Special Use Category Winner 2004

World's Fair Park and
Knoxville Convention Center

Location: Downtown Knoxville
Developer/Owner: City of Knoxville/Public Building Authority
Contractor: Denark Smith and Clark Construction, Valley Crest, Walter Rice Construction and Efficient Electric
Architect: Thompson Ventulett Stainback and McCarty Holsaple McCarty
Landscape Architect: Ross Fowler
Engineering: Barge Waggnor Sumner Cannon, Carpenter Wright

 

Click on the photos to open more detailed views.

The World's Fair Park Master Plan consists of three major areas: the Festival Lawn which sits toward the north end of the site with a large-scale interactive water feature, the Lake/Stream Area, and the Performance Lawn which anchors the south end of the site. At the corner of Henley Street and the recently restored Clinch Avenue Bridge is the new 500,000-square-foot Knoxville Convention Center, which creates a unique prominence with design features such as the dynamic glass and steel entry/lobby. The use of Tennessee marble and brick adds to the integration of the building to the region.

The rotunda faces on the south side of the Convention Center welcome both west-bound and north-bound viewers to the center and park. This rotunda features a large conference room which expands into a light-filled two story glass space overlooking the park. The Convention Center and surrounding World's Fair Park can be utilized to attract national conventions and events and to promote the growth and spirit of downtown Knoxville.

The World's Fair Park and Convention Center is a large-scale development that transitions the neighboring University of Tennessee to the west and downtown Knoxville to the east. The historic Fort Sanders neighborhood spans the entire westside boundary of the park. A large span of open space allows for community-wide events to be held on the site without disturbing the neighborhoods. Community activities offered in the adjacent Knoxville Museum of Art and Candy Factory complement the festive nature of the park.

Water in its many forms is a major feature of the park. An interactive fountain anchoring the Festival Lawn is very popular among visitors of all ages. A meandering stream enhances the paved trails connecting the major features of the site including the Convention Center. A passive fountain with whitewater flowing over rocks entices visitors into the park from the south. The landscape at World's Fair Park underscores Knoxville 's regional position near mountains with adaptive plantings including dogwoods, maples and ash trees.

Vehicular traffic in and around the Convention Center has been facilitated with the reopening of Clinch Avenue. The restoration of the Clinch Avenue Viaduct opened traffic between downtown and the Fort Sanders Neighborhood and the university again after more than two decades of closure. The renovation of the bridge was designed to encourage a blend of transportation modes including pedestrian, bike, car and bus. Pedestrian traffic flows along a covered walkway above Henley Street, providing a safe route between the park and downtown. This walkway leads directly into the main entrance of the Convention Center. The majority of loading and unloading for the Convention Center is accessed via Cumberland Avenue with a traffic signal at Poplar Street . A new park drive links Eleventh Street, Clinch Avenue and World's Fair Park Drive through the park, providing direct access to parking lots north of the park.