The City of Knoxville began work on the South Waterfront in 2005, under the direction of Mayor Bill Haslam. The administration saw the potential for redevelopment of the three-mile long riverfront as a future asset to the City. Although there were several on-going industrial operations, vacant lots and underutilized buildings were commonplace.

A feasibility study showed that public expenditures in roads, greenway space and other infrastructure would spawn a six-fold increase in private investment. With the economic potential established, an exhaustive planning project was undertaken, resulting in the adoption of the Knoxville South Waterfront Vision Plan. This 20-year plan expresses community goals, addressing environmental, public access, land development and neighborhood improvements. The public involvement program was one of the most successful in Knoxville’s history