On August 1, Knoxville's journey toward developing its first mixed-income, affordable housing took another step forward with Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) breaking ground on Phase 3 of the First Creek at Austin housing development. As reported in a statement by KCDC, Phase 1 has been completed, Phase 2 is nearing completion, and now Phase 3, which contributes further to this vision, is on its way. The ground-breaking ceremony, drawing in a mix of business leaders, stakeholders, and residents, marked the continued commitment to expanding the city's affordable housing stock.
"First Creek at Austin is creating a diverse neighborhood close to downtown opportunities and amenities," KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley told KnoxvilleTN.gov. The new phase promises to introduce around 161 housing units, which will include 50 units designed as supportive housing for low-income seniors aged 62 and above. Not surprisingly, community connectivity and enhancement of resident lifestyles stand at the forefront of this phase with planned parks and infrastructural links to downtown owed to the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant.
Addressing the financial underpinning of the project, the City of Knoxville has invested a hefty $14.1 million in infrastructure support, greatly benefiting the development's robust ecosystem of utilities, sidewalks, and roads. Echoing Bentley's remarks, Mayor Indya Kincannon expressed pride in the evolving neighborhood, pointing to the city's ongoing commitment to fostering affordable housing complemented by convenient access to key urban resources. On top of this infrastructure, Phase 3 is set to feature amenities tailored to a blend of residents, from fitness and multipurpose rooms to telehealth facilities and enhanced broadband connectivity, ensuring both elderly and younger inhabitants benefit from modern comforts.
The expansion isn't just about breaking ground and constructing buildings. The supportive housing initiative for seniors, which promises to incorporate care services such as housekeeping, meals, and transportation, was made possible after Southeastern Housing Foundation II secured a substantial $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 2021. Services designed with seniors in mind, assistive features like slip-resistant floors, and communal attractions like gardens will cater to their specific needs. This fits into KCDC's broader strategy focusing not only on physical structures but also on fostering a supportive living environment for residents.
As part of the First Creek at Austin project's trajectory, KCDC and the Knoxville Leadership Foundation have aligned through the Southeastern Housing Foundation to tackle financing and management. A $900,000 grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) has also played a role in facilitating the build-out, focusing especially on family units and catering to low-income demographics. Situated upon the historic grounds of the former Austin Homes, this redevelopment offers residents a choice of living spaces from one-bedroom units to spacious four-bedroom townhomes, with a plethora of amenities such as a pet spa and resident lounge and anticipates future community enrichments including an early childhood center and a direct greenway to the new multi-use stadium slated for 2025.
The decision to renovate and rebuild Austin Homes into First Creek at Austin was not taken lightly. After an extensive period of engagement that included interviews and public meetings with residents, stakeholders, and the broader community, KCDC crafted a master plan that addressed a range of needs and preferences: from street layouts and residential building types to open spaces. For those displaced by the construction, options were provided to move to other KCDC properties with the assurance of a right to return upon completion, as documented by FirstCreekLiving.com. Phases 1 and 2 have already started reshaping the neighborhood landscape, with Phase 1 offering 105 units and Phase 2, set to open in 2024, adding another 180 units, showcasing the KCDC's commitment to a thoughtfully designed, community-centric future.
