Belltown, a massive community development between Karns and Powell, must wait a little longer to see whether visitors can enjoy a beer as they walk between businesses with an open container program like the one on Market Square.
The Belltown project's developer, Josh Sanderson of Smithbilt Homes, planned to present his Pedestrian Beverage Zone concept to the Knox County Commission on July 27 but was asked to delay the proposal by 30 days.
Sanderson, who largely based the concept off the recently launched Market Square pilot program, told Knox News via text that questions about the proposal from Commissioner Kim Frazier contributed to the delay. He is now scheduled to make his pitch to commissioners at their Aug. 31 meeting.
Where are open containers approved in Knoxville?
The city on July 24
launched its open container pilot program for Market Square, the first of its kind in Knoxville.
The pedestrian plaza has been named a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area for the length of the city's summertime experiment. City spokesperson Kristin Farley told Knox News the program does not have an end date at this time.
The zone allows patrons of participating businesses to purchase beer in a can or clear cup branded with a DORA sticker to enjoy throughout the designated zone.
Wine and liquor should be added once permits are finalized, and more Market Square businesses are expected to opt in. So, far we know the West family's bars − including Preservation Pub and Tommy Trent's − have opted in, along with The Tomato Head and Fred's Around the Corner.
A permanent zone around Covenant Health Park was approved by the Knoxville City Council in May, but a launch date has not been announced.
How Belltown open container program would work
Sanderson told Knox News he is "riding the coattails of the DORAs" established by the city and was inspired by the positive reactions from the public.
The zone at Belltown would start as a yearlong pilot program, allowing customers to purchase to-go alcohol in a can or clear cup with a "PBZ" label. Matching Market Square's hours, the zone would be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Belltown − set to welcome Burleson Brands restaurants The Shrimp Dock and Universal Pizza − already has two restaurants serving alcohol: Abridged Burger Co. and Soccer Taco. Additional businesses that are coming should benefit from the beverage zone, Sanderson said.
Abridged owner Jesse Bowers told Knox News the proposal will allow people to "explore the entire development, which ultimately supports all of the businesses within it."
"We feel the new ordinance will allow the district to function more as it was designed − as a connected, walkable destination where guests can move between businesses and enjoy the shared common spaces," he said.
The pilot program, if approved next month, would be the first of its kind outside city limits.
The big deal about Belltown
The Belltown project expects to add 561 single-family homes on the north side of West Emory Road, along with 213 townhomes and 324 apartments on the south side of the street. Construction began on Belltown in October 2023, Knox News previously reported.
Knox News reported in April that 200 homeowners already moved into the single-family homes, and 60 more were under construction. Sanderson expects up to 120 homes will be added within the next year.
Smithbilt Homes worked to widen West Emory Road to address anticipated traffic congestion tied to the influx of 4,000 new residents − a concern Sanderson said he's heard from nearby residents since the project was pitched in June 2022. A new traffic light has been added at the entrance to Belltown.
Knox News reporter Joanna Hayes covers restaurants and retail for the business growth and development team. Email: joanna.hayes@knoxnews.com; Instagram: @knoxeat65. Sign up for Joanna's Eat65 email newsletter to get the latest drink and dining news, as well as restaurant recommendations, at knoxnews.com/newsletters.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Belltown open container zone hits roadblock but the developer is optimistic
