UT Tower & Fritts Lot
Background
Located in the heart of downtown the UT Tower & Fritts Lot will allow Knox County to move Knox County Schools Administration out of the Andrew Johnson Building which was offered for sale in 2017 and awarded to BNA Associates. Knox County took possession of the UT Tower in August 2020.
Project Description
The UT Tower will be renovated to house the UT System Administration, UT Foundation, Inc, Knox County Schools and Knox Education Foundation. Knox County Schools will bring approximately 285 employees. UT will bring approximately 400 employees currently working at multiple locations throughout Knoxville. The move will provide new and enhanced partnerships between UT, Knox County Schools and Knox Education Foundation. The Fritts Lot will have a service elevator and exterior pedestrian walkway added to the UT Tower providing an accessible entry point and service area.
Knox County Commission approved the lease of the UT Tower (former TVA East Tower) and Fritts Lot along with the purchase of the Summer Place Complex in March 2020. Construction crews have mobilized on the Fritts Lot and construction work is underway in the UT Tower. Knox County Schools is occupying floors 2-6 and UT will occupy floors 7-12 while sharing the Plaza level.
A portion of the Fritts lot will be closed during construction which is expected to last 14 months.
The commercial loading zone on Summit Hill in front of the 2 towers will be closed for construction parking during the project.
This page will be updated with progress photos and information as the project progresses, so check back often.
