ETCDC

Congratulations to @visitknoxville on a successful grand reopening! The new space provides a fresh new look and welcoming amenities, while maintaining the fan favorite Blue Plate Special stage. 💚

Knoxville is changing faster than ever. New development, new residents, new challenges, and new opportunities are reshaping the city every day. What should Knoxville look like five, ten, or twenty years from now? Join the conversation at the upcoming What’s Next Knoxville POP-UP EVENTS and help shape the future of our neighborhoods, public spaces, housing, mobility, and community life. Your voice matters because the future of Knoxville should be shaped by the people who live here. #WhatsNextKnoxville #KnoxvilleTN #UrbanDesign #CommunityEngagement #DowntownKnoxville #CityPlanning #KnoxvilleCommunity #UTK #EastTennessee

Still buzzing from Friday ✨ Our Community Collaborative brought together students from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design + 7 professional design teams to reimagine two Knox County sites—and the results were incredible. Big ideas. Real possibilities. Community-driven design in action. Grateful for our sponsors: @knoxcountygov + @knoxvillecity + @dewhirstproperties And our amazing design partners: @utkcoad , @knox_heritage , @aiaetn , @arcadisknox @barbermcmurry_architects @designinnovationarchitects @jainc1994 @lose_design @mhm_architects @sanderspacearchitecture @oysk3 More to come—but for now, here’s a first look 👇 #CommunityCollaborative #DesignKnoxville #ArchitectureStudents #UrbanDesign #KnoxvilleTN

Big ideas taking shape. We’re excited to spotlight work-in-progress from the March 572 Graduate Housing America IX Studio—part of the @utkcoad —at our upcoming Community Collaborative event. This studio challenges students to rethink housing in America—exploring how design can respond to affordability, density, and evolving community needs through bold, forward-looking concepts. What you’ll see is not just final design—but process: → early ideas → evolving models → critical questions still being worked out Because the future of housing doesn’t start with answers— it starts with exploration. 📍 ETCDC Community Collaborative | 309 N. Central 🗓 Friday, May 1 | 5–8 PM 🎟 Free | Register: /e/1987792216028?aff=oddtdtcreator Come engage with the next generation of designers—and the ideas shaping how we live. #CommunityCollaborative #ETCDC #UTKArchitecture #GraduateStudio #HousingDesign #FutureOfHousing #DesignInProgress #KnoxvilleDesign #ArchitectureStudents

Two bold visions. One powerful question: How can design transform the way we use what we already have? We’re excited to add these two exhibits to our already incredible Community Collaborative programming for First Friday—featuring work from @utkcoad Interior Architecture students led by visiting professors. ✨ Project 1: First Friday Pavilion A student-designed and built modular structure—created from simple materials and a fixed budget—transformed into a 625 sq ft exhibition exploring Latin American architecture through billboard culture. ✨ Project 2: Spatial & Material Transformations A reimagining of a historic Knoxville church—exploring how underutilized space can become a vibrant hub for community organizations through adaptive reuse. These projects push beyond aesthetics—asking how design can respond to scarcity, reuse, and real community need. 📍 309 N. Central (McNutt-Burks Building) 🗓 Friday, May 1 | 5–8 PM 🎟 Free | Register here: /e/1987792216028?aff=oddtdtcreator Come experience the future of design thinking—right here in Knoxville. #FirstFridayKnox #CommunityCollaborative #ETCDC #UTKArchitecture #InteriorArchitecture #AdaptiveReuse #DesignForImpact #Knoxville

NEW! Location - Big update for this Friday and we are excited. The Community Collaborative final presentation has moved locations. Join us for an evening of bold ideas, fast paced presentations, and the UTK student exhibit focused on the future of North Knoxville. This Friday Come See What’s Possible In North Knoxville! UPDATED EVENT DETAILS 5:00–6:00 PM | Arrival + Exhibits Explore student work from UTK College of Architecture + Design, connect with designers and community partners, and enjoy refreshments 6:00–7:15 PM | Featured Program PechaKucha style presentations from 8 professional teams sharing community informed visions 7:15–8:00 PM | Exhibits + Conversation Meet the designers, revisit the work, and continue the conversation Free to attend | Registration required Parking available under I 40/75 and nearby paid lots #ETCDC #CommunityCollaborative #KnoxvilleDesign #NorthKnoxville #UrbanDesign #AdaptiveReuse #ArchitectureStudents #UTKArchitecture #DesignCommunity #KnoxvilleEvents #PublicDesign #CityPlanning #DesignMatters #CommunityDesign #FutureOfKnoxville

