June 2, 2024
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s (KCDC) First Creek at Austin redevelopment has earned a 2024 Tennessee’s Best award in the neighborhood stabilization category from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).
First Creek at Austin is built on the site of the former Austin Homes, which was established in 1941 on nearly 23 acres and was one of the two oldest KCDC properties.
Johnson Architecture along with Gensler’s Chicago office completed the master plan for the redevelopment, and Johnson Architecture served as Architect of Record for phase 1. Southeast Venture and Johnson Architecture provided design for phase 2.
“The transformation of First Creek at Austin has created a diverse neighborhood near the heart of downtown Knoxville and adds more affordable housing at a time of critical need in our community,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “Residents are within walking distance to downtown and the Old City, a soon-to-open new multi-use stadium and other amenities such as job opportunities, restaurants, entertainments, parks and retail locations.”
Phase 1 consists of 105 total units and opened in 2022. Phase 2 will open in 2024 and include 180 units. The third and final phase is expected to commence later this year and will include approximately 161 new housing units.
“The efforts of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation to improve the quality of housing in Knoxville’s former Austin Homes community has been transformative and will have a positive impact on the community and its residents for years to come,” THDA Executive Director Ralph Perrey said. “First Creek at Austin has and will continue to improve the neighborhood where it’s located and we are glad to recognize them as one of Tennessee’s Best.”
