A new $1.7 million restaurant space will fill a long-abandoned property next to Axle Logistics' headquarters just north of downtown Knoxville.
Planning documents associated with the 825 N. Central St. project categorize the space as a "restaurant/bakery" but do not identify a tenant. Knox News was unable to reach the developer for a construction timeline, but crews were working on the building's exterior Oct. 14.
The Knoxville City Council in June awarded local firm Paragon Development $75,000 from its Historic Preservation and Facade Improvement Fund for the project. During the June meeting, Councilmember Charles Thomas said restoring the blighted property is exactly the type of redevelopment the city needs.
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"This is a critical place on Central between places that have been redeveloped and look nice," he said. "This is a gap where nothing has been done."
Paragon purchased the land in 2025 for $495,000 and subsequently demolished most of the vacant office building on site. The same development group is behind other projects north of downtown, including townhomes at the former Dempster Building near Emory Place.
In documents submitted to City Council, Paragon projects the development will cost around $1.7 million, including the $75,000 from the city.
The new space would join other restaurants in the area, like French bistro Au Bon Coin, which the team behind Potchke and A Dopo recently opened on Broadway. It also would be near multiple bars and breweries, including The Corner Lounge and Schulz Bräu Brewing Company, as well as other local fixtures like Magpies Bakery.
The Downtown North neighborhood is bustling with other construction projects, including Axle Logistics' new public plaza, which is aimed at providing entertainment and food truck space for employees and the public.
Sophia Tiedge is the growth and transformation reporter for Knox News. Email: sophia.tiedge@knoxnews.com
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: $1.7M Knoxville restaurant could transform vacant lot north of downtown | Exclusive
