Tennessee River Waterfront Connectivity Framework

In 2023, the City of Knoxville commissioned Sanders Pace Architects to engage a comprehensive study of the South Knoxville waterfront of the Tennessee River. The study engaged a complex stakeholder group spanning multiple communities in South Knoxville and East Knoxville. The planning process involved a deep analysis of existing land use, infrastructure, building uses and community needs. Stakeholder input became the nucleus of planning drivers, which primarily focused on improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, the introduction of green space, and stronger connections to the waterfront across multiple neighborhoods. The deliverable for the Study included the proposal for specific capital improvements across multiple character zones of the river’s waterfront communities. SPA worked closely with the City and stakeholders to create a phased implementation matrix, which will inform the City’s budgeting process in the coming years. The South Waterfront Connectivity Study creates a framework for responsible urban growth and prioritizing connections between communities and the waterfront.