Historic Giffin Square
Multi-Family
Historic Giffin Square is a transformative adaptive-reuse and infill development that repositions a long-vacant historic school campus as a vibrant affordable housing community in South Knoxville. Centered on the former Giffin Grammar School, the project introduces 77 residential units while preserving a landmark that has served generations of neighborhood residents. Balancing historic preservation with contemporary living, the development creates housing that is dignified, purposeful, and deeply connected to place.
Located within the South Haven neighborhood, the Giffin School campus carries deep cultural and architectural significance. After years of vacancy, the site presented both an opportunity and a responsibility: to protect a cherished landmark while reintroducing it as an active, contributing part of the neighborhood.
GAE Architecture + Design approached the project with a commitment to preservation, carefully maintaining the school’s historic character while planning new residential buildings that respect the scale, massing, and rhythm of the surrounding context.
Historic Giffin Square was envisioned not as a standalone development, but as a neighborhood reinvestment strategy. Building placement, open space, circulation, and lighting were thoughtfully considered to reinforce safety, walkability, and shared outdoor experiences.
Through extensive coordination with the development team, preservation advocates, and local stakeholders, the project bridges past and future — honoring the site’s legacy while meeting present-day housing needs through intentional, community-driven design.
Project Details
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Project size: 77 Residential Units
77,000 sq ft total
30,000 sq ft renovation
47,000 sq ft new construction
Client: Case Enterprises Development Corporation
Completion date: Anticipated Winter 2026 (Renovation)
Anticipated Spring 2027 (New Construction)