WATE reports they have stopped all non-emergency inpatient admissions and plan to stop all admissions by the end of July.

The Frist opens Color as Field: American Painting, 1950-1975 in the Ingram Gallery and Shades of Gray: Four Artists of the Southeast in the Gordon Contemporary Artists Project Gallery and Education Gallery. Visit the Frist page on Art Museum Touring.com (Link...).

Sentinel 1951
Adolph Gottlieb
Digital image print on paper 23" x 23"
From: Color as Field
Courtesy of the Artist

The Color as Field exemplifies in the work of Joseph Albers, Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Louis, Kenneth Noland, Mark Rothko and Frank Stella, the paintings featured in this exhibition constitute one of the crowning achievements of postwar American abstract art. Color as Field will encompass approximately 40 large-scale canvases.

Shades of Gray will present the works of four Southeastern artists. Each artist employs a limited palette of black, white and gray in exploring ambiguous relationships between figure and ground, as well as reality and the imagination.

Both exhibitions run until Sept. 21, 2008

In addition, a third exhibition is on display in the Upper-Level Galleries Tiffany by Design: The Neustadt Collection Aug. 24, 2008.

Support your local galleries and museums! They are economic engine for your community.

Sherrie

Developer Bahman Kasraei announced plans for a 45 unit assisted living facility at the historic Old South High School property he recently purchased at auction from Knox County, which had let the property deteriorate and at one point had planned to demolish it.

FLASHBACK: A couple of photos from the Rocket '69 yearbook...

Since I am a former resident of South Knoxville, and a former student at South Middle School, I read this news today with interest:

Today, the dilapidated former South Knox High School sold at public auction to buyer Bahman Kasraei for a total of $117,700.

For Kasraei - a former South Knoxvillian who said he owns several single-family homes in the Knoxville area - the purchase was an impulse buy.

He said he was driving by, saw the auction sign and made an almost immediate decision to jump into the bidding. Kasraei said he thinks the school is in an ideal location for conversion into condominiums.

Blech. Condominiums. I was hoping somehow the building would be preserved, although I haven't physically seen it in over a decade, so I don't even know if it is worth preserving anymore.

Don't trust myself to comment on this beyond wondering if Defreese aspires to be South Knox's Lumpy Lambert.

Link...

Knoxville News Sentinel:

Mercy Health Partners will build a new downtown hospital on the site of the current Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee on Blount Avenue.

[..]

Demolition of older buildings on the site, which are located closer to Henley Street, could begin in the fall. But Ashin said the health system must still meet tough financial benchmarks before moving forward.

Pretty big news for South Knoxville.

On Monday, January 14, at 7:00 p.m. at Lake Forest Presbyterian Church, the Lake Forest Neighborhood Association will sponsor a meeting to discuss the future of Hastie Natural Area, a 75-acre hidden jewel in South Knoxville. The City of Knoxville Parks and Rec Department, the East Tennessee Community Design Center, the Lake Forest Neighborhood Association and the mountain bikers will be there to talk about what's been done and what is being considered for the improvement and enjoyment of this natural area. Anyone interested in city parks and greenways is encouraged to attend.

The workers say their paychecks are two weeks late. The company responds they will pay the workers next week (now Jan 2.).

Later, a manager did call 6 News back and said the company promised to pay the workers no later than next Wednesday.

Employers really should not do this to their employees, contractors, etc. Back in August, 2006, they said, "Estimated at more than $30 million, the property has already sold half of its 122 units and is being touted as the cornerstone of change for South Knoxville. "

I hope this is not the foundation of what is to come for the SoKno waterfront.

Unsightly water towers, unpaid workers. What next?

KNS: Skyline addition raises ire:

"The bottom line is we have this horrendous, industrial-scale water tower, just blighting and defiling the view, not just from the South Waterfront, but from downtown also," said Joe Hultquist, a Knoxville City Council member who represents South Knoxville.

There's an interesting quote from South Waterfront project manager Dave Hill, too.

From the City of Knoxville:

The City of Knoxville and Southshore Properties LLC announced plans today for a major project located in the city’s 20-year South Waterfront redevelopment plan area.

The cooperative effort includes construction of 137 new residential units with an estimated value of $58.6 million by Southshore Properties - a newly-formed partnership between Mike and Kelly Conley and Mike Stevens - north of the intersection of Barber Street and Langford Avenue in conjunction with $10.7 million worth of street and park improvements by the city.

