Sat
Feb 21 2015
02:12 am

From Knoxnews.com ...

.A group of local developers are hoping to turn the sprawling, 84-year-old Kern’s Bakery into a food and entertainment destination in South Knoxville.

A brewery, music venue, coffeehouse, restaurant and bar were all among the ideas tossed around Friday as Dewhirst and his partners toured the 65,000-square-foot building..

.Restaurants, venues eyed for Kern's Bakery

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jbr's picture

I was in that area Thursday

I was in that area Thursday and saw quite a few UT students getting off KAT bus and walking to apts behind Shoneys, etc. I thought, it looks like cafe's, coffee house, music venues, etc would be a natural in those empty lots on Chapman. The students could just walk down there.

I hope the waterfront is active and has things that will make folks from other towns, states want to come to and participate. Kayaking and being able to dock at several spots up and down the waterfront length, and on the other side of the river, the train ride on the other side of the river with music and wine on the scenic train at night, walking/running on waterfront, music, art, creatively lit up at night and active at night. Waterfront outdoor movies, plays, etc.

bizgrrl's picture

Good idea. As I said in

Good idea. As I said in antoher thread, with snark, Dunkin Donuts is really the only new, good (IMO) consumer oriented business to open up in the close in part of SoKno in a looonnnggg time. I guess they figured out there is a demand to benefit the community.

Lots of apartments hidden in SoKno and lots more to come. Just hope there can be a plan to benefit the community, not bring it down further.

JaHu's picture

Could the old South campus be

Could the old South campus be utilized in much the same way? Or maybe it is too far off the beaten path for this to work?

It's been so long since the last time I was in the old South Recreation Center, is it being used for anything now? It would be nice to see it used as a skating rink on occasions to give kids something to do during the winter months. Maybe the South cafeteria could be converted into one. Don't remember if it is large enough tho.

bizgrrl's picture

A community center is not a

A community center is not a bad idea for South High. Assisted living or condos would also be good. Not sure a brewery, music venue is good in the middle of a quiet neighborhood.

JaHu's picture

Yeah... a brewery and music

Yeah... a brewery and music venue may not have been a good suggestion. It would have been like the old high school was in session again.

bizgrrl's picture

Hah! Except back when that

Hah! Except back when that high school was in use someones mother would holler out the door for the teens to cut it out, whatever it was.

Up Goose Creek's picture

Benefit

It seems like the entertainment / food complex would benefit the community, not bring it down (further?).

I'm wondering if this tour was leaked to the NS or a reporter went digging. Because usually a developer will be more reserved about a project unless it is a sure thing. What would they be trying to accomplish by leaking their interest?

jbr, it looks like someone has plans for north shore trains. I noticed a very nice depot was built across from university commons. More than is justified by occasional 3 rivers ramblers jaunts. As for Kayaking, docks are available at Ned Mcwherter park, Volunteer landing, 2nd creek and a take-out ramp at the sewer plant. South of the river you'll find a ramp at Island home airport, one is being built at Suttree park, there's a dock at Cityview, and people take out at Scottish pike park. Where else would you like to see docks?

ASummers's picture

train

From what I understand that is the Rambler's new depot. It is on the tracks they own, and will be where they depart from. There is some info on (link...)

xmd's picture

I would love to something

I would love to something like a McMenamins. (link...)

R. Neal's picture

This is great news!

This is great news!

Up Goose Creek's picture

Assisted living

I agree, assisted living is probably the best use. I see the possibility of great interaction between residents and school children.

The rec center nearby is still active and has a great basketball program.

JaHu's picture

I'm glad to hear the rec

I'm glad to hear the rec center is still being used for basketball. I spent many days there playing ball as a youngster.

jbr's picture

It looks like they may be

It looks like they may be thinking something similar to The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.

I saw Larry Carlton there at the Franklin a Jazz Festival.

RestAurants, bars, art shops, larger stage area where jazz festival takes place. Maybe some other stuff.

I just went for the show so didn't look around a lot.

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