City OKs purchase of waterfront land, a major step toward the Knoxville pedestrian bridge

One of the biggest steps to building a pedestrian bridge across the Tennessee River is purchasing land, and the city's redevelopment agency just acquired a vital parcel.

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, which also oversees public housing in the city, has purchased 2323 W. Blount Ave. along the south riverfront, from Knox River Warehouses.

The Sept. 21 transaction was valued at $9 million, according to property records, and the city views this property as the "primary parcel" needed to bridge the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with the South Waterfront.

The acquisition was made in partnership with the city and university, and it also includes a parcel at 2512 Scottish Pike, city spokesperson Eric Vreeland told Knox News.

How would a Knoxville pedestrian bridge be funded?

The most recent estimate for the bridge is $70 million, but the city is working with a firm to lower that cost to closer to $55 million.

The city already has accepted $20 million in state funds to build the bridge, which first popped up on Knoxville's radar as part of the South Waterfront Vision Plan established in 2006.

The city was unsuccessful earlier this year in securing a federal RAISE grant, which could have awarded $25 million for the project.

Applications were accepted through February, and the city expects a similar timeline in 2024 when it applies again.

Officials want taxpayers to know the city won't be plunging itself into financial peril to make the bridge happen.

Rebekah Jane Justice, the city's new chief of urban design and development, told Knox News the city's financial commitment will depend on how much money is awarded through the RAISE grant.

What would the Blount Avenue property be used for?

As of February, the university planned to use the nearly 7-acre property for parking, student housing or other facilities, according to an agenda for the Board of Trustees' Finance and Administration Committee.

The property is the site of Valley Apparel, a military gear manufacturer.

What's the point of a pedestrian bridge to Tennessee campus?

The city believes this bridge could create jobs, improve public infrastructure and lead to new parks and public spaces.

By getting pedestrians across the water, the city hopes to alleviate vehicle traffic and connect South Knoxville residents to career and education opportunities on campus.

The campus is looking to grow but is landlocked in multiple directions, restricted by the river, downtown Knoxville and the Fort Sanders neighborhood.

With record enrollment numbers, the university has struggled to maintain adequate student housing.

Where exactly would the pedestrian bridge be located?

Current plans call for the bridge to extend from campus near Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center across the river to properties owned by the city, university or other partners.

Knox News has reported on multiple apartment projects planned along Blount Avenue near the bridge's southern end.

Is a bridge needed for South Knoxville growth?

As the bridge project gains momentum, East Tennessee Realtors recently called upon CRE Consulting Corps to evaluate the potential of the South Waterfront, from Sevier Avenue to west of Chapman Highway.

Experts identified dozens of ways Knoxville's South Waterfront could grow over the next few years with or without a bridge, including through the addition of hotels, restaurants and a "statement piece" akin to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.

Knox News reporters Allie Feinberg and Silas Sloan contributed to this report.

Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email [email protected]. Instagram @knoxscruff.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville waterfront land acquired for pedestrian bridge