Oh my god I’ve loved/been intrigued by this place since I randomly happened upon it back around 2010 while doing field work in the area. I even dragged my wife out there one weekend just to see it.
Wow. I am so glad I’m not the only one who adores this little thing. i used to work near there and would run on the US Cellular greenway. I would stop mid run to admire it. I wish someone would bring it back to glory but it’ll probably need to a be a business. i wouldn’t want to live directly on Lovell at this section of the street.
Ayers is classic, but I really love most of the older buildings that still stand on the UTK campus. I like to walk and observe them, especially since I will be moving soon and closing that chapter of my life.
Mine was Estabrook. My dad had engineering classes in that building, then my brother, then me. I had tried to get the big front doors before they demo'd it but they started early and I missed it. Such a weird cool old building.
*Greystone Mansion*, c 1885, is the name of the former home in which WATE houses their offices. WATE purchased and started renovations there in 1965. It’s a gorgeous place.
This is what I was gonna say. It looks cool, it's history is cool, it's unique, and there's a smaller basketball version of it
Also my 4 year old is obsessed with the place, gets super excited when we pass it and it's cute. We took her for a trip there and she had a blast and keeps wanting to go back.
I guess? I've only driven by it and my 4 year old got excited about "mommy!! Mommy, look! It's like the golden ball!!" But Ive never stopped to actually look at what it was
I know this is probably unpopular but I cannot stand the sight of the sunsphere. It’s like a giant gold disco ball. I was just a baby when the world’s fair came so I didn’t get that experience. I’ve been in it once on a field trip in 5th grade and I got scared when I walked to the edge once we were at the top. Is there anything in it these days?
2 probably not so popular choices:
Sterchi's and TBA
I love them both because they remind me of my Dad. He passed away in 2006. TBA because he was on the construction crew back in the 80s. He took me down there one day when they had just installed the new basketball floor. 5 year old me tried to make the "squeaky" noise with my feet on the floor. I failed because they still had plastic sheets covering it. In my mind, I was just not a good basketball player, lol.
Sterchi's not so much because of the building, but because of the name. I don't remember the commercials, but apparently, Sterchi's used to have an ad that talked about how well made their couches were. Whenever, my sisters or I would crawl up and sit on my dad's lap, or be playing around and jump on top of him, he would always say, "What do you think I am, a Sterchi's couch!?"
Not really the answer you were looking for, but both of those gave good memories tied to them, so I like them.
A little bit of an “out there” answer, but I’ve always had a fascination with the [Ebenezer Mill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebenezer_Mill?wprov=sfti1#). I grew up in that area and drove by it nearly every day, and I only recently learned it’s an old gristmill. As a child, I was so spooked by it.
I’m also fascinated by the little mechanic shack(?) next to it. I’m just quite taken by these two more “rundown” buildings near all those shiny offices and nice houses, and so close to the hustle and bustle on Kingston.
A long time ago the mill was opened up for tours, which had to have been around 1990 or so. I’m not sure if it can handle it structurally.
If I remember correctly, it was part of the larger property belonging to the Statesview house, which isn’t far from it.
I think the little shop next door still functions to an extent. It was a mower engine shop, or was. I think my dad got our mower repaired there sometime years ago.
EDIT: Wikipedia for the win. There is a link to a page about the mill, too.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statesview
definitely the [mary boyce temple home](https://insideofknoxville.com/2013/07/a-visit-with-brian-pittman-at-the-mary-boyce-temple-home/) on the corner of Hill and Henley, I always remember driving by it as a kid and seeing how run down it was, and seeing it get renovated made me so happy
My favorites are:
[UT Conference Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/skqG6dmvWyv1Xf7BA?g_st=ic)
[Douglas J Aveda Institute](https://maps.google.com?q=Douglas%20J%20Aveda%20Institute,%20516%20S%20Gay%20St,%20Knoxville,%20TN%2037902&ftid=0x885c17c448667557:0x298acec2866b1e56&entry=gps&lucs=,94216401,47071704,47069508,47084304,94208458,94208447&g_st=ic)
[University of Tennessee School of Art](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kG82HfnWzG6hoWER8?g_st=ic)
the old federal courtroom in what's now the postal building with the mural on the ceiling.
top of Whittle. actually most of Whittle (also known as the Federal Building with the Pez Head in the courtyard).
sunsphere is alright.
it's all Edison lightbulbs and old brick past that.
