A few other clarifications and a bit more context might be helpful. First, the time period is crucial. No TIFs of this sort are possible anywhere unless the property is in a redevelopment area. That is why a redevelopment area is necessary for the South Knoxville Waterfront project.  When David Dewhirst spoke with us very early on in 2004 we quickly eliminated the TIF as a possibility because Brownlow School was not in a redevelopment area but in an historic neighborhood that was not a candidate for such an area. We were very concerned about the development of Brownlow and aware of the development challenges and did offer to pursue a PILOT tax abatement under the CityLife program.  This would have allowed him to also pursue historic tax credits while receiving tax abatements. The rules regarding historic tax credits mandate rental rather ownership for a number of years.

This was about the time that problems emerged with the South High property in south Knoxville.  We were approached by many people, including many in South Knoxville as well as Knox Heritage, about any role the city could play.  We did find some solutions that  would help the proposed development but tax abatement just did not seem to fit the situation and the project went on hold. At that time I began to explore the option embedding a solution to this problem in a larger policy – the redevelopment of historic schools that were no longer in use. In most cases the neighborhoods had a great interest in home ownership but the schools presented tremendous challenges to any potential developer.

The area around South High likewise did not seem to be good for a redevelopment area any more than did that around Brownlow. Our template for redevelopment areas was certainly broader than just one structure. At that time we became convinced that it was in the neighborhood’s interest, and certainly in the city’s interest, to see if we could pursue one-parcel redevelopment area under a program specifically tailored for helping abandoned historic schools.  We checked this with the appropriate lawyers and were told it was indeed acceptable under the applicable state laws and regulations. We envisioned a program geared to restoring historic school buildings – all producing no property taxes at all -  for home ownership.  While South High was our first concern we also recognized the applicability to Brownlow and perhaps to others. We discussed this concept with council members Frost and Hultquist and both thought it was a very good idea. I communicated this policy to council in early 2005. We received very favorable reaction.

Of course the first step in such a process is for council to request that a redevelopment area allowing TIFs be drawn up for a school property in question.  That only allows a TIF. It does not guarantee one at all. A separate application for a TIF must be made, with financials, development plans, etc. and the plan and TIF must be then recommended to council, who must vote to approve the specific TIF.  Our main impetus in doing this was to find a solution for South High School, but we were aware that it could be helpful to Brownlow.

We later became aware that the property had changed hands and of community meetings between Cardinal and the 4^th and Gill neighborhood folks. We were told of the neighborhood’s interest in the development of the school into condominiums rather than rental units. At that time we suggested that it might be a good time to set the wheels in motion to prepare a one parcel redevelopment plan as we had envisioned under the new policy.

At present nothing has been done past the initial request to KCDC.  They have not yet prepared the redevelopment plan Hence there is not yet any legal basis for a TIF, has been no application for a TIF, no recommendation to council for a TIF, and certainly no council vote creating one.  We do not “offer TIF’s” to one party and not to another.  We can only explain the tools at the city’s disposal, the criteria for assistance, and suggest that folks apply if they think they qualify.  We would have loved to have been able to have worked toward a TIF in addition to exploring a PILOT for Brownlow with David Dewhirst but our discussions took place way before the chain of events started in regard to South High that led us to create the policy for historic schools. We would love to see Brownlow School rehabilitated. We also think it was the right thing to do to put a program in place to help rehabilitate old historic schools and to encourage home ownership in the affected neighborhoods.

There's an urban oasis nearby at 1st creek park. Apparently that presents problems best reserved for a whole 'nother thread.

The building is worth saving for its unique character.

I'm wondering if the business model of marketing shells will still work or if it only worked in the '80s & '90s because that was almost the only option if one wanted a loft space. I know the community will want something quicker for Brownlow but I'm wondering about Flenniken.