Crews are nearly ready to break ground on the MAC at Fifth apartments in downtown Knoxville, two years after the project was scheduled to be finished.
Rhode Island-based development firm Bluedog Capital Partners has cleared the lot that was formerly home to MAC Auto Loans, and has installed signs about upcoming construction. Sarah Harris, chief investment officer for Bluedog, told Knox News the company plans to open the new building at 200 W. Fifth Ave. by summer 2028.
The 144-unit, five-story apartment building will have a unique touch: Ten ground-level units will be reserved for local entrepreneurs to live in, work and sell their products. Developers hope this will add to the vibrant small business atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Bluedog wanted
to keep the original MAC Auto Loans building but had to demolish it due to structural concerns. Plans shared in 2022 included incorporating the original MAC Auto Loans sign somewhere in the new building.
The apartments will be rented at market rate, according to Bluedog, and the complex will include a coworking lounge and space for makers. Bluedog is the same firm behind Vital at Springbrook Farm, a 300-unit multifamily complex planned near McGhee Tyson Airport amid Knoxville's population boom.
MAC at Fifth's retail space would add to the vibrancy of the growing neighborhood, with Knoxville-favorite businesses such as Xul Beer Company and A Dopo Pizza just a short walk away. Also close by, a four-story workforce housing project named Riella on 5th plans to add 121 residential units near the Old Gray Cemetery next year.
Sophia Tiedge is the growth and transformation reporter for Knox News. Email: sophia.tiedge@knoxnews.com
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
Curiosity often starts with two words, one question: 'What's that?'
If you see new construction or anything funky around town, send an email to knowyourknox@knoxnews.com. We'll work to get you an answer and might even share our findings with Knox News readers!
What's that retail space on Topside Road next to the new apartments? More than 20,000 square feet of new retail space is up for grabs on Topside Road in Louisville thanks to a developer looking to replicate his Hardin Valley successes.
Full story: What's that retail space on Topside Road next to the new apartments?
What's that going onto the corner of North Peters and Cedar Bluff? A vacant property in the commercial area near the intersection of North Peters and Cedar Bluff roads is set to become something other than another restaurant, shopping area or hotel.
Full story: What's that going onto the corner of North Peters and Cedar Bluff?
What's that construction in an open field along Millertown Pike? In ever-growing Knox County, an open field can mean a cow pasture or development and opportunity. A couple of properties that front an open field off busy Millertown Pike could soon be home to 100 households.
Full story: What's that construction in an open field along Millertown Pike?
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What's that breaking ground at the former Mac Auto Loans site downtown?