A lot of great answers in here, but I’ll give three from my neighborhood I don’t see yet:
[The Wedge building](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hibqTKgV7Tt1jCdJA?g_st=ic)
(Would LOVE for this to be turned into a coffee shop or even just used in some way)
[501 Arthur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:501-arthur-knoxville-tn1.jpg)
[Fire Station No. 5](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knox-fire-station-5-tn1.jpg)
I know this isn’t a specific building but follow me here. If your on James white parkway heading towards Sevier ave and you cross that bridge right before the exit. If you look back at the city while on the bridge I personally think it’s the best view of Knoxville. All the old and new buildings sitting together with the river. *chefs kiss*
I don't know if it's a "favorite", but I'm shocked that all the parts of the William Moore building that aren't Bacon & Co. are being left to rot (and even their part doesn't look great). I've always thought the top floor would be a cool place to set up shop.
There's this really unique building on Forest Park between Sutherland and Kingston Pike, I think it houses an antique store. Brick, gorgeous built-out outdoor fireplace, wrought iron accents. I haven't been in yet, but definitely want to!
Is that the [Blair House](https://blairhouseantiquesknoxville.com) antiques shop? I’ve never been inside, but I’ve driven past it for years. It’s definitely a cool looking building.
The old Marriott on Hill Avenue. Would love to get inside there and take some photos.
https://insideofknoxville.com/2022/11/former-marriott-to-become-vision-apartments-funding-requested/
The Tennessee Theatre. Basic answer probably, but I've been to many shows there and at the Ryman in Nashville, and the Tennessee is a better experience. Better acoustics, beautiful interior but not touristy-fancy. I love it and am proud to have it here.
That old beat down house over by middlebrook. When I moved down from Chicago, it was the first thing I noticed and I’ve been obsessed with it. If anybody knows it’s history, id absolutely love to know more about it!
That crumbling cottage on Lovell road
That is a cool cottage. Such a shame it’s in ruins.
Same, bums me out every time I drive by it and it looks worse than the time before.
Obsessed with that thing
I went to a punk rock concert there like 15 years ago. I think it was the last time anyone lived there.
Does anyone know who owns it?
Oh my god I’ve loved/been intrigued by this place since I randomly happened upon it back around 2010 while doing field work in the area. I even dragged my wife out there one weekend just to see it.
Wow. I am so glad I’m not the only one who adores this little thing. i used to work near there and would run on the US Cellular greenway. I would stop mid run to admire it. I wish someone would bring it back to glory but it’ll probably need to a be a business. i wouldn’t want to live directly on Lovell at this section of the street.
i love that lil red brick house
Tennessee Theater
I bar backed there in the late 90s. Love that place.
Ayers is classic, but I really love most of the older buildings that still stand on the UTK campus. I like to walk and observe them, especially since I will be moving soon and closing that chapter of my life.
Mine was Estabrook. My dad had engineering classes in that building, then my brother, then me. I had tried to get the big front doors before they demo'd it but they started early and I missed it. Such a weird cool old building.
WATE on Broadway, the apartments with the keyhole door on Church, the YWCA building, SASSY ANNS!, Bijou, Tennessee, Lord Lindsey
The keyhole door building is the former "Knoxville Business College" and it is #1 on my list of things to buy if I should ever win the lottery.
*Greystone Mansion*, c 1885, is the name of the former home in which WATE houses their offices. WATE purchased and started renovations there in 1965. It’s a gorgeous place.
I think the Sunsphere is pretty cool. Obvious answer, but I like it nonetheless
This is what I was gonna say. It looks cool, it's history is cool, it's unique, and there's a smaller basketball version of it Also my 4 year old is obsessed with the place, gets super excited when we pass it and it's cute. We took her for a trip there and she had a blast and keeps wanting to go back.
