The sector has a great deal of diversity in neighborhood form. Streetcar subdivisions, curvilinear subdivisions and modern condominium developments coexist, providing housing for a variety of age groups. The sector’s topography and the historical era of development explain many of the differences in neighborhood and housing styles.

“East Knoxville” grew up as a separate town, on the east side of First Creek. It incorporated in 1856, and was annexed by the City of Knoxville in 1869. David Brown, the city’s first black alderman, represented the East Knoxville community. Together, the East City and Central City Planning Sectors contain the original town of East Knoxville.

The curvilinear roads of Chilhowee Hills fit with the rugged, hilly terrain.

The neighborhood containing Park City Historic District was also an incorporated town. Residential development began there in the early 1890’s, with the extension of streetcar lines. The first residents were merchants and professionals, who built elaborate homes. Developers built smaller homes for workers of nearby factories, mills and railroads in later phases. Streetcar lines ran along Park Avenue (later named Magnolia) and along Washington Avenue. The plants of Standard Knitting Mills, one of the area’s leading employers, formed the western boundary of the neighborhood and Chilhowee Park, from which “Park City” got its name, formed the eastern boundary. This community incorporated in 1907, and the city annexed the entire neighborhood in 1917. Park City originally was connected to neighborhoods to the north, but construction of I-40 created a barrier that isolated it from the larger community.

Incorporated North Knoxville and adjacent land north of Sharp’s Ridge, including Whittle Springs, were also annexed in 1917. Between 1924 and 1926 streets were laid out and lots were sold as farmland and converted into what is now the Fairmont-Emoriland neighborhood.

Holston Hills, which has noticeably larger lot sizes than the streetcar subdivisions, came into existence with the renowned golf course in the 1920’s. It was not annexed until 1962, almost 100 years after the City of Knoxville began aggressive expansion. The curvilinear roads of this neighborhood fit within the rugged, hilly terrain along the Holston River. Chilhowee Hills neighborhood is adjacent to Holston Hills to the north. In general, the homes are newer, with similar setbacks and the same steep terrain.

Most of neighborhoods in the Alice Bell-Spring Hill community developed after the 1940’s, as post-World War II housing. Cul-de-sacs are more prevalent and sidewalks are almost nonexistent. Several new condominium developments are in this community. To better serve the aging population and schools within walking distance of these neighborhoods, retrofitting streets with pedestrian facilities is necessary.