The city's improvements will include:

• A roundabout (traffic circle) will be constructed at the realigned intersection of Sevier Avenue, Island Home Avenue, and Lincoln Street;

• Reconstruction of Lincoln Street will extend it approximately 600 feet from the new roundabout to the river;

• A new public boat ramp and pier will be built at the end of Lincoln Street;

• A new segment of River Road will be built parallel to the river, extending 1,800 feet from Lincoln Street to Barber Street;

• Reconstruction of Langford Avenue (no Right-of-Way acquisition on south side);

• Side street extensions of Barber, Claude, Dixie, and a yet-to-be named street will be built, connecting to Langford Avenue;

• A 5-acre riverfront park will be created; and

• A 1,800-feet long segment of the riverwalk will be built parallel to the River Road.

I'm a little surprised, because at the public unveiling of the "vision plan", this area was slated for development ten years or so out, if I recall correctly.

Anyway, this sounds like an outstanding project that will jump start (or practically complete?) the South Waterfront project if delivered as advertised. Read the full press release here, which has some drawings.

P.S. The press release telegraphs the likely TIFs: "When completed, the Southshore Properties project is estimated to generate more than $800,000 annually in property taxes. If all properties along Lincoln Street and River Road are developed, the annual property taxes would be more than $1.5 million." This could mean approx. $16 million in TIFs, right?

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports today on a new development planned for the South Waterfront in the Island Home area:

Clay Landers of Atlanta-based Camden Management Partners said his firm has 12 acres near Island Home Avenue under contract and is planning a 60-slip marina, a residential development and possibly some light commercial uses on the site.

According to the article, there could be up to 150 residential units, probably apartments later converted to condos. Based on the description of the property, it's the old tank farm right at the entrance to Island Home. One of the parcels is the river bank just across Island Home.

This was interesting:

David Hill, who's heading up waterfront planning for the city, said Knoxville officials are supportive of the plan and have even taken a preliminary look at the cost of shifting Island Home Avenue 20 to 30 feet away from the shoreline in order to provide more room for retail spots on the riverwalk side of the property.

I always wondered what they were thinking when they built Island Home Ave. so close to the river down there. Guess this would take care of that.

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, Dec. 11th at 2:30 PM. He is expected to make a major announcement regarding the South Waterfront project. Anybody know what it might be?

(Click image for larger view)

This huge monstrosity suddenly appeared on the South Waterfront over the weekend. Apparently it's a KUB water tower, and required no approval or coordination with the City.

Wonder what the South Waterfront project folks think about it? It certainly doesn't help the view from Club Le Conte (where this photo was taken from) either.

UPDATE: Another view submitted by a reader (click for larger image):

Link...

The City of Knoxville South Waterfront Development Department has published a newsletter (PDF Format) with current information regarding the project.

Highlights:

• Apparently some residents in the area are still concerned about homes being condemned and acquired. The City says: "We have not and will not condemn any homes unless they have reached the point of dilapidation and are no longer habitable, and the homeowner refuses to fix the problem. KCDC and the SW Advisory Board are working toward solutions to avoid condemnation in the long term."

Question: are there any homes in the area suspected of being condemned?

Tom Salter, Executive Director of Keep Knoxville Beautiful, says no slight was intended when Southside was awarded four Onions at their latest banquet.

It's an interesting insight into the process to learn that all four of Southside's nominations were awarded Onions, even though they only acounted for four out of fifteen nominations.

And that no efffort has been made to date to see that the Onions are spread about geographically so no particular part of town gets picked on.

But the most interesting insight into the process is learning that all four Southside nominations came from a single individual.

Keep Knoxville Beautiful (KKB) has awarded south Knoxville four out of the five "Onion" Awards for unsightly properties.

Shame on the judges for "mailing it in" this year. It appears they drove once down Chapman Highway and decided we're the ugly stepsister.

While I agree that their choices are indeed unsightly, you can't tell me SK has four-fifths of the eyesores in Knoxville - I drive all over town, and believe me, it's not true. But KKB saw fit to dump on Southside.