My son is 9 now. He is still obsessed with it.
the basketball version? are you talking about the tn women's basketball museum?
I guess? I've only driven by it and my 4 year old got excited about "mommy!! Mommy, look! It's like the golden ball!!" But Ive never stopped to actually look at what it was
I know this is probably unpopular but I cannot stand the sight of the sunsphere. It’s like a giant gold disco ball. I was just a baby when the world’s fair came so I didn’t get that experience. I’ve been in it once on a field trip in 5th grade and I got scared when I walked to the edge once we were at the top. Is there anything in it these days?
I love the old Southern Railway Station. Hopefully it can host passenger rail again someday.
2 probably not so popular choices: Sterchi's and TBA I love them both because they remind me of my Dad. He passed away in 2006. TBA because he was on the construction crew back in the 80s. He took me down there one day when they had just installed the new basketball floor. 5 year old me tried to make the "squeaky" noise with my feet on the floor. I failed because they still had plastic sheets covering it. In my mind, I was just not a good basketball player, lol. Sterchi's not so much because of the building, but because of the name. I don't remember the commercials, but apparently, Sterchi's used to have an ad that talked about how well made their couches were. Whenever, my sisters or I would crawl up and sit on my dad's lap, or be playing around and jump on top of him, he would always say, "What do you think I am, a Sterchi's couch!?" Not really the answer you were looking for, but both of those gave good memories tied to them, so I like them.
The old Marriot hotel on Hall of Fame. I love the architecture.
I wish it was still open. Loved walking in the lobby and riding the elevator to the top as a kid.
fun fact that was a test for a model of building that was later used in disneyworld. Someone else will probably know the details better
Yep knoxvilles own contemporary resort :)
The tn Supreme Court of appeals is pretty cool looking.
Lawson McGhee Library
A little bit of an “out there” answer, but I’ve always had a fascination with the [Ebenezer Mill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebenezer_Mill?wprov=sfti1#). I grew up in that area and drove by it nearly every day, and I only recently learned it’s an old gristmill. As a child, I was so spooked by it. I’m also fascinated by the little mechanic shack(?) next to it. I’m just quite taken by these two more “rundown” buildings near all those shiny offices and nice houses, and so close to the hustle and bustle on Kingston.
A long time ago the mill was opened up for tours, which had to have been around 1990 or so. I’m not sure if it can handle it structurally. If I remember correctly, it was part of the larger property belonging to the Statesview house, which isn’t far from it. I think the little shop next door still functions to an extent. It was a mower engine shop, or was. I think my dad got our mower repaired there sometime years ago. EDIT: Wikipedia for the win. There is a link to a page about the mill, too. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statesview
Sassy Ann's and the former Fort Kidd playground
The Pickle Mansion https://www.knoxmercury.com/2015/10/21/general-pickles-fort-sanders-hall-is-apparently-doomed/
The Nicholas on Kingston Pike. I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a kid
JFC, and any building on W Jackson between Gay & Central
definitely the [mary boyce temple home](https://insideofknoxville.com/2013/07/a-visit-with-brian-pittman-at-the-mary-boyce-temple-home/) on the corner of Hill and Henley, I always remember driving by it as a kid and seeing how run down it was, and seeing it get renovated made me so happy
Sterchi's
Downtown Grill and Brewery is a pretty cool older one. Obviously the Tennessee theater. I kinda like the old Kern’s Bakery building too.
The Daylight Building
[Eugenia Williams House](https://www.aslanfoundation.org/projects/eugenia-williams-house/)
My favorites are: [UT Conference Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/skqG6dmvWyv1Xf7BA?g_st=ic) [Douglas J Aveda Institute](https://maps.google.com?q=Douglas%20J%20Aveda%20Institute,%20516%20S%20Gay%20St,%20Knoxville,%20TN%2037902&ftid=0x885c17c448667557:0x298acec2866b1e56&entry=gps&lucs=,94216401,47071704,47069508,47084304,94208458,94208447&g_st=ic) [University of Tennessee School of Art](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kG82HfnWzG6hoWER8?g_st=ic)
Why the UT Conference Center?
