The Tribute

Initiated by City of Knoxville public RFP, this project began as a singular, large-scale revitalization for an entire downtown city block, with plans for new mixed-use and adjacent boutique-style hotel in the historic State Supreme Court building. While ultimately, the project next door would be completed by another architect, our team and the developer remained involved in the many necessary site improvements, and in conversations surrounding shared amenities, such as parking, retail space, and landscaping.

Originally constructed in 1952, this art-deco inspired mid-century building, which previously housed the highest-level state court and related offices was built with longevity in mind. The structure consists of locally sourced Tennessee pink marble cladding and brick veneer over a heavy, reinforced concrete and structural terracotta unit-masonry. The impacts of this structure would serve to shape the design constraints and program heavily throughout both the design and construction phases.

Arranged in a tight fifteen foot on-center grid, the renovation of the six-story office tower utilized a series of stacked layout studio and one-bedroom apartments, working in living spaces along the periphery to take advantage of the natural light provided by wide, wall-to-wall restored, steel frame windows, and separate utilities tucked neatly into the headspace above each restroom.

At the courtroom side, infill framing maximizes use of the former double-height space over shotgun-style units below to add a pair of penthouse units with large, outdoor private patios, for a total of sixty-three new downtown residences. From the former public lobby entrance, a small tenant lounge offers access to a new mail room and housekeeping services, while displaying a series of preserved historic details including a pair of leather-wrapped doors, original art-deco pendant fixtures and railings, and an abundance of interior granite and marble cladding.

And finally, connecting the existing tower and roof-level / seventh-floor addition, the original elevator shaft was meticulously converted to allow a larger accommodating cab while maintaining unique, historic lobby side doors and opening details at each floor. Above, the new mid-century modern inspired rooftop lounge features a blend of tenant amenities, including collaborative co-work spaces, leasing office, indoor / outdoor seating, and a shared kitchen. The angular massing for this addition was carefully placed to establish a distinct difference between old and new, as well as to visually frame perhaps one of the best views in downtown Knoxville of the surrounding city & mountain geography beyond.

Framework for Design Excellence