he called his mom with his "crazy idea" to turn it into a short-term rental.

"She said something like, 'Well, that sounds just crazy enough to work,'" Bailey told Knox News. "We didn't even go look at it. We just sent an offer and thankfully it got accepted through Knox Heritage."

Bailey said he had a good relationship with Knox Heritage after restoring a couple of historic buildings in Knox County, which he believes helped him secure the property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places,

Airplane makes for a unique Airbnb in Knoxville

The 400-square-foot space will be a cozy fit that sleeps four.

Folks looking for a unique Airbnb want the interior to be as interesting as the exterior. Bailey knows this and is going all in on the vintage aviation theme.

He said it might be cheesy, but he's been perusing the internet for the past few months for airline memorabilia. He's planning to install a kitchenette made from an old airline service cart, and it will come loaded with a mini-fridge, microwave and coffee station.

Other than decorating and adding a shower, Bailey said not much work needs to be done to the structure.

He credited the Airplane Filling Station Preservation Association for keeping it in good shape.

"I feel like we're just kind of getting the benefit of everything they did," he said.

The plan is to have the plane ready for guests before Sept. 9, when the University of Tennessee football team kicks off its home opener against Austin Peay.

Bailey estimates nightly rates could range from $100 to $200.

Racking up the frequent flyer miles

The plane has housed several businesses over the years, from gas station to barber shop.

Wayne Smith, along with Elmer and Henry Nickle, built the plane from metal and wood in 1930 to make the gas station stand out in the crowd of filling stations.

From 2016 to 2022, John York ran his barbershop out of the plane. He previously told Knox News that tourists interrupted haircuts with questions about the filling station's history.

As rent rose and traffic in the area increased, York closed the plane barbershop and reopened his business in his home.

A previous version of this story misidentified Justin Bailey’s mother. Her name is Laura Bailey.

Silas Sloan is the growth and development reporter. Email [email protected]. Twitter @silasloan. Instagram @knox.growth.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Airplane Filling Station on Clinton Highway in Powell to become Airbnb