Belltown has welcomed 275 families since construction began in 2023, with nearly 300 homes built across the 305-acre mixed-use community between Karns and Powell.
More than half of the 561 single-family homes planned for the mixed-used development have been sold or are under construction, Belltown developer Josh Sanderson told Knox News, and prospective buyers have been put on a waitlist.
Other forms of housing also are in the works.
A 335-unit apartment complex is in the planning stages, and construction began this month on 185 townhomes geared toward people ages 55 and older. The townhome project is scheduled to wrap up in 2027, Sanderson said, and crews will soon begin building the next phase of single-family homes to be completed next winter.
In total, 4,000 residents are expected to live in Belltown once the community is complete.
Smithbilt Homes, the development company behind Belltown, has widened West Emory Road and added a traffic signal at the entrance to help address traffic concerns tied to the projected population increase.
Private amenities for residents are finished, Sanderson said, including a pool, playground and clubhouse-style meeting area. Belltown plans to add a public park with a playground, dog park, kayak area, amphitheater and sports fields.
Residents, restaurants and retail come together at Belltown
Sanderson said developers decided to abandon plans for a food truck area to avoid competing with existing Belltown restaurants and the wave of new businesses that are coming.
Abridged Burger Company, K Brew and Soccer Taco have all opened new locations at Belltown on the opposite side of West Emory Road from the housing portion. The Shrimp Dock, Universal Pizza and Water Into Wine Bistro & Lounge are expected to open there by the end of 2026.
The Knox County Commission approved a pedestrian beverage zone for the mixed-use neighborhood in August. This open-container district, which allows visitors to walk around with alcoholic drinks purchased from participating businesses, is the first outside Knoxville city limits and operates similar to the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area on Market Square.
Retail businesses also have moved into the community, including Belltown Nail Bar and Simpson's Meats, and an indoor golf club called The Bunker is expected to open soon.
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: Hundreds have moved into Belltown homes. Apartments and townhomes are next | Exclusive