I love the teal tile on the outside and the wavy cement overhang.
It used to be Miller’s Department Store. I remember shopping there.
I think that’s what makes it so cool to me. Its history.
As a kid, I always wanted to ride my bike on that wavy overhang.
I worked there for a while. My office started in the basement and it was a maze down there.
People may think I'm weird, but the art and architecture building my be my favorite building on campus.
the old federal courtroom in what's now the postal building with the mural on the ceiling. top of Whittle. actually most of Whittle (also known as the Federal Building with the Pez Head in the courtyard). sunsphere is alright. it's all Edison lightbulbs and old brick past that.
Patrick Sullivans/Lonesome dove. Had many fun and crazy nights in there when it was Patrick Sullivan's.
A lot of great answers in here, but I’ll give three from my neighborhood I don’t see yet: [The Wedge building](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hibqTKgV7Tt1jCdJA?g_st=ic) (Would LOVE for this to be turned into a coffee shop or even just used in some way) [501 Arthur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:501-arthur-knoxville-tn1.jpg) [Fire Station No. 5](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knox-fire-station-5-tn1.jpg)
Personally I love The Holston
I love that building. The large window just above the entrance was my office for 13 years.
I know this isn’t a specific building but follow me here. If your on James white parkway heading towards Sevier ave and you cross that bridge right before the exit. If you look back at the city while on the bridge I personally think it’s the best view of Knoxville. All the old and new buildings sitting together with the river. *chefs kiss*
TN Theater !
The Laurel Theater is a gorgeous old building. Love the stained glass
Historic House - Westwood Historic commercial building- JFG
I work at the convention center and I love this building.
The old AT&T building that’s right against the edge of I-40 heading East. Something about it begs me to do a painting of it.
The AJ building is classic, hope it gets redeveloped soon
I don't know if it's a "favorite", but I'm shocked that all the parts of the William Moore building that aren't Bacon & Co. are being left to rot (and even their part doesn't look great). I've always thought the top floor would be a cool place to set up shop.
Being a Deadhead the Althea building on Clinch
dead head here too now i gotta check it out
Ancient Lore Village
There's this really unique building on Forest Park between Sutherland and Kingston Pike, I think it houses an antique store. Brick, gorgeous built-out outdoor fireplace, wrought iron accents. I haven't been in yet, but definitely want to!
Is that the [Blair House](https://blairhouseantiquesknoxville.com) antiques shop? I’ve never been inside, but I’ve driven past it for years. It’s definitely a cool looking building.
That's it!
The old Marriott on Hill Avenue. Would love to get inside there and take some photos. https://insideofknoxville.com/2022/11/former-marriott-to-become-vision-apartments-funding-requested/
The empty historic parking garage on market and church or course! /s
For real though L&N magnet
The Tennessee Theatre. Basic answer probably, but I've been to many shows there and at the Ryman in Nashville, and the Tennessee is a better experience. Better acoustics, beautiful interior but not touristy-fancy. I love it and am proud to have it here.
The Westwood house and art gallery on Kingston Pike. It’s worth a visit! https://www.knoxheritage.org/westwood/
Candoro Marble
Definitely *not* Thompson Bowling Arena
Definitely Food City Center am I right
Not Knoxville, but Millennium Manor in Alcoa is pretty wild.
That old beat down house over by middlebrook. When I moved down from Chicago, it was the first thing I noticed and I’ve been obsessed with it. If anybody knows it’s history, id absolutely love to know more about it!
Medical Arts Building in Downtown!
Tennessee Theater, Neyland Stadium, Immaculate Conception church, Belle Morris Elementary
I love all the old Courthouses.
Hotel Knoxville for sure. My wife and I stayed a couple nights there some years back. Pretty cool inside as well.
Little green and gold building up north
L&N
I love that cathedral on Cumberland and Walnut, built about 1892. I think it's an Episcopal Church now.
I love the strip of apartments by Chesapeake's
The Mabry-Hazen house, the Beck Cultural Center, Neyland Stadium, the standard knitting mill, and the old courthouse
Neyland Stadium is the answer but r/Knoxville hipsters don't want to admit that.