May 7, 2025
Johnson Architecture is proud to announce that First Creek at Austin – Phase 1, a project by Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), has received two distinguished awards from the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The honors were presented on April 30 during a ceremony in Nashville.
Transforming community through vision and design
As Knoxville’s first mixed-income community, First Creek at Austin combines subsidized, workforce, and market-rate housing, creating a connected, inclusive neighborhood. Located near downtown, the redevelopment transformed a once-isolated site into a vibrant, accessible community with improved walkability, transit connectivity, access to education, employment, and future development, including a multi-use stadium, retail, and dining options.
Honored for community impact and excellence
The Rose Faeges-Easton Community Impact Award
Phase 1 was the sole recipient of this award, named after ULI Nashville’s founding director. It recognizes developments that meet critical community needs through thoughtful design, inclusive engagement, and successful public-private partnerships.
Excellence in Development Award
Phase 1 was also one of just seven projects honored for excellence in land use, design, construction, financial performance, sustainability, and equity. The project met key criteria such as affordability, responsiveness to demonstrated needs, cultural alignment with the neighborhood, and its transformational impact.
Johnson Architecture’s role
Johnson Architecture served as architect of record for Phase 1 and led the master planning for the entire redevelopment alongside national partner Gensler. Over six months, the planning team engaged the community through three resident meetings, three stakeholder sessions, and four open houses. This inclusive approach helped shape a neighborhood that now stands as a model for mixed-income, affordable housing across East Tennessee.
“When considering the enormous effort that so many organizations and people have poured into the revitalization of Austin Homes into First Creek at Austin, it’s humbling and so fulfilling to see it come to life and serve so many people in our community,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “We congratulate KCDC on this recognition for their vision and celebrate with our team for our role in creating this new community.”
A growing legacy
The redevelopment of Austin Homes, originally established in 1941 on 23 acres, has already garnered several accolades:
- 2024 Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)
- 2024 Tennessee’s Best Award for neighborhood stabilization from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
- 2023 Orchids Award for new architecture from Keep Knoxville Beautiful
Project phases at a glance:
- Phase 1 (2022): 105 units — 57 in a multifamily building, 48 in eight townhome-style buildings.
- Phase 2 (2024): 180 units, offering 1- to 3-bedroom layouts.
- Phase 3 (under construction): ~161 units, including 50 supportive housing units for low-income seniors (62+).
KCDC serves as the public housing authority for Knoxville and Knox County and continues to play a critical role in creating equitable, sustainable communities.
