Riverwalk Garage Storm Damage Repairs
Background
Constructed in the 1980’s as part of the Baptist Hospital complex, the Riverwalk Garage was acquired by the City of Knoxville and the Industrial Development Board as a part of the redevelopment of the south waterfront.
In 2023, severe weather damage to the west stair & elevator tower required its closure. Once the elevator & stair tower and surrounding area were secured, debris removal commenced and DLZ Architects were contracted to assess the damage and develop plans for repairing the facility.
Project Description
The storm damage has been assessed by architects and engineers and necessitates complete removal and replacement of the exterior cladding from the western stair tower. Work is expected to include:
- removal of the cladding of the tower
- replacement of the exterior doors and windows
- reroofing the tower
- replacement of signage
- removal and restoration of landscaping within the work area
- removal and replacement of the damaged exterior canopy
Projected Impacts
While the Riverwalk Garage is expected to remain open throughout the project, construction activities will have impacts on some garage users. Projected impacts include:
- Closure of the western vehicular entrance/exit for the garage.
- Shutdown of the elevators in the affected stair tower
- Closure of the sidewalk adjacent to the garage on Kay Street
- Closure of pedestrian access to the garage from Kay Street
- Closure of some parking spaces inside the garage immediately near the west stair tower.
Please see the Project Status page for details on current impacts and schedule updates.
Current Status
Storm damage repairs were designed, permitted, and bid in 2024. Contractors mobilized on December 2, 2024 to begin erecting scaffolding around the impacted tower. Demolition and reconstruction is anticipated to run through late 2025.
Upcoming
Interior painting, final waterproofing, signage, and final elevator shaft repairs are underway. with site cleanup and demobilization expected to be complete before the end of the year.
Schedule updates and progress photos of the work will be posted to this page as the project advances
Current Impacts
The garage, all stair towers, and the eastern elevator currently remain operational.
The following outlines the current impacts to the Riverwalk Garage and the surrounding area as a result of the current conditions. The latest updates are in bold and are current as of the date shown in the banner above.
- Vehicular entrance and exit to Kay Street — Closed until further notice
- Elevators in the affected stair tower — Closed until further notice
- Sidewalk adjacent to the garage on Kay Street — Closed until further notice
- Pedestrian access to the garage from Kay Street — Closed until further notice
- Several spaces within the garage are currently closed to support ongoing public safety and construction activities.
Architects & Engineers have evaluated the facility and determined that the storm damage does not impact the garage or the structure for the western stair/elevator tower, and as such, the damage does not pose a risk for users inside the garage.
