Marriott/Maker Exchange Conversion | Downtown Knoxville

The Maker Exchange put Knoxville’s heart and soul into every detail of this unique collection of spaces. The banquet halls on the park level received a full renovation, including an expanded ballroom space. The public areas adjacent to both the Marriott and The Tennessean received a major facelift and the new entry between the two hotels features local muralists’ work.

Openings along the World’s Fair Park façade connect the renovated interior spaces to the park. From coffee mugs to the art and fine crafts on display, and even much of the furniture, we sourced everything we could from Knoxville’s Makers to immerse visitors in a truly, authentic Maker City celebration. The treasure chest of Maker Exchange is The Curio - an ever-changing, shoppable display of Knoxville-made sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and much more.

Framework for Design Excellence

1. Design for Integration - A key aspect of the project was the central concept of showcasing and engaging the Maker community already well-established in Knoxville and celebrating the history of a creative place, World’s Fair Park. Bright colors, Makers’ goods, and space planned and programmed in conjunction with local arts programs offer an integrated design concept celebrating both the history and future of creatives in the community.

2. Design for Equitable Communities - Human connection into and through a previously unwelcoming and inactive space invites community members to experience local art and community arts-based events while circulating from the downtown Knoxville area to World’s Fair Park.

3. Design for Ecosystems - One of the goals achieved in the project was creating major connections to the World’s Fair Park west of the site. Previously closed-off spaces were opened with operable doors, allowing sweeping views of the park beyond, and direct access to nature beyond.

4. Design for Water – While this was a renovation to an existing space and no major infrastructure was touched, new low-flow fixtures were specified for replacement in public restrooms.

5. Design for Economy - The project is an adaptive reuse of an existing public space nestled between two recently renovated hotel and housing buildings. By introducing and enhancing shared spaces between the hotels, housing, and public user groups, the building activates and increases the previously unused space. The introduction of the Maker Exchange concept helps program and increase the revenue earned by these spaces. Local Arts community members and Makers regularly showcase work for sale, hold events and workshops, and draw more community-based events from other organizations – all of which help balance the long-term value of investing in such a space.

6. Design for Energy - While this was a renovation to an existing space and no major infrastructure was touched, high-efficiency systems were designed to condition the space throughout.

7. Design for Well-being - By removing existing outdated escalators connecting the main level to the World’s Fair Park level, the design team was able to introduce a new grand staircase, flanked by a large-scale mural, encouraging a more walkable path between levels. All MEP systems were upgraded to optimize the comfort level for newly programmed spaces. To encourage a welcoming and inclusive public space, the vibrant murals and branding wrap from the exterior, throughout the interior spaces, and down to World’s Fair Park. By introducing new openings along the exterior façade, users are connected with nature and the bustling of World’s Fair Park beyond.

8. Design for Resources - The project is full of local makers' and artists’ work, including furniture pieces, glass divider walls, fireplace construction, tile, lighting, and art. Many of these products were made from locally sourced materials, by artisans who practice sustainably.

9. Design for Change - The space is designed with flexibility in mind. Many of the spaces are planned with movable partitions and furniture that can be set for several purposes. Due to the number of user groups anticipated to use the space, flexibility was always a priority in the design.

10. Design for Discovery Throughout the design process, the design team worked very closely with both the owner and operations groups, as well as the future user groups such as the Arts group and Makers community. By including them in the process and taking valuable input, we were able to create a space that works for all parties involved. Since this project’s completion, the design team has stayed engaged with all parties and helped improve on the function of space through thoughtful tweaks and interventions post-occupancy. The essence of this project is full of opportunities for discovery and delight – it was truly the basis of the design; incorporating colorful and exciting art for users to enjoy and engage with and creating space for future creative endeavors.