Starting TODAY! Knoxville’s Comprehensive Plan is being shaped right now, and Listening Sessions are happening today and throughout this week. This plan will guide decisions on housing, transportation, public space, and future growth. It will impact how Knoxville develops for years to come. If you care about the future of the city, this is the moment to speak up. No experience needed. Just show up and share your perspective. Sunday (Today) Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, 1515 Tilson St. 1:00 to 3:00 PM Christenberry Community Center, 931 Oglewood Ave. 3:30 to 5:30 PM Monday, April 27 Lakeshore Park, TVA Pavilion, 5930 Lyons View Pike 4:30 to 6:30 PM Cansler YMCA, 616 Jessamine St. 4:30 to 6:30 PM Wednesday, April 29 City of Knoxville Public Works Service Center, 3131 Morris Ave. 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, April 30 East Tennessee Historical Society, 601 S Gay St. 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Whittle Springs Middle School, 2700 White Oak Ln. 4:30 to 6:30 PM Drop in for a few minutes or stay longer. Share what is working and what needs to change. This Comprehensive Plan will move forward with or without you. Make sure your voice is part of it. #Knoxville #KnoxvilleTN #ComprehensivePlan #UrbanPlanning #CommunityVoice #CityPlanning #KnoxvilleEvents

I toured the @jainc1994 building today with e_urban.cha and had the opportunity to meet with the partners and @communitydc board member @corbettjeremiah . The beautiful design and reuse of what was a machinist shop in South Knoxville was filled with natural light, modern collaborative spaces, and a clear focus on mission—“Listen. Then Draw.” Thank you for having us!

Join us for an evening of design, dialogue, and community as we share visions for the future of North Knoxville. Experience presentations, exhibits, and conversations that bring together students, professionals, and community voices around two key sites. This year’s Collaborative centers on two important sites: * The Knox County Schools & Operations facility on E. 5th Avenue * The former Knox Central site (known locally as the “old Sears building”) on N. Central Street Through this work, community members, students, and design professionals have explored what these spaces could become—and how thoughtful design can shape stronger, more connected neighborhoods. WHAT TO EXPECT 5:00–6:00 PM | Arrival + Exhibits + Networking Explore student design work from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design Connect with community leaders, designers, and partners Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages 6:00–7:15 PM | Featured Program Experience a fast-paced series of PechaKucha-style presentations from 8 professional design teams—each sharing bold, community-informed visions for these two sites. 7:15–8:00 PM | Exhibits + Conversation Return to the exhibits, meet the designers, and continue the conversation about what’s next for North Knoxville. WHY THIS MATTERS The Community Collaborative is about more than design—it’s about what’s possible when communities are part of the process. This event reflects a shared commitment to: * Community-led planning * Thoughtful, inclusive design * Long-term investment in Knoxville’s neighborhoods We are proud to partner with Knox County Government, the City of Knoxville, UTK College of Architecture + Design and many others in advancing this work. REGISTRATION Free | Registration Required Space is limited. Please reserve your ticket in advance. ADDITIONAL DETAILS Audience: Design professionals, community leaders, students, and anyone interested in the future of Knoxville Dress: Casual Parking: Parking is available under I-40/75 (free) and paid parking at several sites near the Depot . #communitycollaborative #etcdc #knoxville #designcharrette #communitydesign

We’re honored to have joined friends, family, and community members in celebrating the life and legacy of Gene Burr—an early champion of the East Tennessee Community Design Center and a visionary for South Knoxville. Gene’s work as an architect, planner, and advocate for scenic beauty was always grounded in a deep belief that communities deserve thoughtful, intentional design. The planting of a Shumard Oak in Mary Vestal Gateway Park—a place he helped bring to life—serves as a fitting tribute to a life spent shaping both the natural and built environment for the better. We’re grateful for Gene’s legacy and proud to carry that work forward. 📸 Thank you to @lesliewyliebateman @insideofknoxville for capturing these images.

Design in action. Community in motion. This month’s By Design newsletter is live—and we’re especially proud to highlight our Volunteer Spotlight, Doug McCarty, FAIA. Doug’s leadership, legacy, and long-standing commitment to community-centered design continue to shape the work we do across East Tennessee. His story is a powerful reminder of how design—and the people behind it—can leave a lasting impact. ✨ See his story + explore what’s unfolding this month: https://conta.cc/4cpVULW #ETCDC #ByDesign #VolunteerSpotlight #DesignMatters #Knoxville #CommunityDesign

Honored to be at the @easttennesseefoundation 40th Annual Stakeholder Summit ✨ As a proud client, we’re inspired by their investment in both people and place. Perkins Place—originally Marble City Elementary (1927)—is a beautiful example of historic preservation in action. Designed by @barbermcmurry_architects , this space continues to serve the community in meaningful ways. Where history meets impact 🤝 #ETCDC #TNNonprofits #HistoricPreservation #DesignMatters #Knoxville #CommunityImpact