River & Rail Theatre is betting big on East Magnolia Avenue, announcing plans to turn the long‑vacant Sterchi‑Audigier residence into its permanent performing‑arts home. The 1920s Spanish‑eclectic house, scarred by fire and nearly lost to demolition, is now being framed as a rare East Knoxville survivor about to get a spotlight instead of a bulldozer. The project would tuck rehearsal space, dressing rooms, and a flexible performance hall into the property as River & Rail grows beyond its Old City stage.
The company purchased the building as part of its ongoing capital campaign and has been raising renovation funds in recent months, according to Arts Knoxville. That reporting put the price tag at about $1.65 million and noted that River & Rail sees the site as a future cultural anchor along Magnolia Avenue.
A historic house spared after a fire and demolition threat
Preservation advocates say the building’s future looked grim after an upper‑floor fire in 2022, followed by a 2023 demolition permit that triggered a 60‑day delay for review. Knox Heritage has documented the home’s Spanish Eclectic architecture and its eligibility for federal historic tax credits, arguing that adapting it for new use is key to keeping the neighborhood’s character intact.
What River & Rail plans to build
River & Rail’s capital‑campaign materials sketch out a renovation that would transform the rear congregational space into a performance house accommodating roughly 140 to 240 seats, while the main residence would be reworked for administrative offices and education spaces. The company’s campaign information also identifies 2651 E. Magnolia Ave. as River & Rail’s new home base. River & Rail Theatre
City backing and fundraising momentum
Knoxville City Council has signed on with a $100,000 contribution to support the move, and River & Rail recently held a fundraiser to help cover construction and operations, as reported by WBIR. The theater project lines up with broader city spending along the Magnolia corridor, including streetscape upgrades and work at Chilhowee Park aimed at boosting East Knoxville’s economic momentum. City of Knoxville
Timeline and what to expect
River & Rail plans to finish renovations as it wraps up its final seasons at the Old City Performing Arts Center, then shift productions to Magnolia Avenue for the 2026–27 season, according to local coverage. Here Knoxville reports that the Magnolia address is already appearing in the theater’s season listings, though the company notes that the exact schedule will depend on fundraising progress and the permitting process.
How to get involved
River & Rail is still in full fundraising mode and has outlined donor tiers and contact details for supporters who want to help get the renovation across the finish line. Community members can follow the capital campaign and watch for public meetings on permits for chances to weigh in, pitch in or volunteer as the old house prepares for its new role.