At the ceremony, Mary Lou Horner, in her role as "Auntie Litter" [ED NOTE: We have been advised that "Auntie Litter" is a trademark of Auntie Litter Inc. From their executive director: "Keep Knoxville Beautiful and Ms. Horner need to be informed that "Auntie Litter" is a registered trademark of a nonprofit organization, Auntie Litter, Inc., based in Birmingham, AL. It us unlawful for them to continue using this character without a licensing agreement from our attorney."] saw fit to give the Onion for Big Lots to Bob Santore, who was in attendance, taunting him with the question "Don't you know what 'litter' is?"

I can't think of anything more she or the KKB could have done as a slap in the face to an individual who probably does more to beautify South Knoxville than anyone else. Humiliating.

Southside has enough self-esteem issues without "help" like this. We're trying to attract new business ventures to bring enough money into the community to address issues of this nature. Do you think potential investors will give us a shot if they catch wind of this?

I fully expect that this year, KKB will devote four-fifths of their resources to south Knoxville. If they don't, then they're a bunch of hypocrites.

A full list of winners (and losers) is here.

Recently there has been some disagreement regarding parks and park amenities in South Knoxville. An Aug. 29th letter to the KNS editior suggested South Knoxville needs more recreational areas similar to West Knoxville. On September 8th, the KNS printed a Citizen Perspective rebuttal listing many of the parks in South Knoxville.

Yes, South Knoxville does have quite a few parks. It appears the original letter writer might have been also suggesting more park amenities and "destinations", as has West Knoxville.

South Knoxville has over 20 parks comprising nearly 500 acres. Of these 500 acres, approximately 225 acres are almost unusable. IC King Park (120 acres) has been closed for 10-20 years. Is the Stanley Lippencott Ridge Park (22 acres) even accessible by car (i.e. parking area)? Many consider the Fort Dickerson Park (85 acres) a little (lot?) scary and unsafe for families.

West Knoxville has approximately 12 parks comprising nearly 800 acres. Of these 800 acres, all but 16 acres (Keller Bend Park) are very usable.

These parks include City of Knoxville and Knox County parks.

Sure, there are a lot of parks in South Knoxville. I think the letter writer was thinking more along the lines of "destinations" like Concord Park, Carl Cowan and Admiral Farragut Parks, Sequoyah Park, Lakeshore Park, and Ijams Park.

Not that South Knoxvillians need to keep up with the Jones (West Knoxvillians) any more than do North or East Knoxvillians, there could possibly be a little bit of concern as to the lack of South Knoxville park amenties and lack of usable areas already designated as parks. IC King Park could be a great asset to South Knoxville and the Knox County Park system. In addition, Fort Dickerson Park with the close proximety to downtown could be a wonderful historical park destination. There is a lot of potential for both of these areas to be "destinations".

Mayoral candidate Isa Infante held a press conference at around 10:30 this morning at Mary Vestal Park.

Seh's not happy about parks funding, and says it's an example of the way our city government spends too much on the wrong kinds of development.

"The city cannot have it both ways," she asserted. "They cannot collect the citizen's tax money, and also expect them to bring out their own shovels and their own mowers."

More on the story, including an audio snippet of her remarks, at the South Knox · Seymour Times. Link...

Noted opera stars Andy and Karen Wentzel have opened a Cuppy's coffeee franchise on Chapman Highway close to downtown, across from the Wendy's. It's very convenienient for commuters heading into downtown.

To celebrate their first day of business they are offering free small drinks today (Thursday). They offer smoothies as well and the exit is located at a traffic light if you want to stop by on the way home. In the future they will offer pastries baked by Vera of the Smoky Mountain Greek Deli fame.

I hope a coffee afficianado will go by and offer up a report. I had a smoothie and it was pretty good. No, I didn't ask if they took P-cards.

Today's KNS business section has an article about a new Steve and Barry's store (not to be confused with Ben and Jerry's) coming soon to the former Wal*Mart location in South Knoxville.

I hadn't heard of this company, but I was intrigued by their line of $15 sneakers and the fact that most apparel items are $10 or so. This is a great concept, and somewhat socially responsible, too (except maybe for the sources of their goods, which isn't mentioned). They aren't publicly traded. Which is too bad, but probably part of their success.

