Knoxville has changed dramatically over the last 25 years.
Since 2000...
  • Many public spaces we know today were constructed, expanded, or renovated
  • Our hospitals have grown, closed, and moved
  • Outdoor opportunities have blossomed
  • There is always something happening downtown
  • Our neighborhoods and housing types have evolved
  • The way we shop has changed
2000s
Creation of local historic districts like Edgewood-Park City, Fourth and Gill, Mechanicsville, and Old North Knoxville
2001
  • East Town Mall renovated and rebranded as Knoxville Center Mall
  • Ijams Nature Center expansion begins
2002
  • Sterchi Lofts converted from commercial space to downtown residences
  • Rossini Festival begins, setting a trend of festivals including Mardi Growl, Big Ears, the HoLa Festival, and the Asian Festival
  • Convention Center built in Worlds Fair Park
2002
  • Sterchi Lofts converted from commercial space to downtown residences
  • Rossini Festival begins, setting a trend of festivals including Mardi Growl, Big Ears, the HoLa Festival, and the Asian Festival
  • Convention Center built in Worlds Fair Park
Major Tennessee Theatre expansion begins
2003
2004
  • Market Square Farmers Market opens
  • East Tennessee History Center expanded
2005
500 Block of Gay Street
2005
  • Inaugural Knoxville Marathon
  • Major renovation of East Tennessee Childrens Hospital ETCH construction and renovation
2007
  • Turkey Creek Phase I opens
  • Cumberland Avenue Corridor Plan initiated, transforming the Strip by completion in 2017
2008
  • Urban Wilderness project launched, with over 1,000 forested acres in 9 areas by 2025
  • Baptist Hospital closes, to be replaced by Regal Entertainment's headquarters and multi-family apartments by 2016
Fort Sanders Medical Center initiates a major expansion, with another renovation in 2019
2009
2011
Final Sundown in the City, after running since 1997
Oakwood Elementary converted to senior living facilities
2013
Lakeshore Mental Health Institute closes after 127 years
2013
Marble Alley Lofts completed, ushering a new wave of downtown apartment buildings
2014
Final Boomsday, after running since 1987
2015
Market Square named one of the Great Public Spaces in America
2017
St. Mary's closes, with the City Public Safety Center completed on-site by 2023
2018
Knoxville High School converted to senior living facilities
2018
2020
  • First phase of Magnolia Avenue Streetscapes Project completed
  • Knoxville Center Mall closes, to be replaced by an Amazon fulfillment center in 2024
2021
First Creek at Austin Phase I completed
2022
Phase I of Lakeshore Park Renovation initiated, with new phases completed through 2025
2024
Sunsphere reopens with a new Visitors Center
2025
  • Covenant Health Park multi-purpose stadium opens, bringing the Knoxville Smokies home after 25 years away
  • Happy Holler and North Central have been reinvigorated with new restaurants, shops, art galleries, and even a movie theater