The sports shoes were designed by an NBA player who actually wears them on the court. According to their website, Stephon Marbury grew up in a large family and "knows first-hand the pressure that kids and parents feel to spend top dollar on the latest merchandise from the top brands," and wants to "help eliminate that pressure by bringing high quality jeans, jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, hats, sneakers and more to shoppers at astonishing low prices." According to a "professor of footwear design," the shoes are no different from $150 shoes in the quality of design and materials.

And for the ladies (and fans of Sex in the City), Steve and Barry's is rolling out an exclusive new line of women's apparel by Sarah Jessica Parker ("fashion is not a luxury, it's a right!"), with every item in the collection priced under $20.

I predict this store will have great success in South Knoxville. Folks will be driving over from Farragut right past Turkey Creek to shop there.

And wouldn't it be great if kids started bragging about how inexpensive their clothes were, and competing to have the cheapest cool sneakers?

These darlings were dumped off on Busbee Road (between Chapman Highway and Taylor Road) one Saturday night in late May. My headlights "hit" this little pile of faces and fortunately I was able to scoop them all up but one (whom I finally got the next morning).

Read more after the jump...

In an update to the story you first saw here, City Council has imposed a 14 day moratorium on issuing building permits for lots along Spence Place in Island Home.

Hayes Hickman at the Knoxville News Sentinel has this report, with this map showing the old and new property lines.

Councilman Joe Hultquist requested the moratorium "to allow city planners the time to correct an unnoticed but longstanding problem with the neighborhood's platting maps."

The New York Times real estate section has this article on the South Waterfront project and downtown residential development. Is that like the cover of Rolling Stone for real estate?

(By way of Michael Silence)

A plot of land with the same single family home for 80 years or so on lovely Spence Place, in the wonderful, historic Island Home neighborhood, is apparently now up for a small subdivision. The land, approximately 1.9 acres, can now be divided into 6 lots, 3 of which are on the river/lake.

Is nothing sacred?

Over here in South Knoxville (Timberlake/Lakemoor area) we have a family of red foxes that decided to go out and play in the sunshine at about 10 a.m. this morning.

A few more photos...

They're here.

A short post on this because I didn't take notes.

Awhile back MPC did a study, with lots of input from a local task force (on which my spouse served) on improvements to the Chapman Highway corridor. These dealt with both strictly transportation issues, but also with land use issues. That study is available here. It was approved by MPC, City Council, and County Commission.

As the MPC website states, "Upon completion of MPC's study, the Tennessee Department of Transportation contracted with Palmer Engineering to conduct a transportation planning study that would make recommendations on short-term improvements to ehance the safety and operations of Chapman Highway."

The results of that second study were presented Monday night and tonight in two meetings in south Knoxville. Since this was a TDOT study, it addressed transportation issues only.

All ideas are for short-term improvements to Chapman Highway, basically "low hanging fruit," although Jeff Welch of the regional TPO stressed that as of yet no funding was available for any of them.

They included things like reducing the # of curb cuts, adding a turn lane to the section just south of Stone Road, improving road alignments with Chapman Highway (especially where there was a "jog" at the CH intersection), and adding to the existing street grid to make more "frontage" routes along the highway.

In general I was pretty impressed by what I saw.

I doubt this is available on the web anywhere because we were looking at info on some pretty large maps, but if you are interested, Rene Davis at MPC is the local contact for the Chapman Highway study and should be able to direct you to more info. I also hope there are others out there who attended and who might add to my brief synopsis.

Tucked away among the pawn shops, car lots, and Mexican tiendas on Chapman Hwy. is an inconspicuous gem. I'm not exactly sure what to call it, but painted on its front window are a jumble of the words Pupusaria Tacqueria Restaurant Quetzal. The person who told us about it just called it Quetzal. It's in the little strip with the historic white Parkway Hotel and the aptly worded yellow "Good Food" sign. And it is good food. One of the things I miss about living in San Franciso is our favorite pupusaria - cheap, hand-made, fried, corn & cheese tortilla heaven. Well now, we have Quetzal. For $18, we shared 4 fried pupusas - 2 filled with soft cheese, 2 filled with beans, served with traditional sweet cabbage salad and a large steaming bowl of hot sauce; a large plate of huevos rancheros; and 10 hand-made-on-the-spot thick pupusas (unfilled) to take home. Pupusas are Salvadoran by tradition, but I think the owners of this restaurant may be Quatemalan. It's really good. You should go.