The Market
Retail
The Market is a full renovation of an existing general store in downtown Knoxville, transforming a 3,800 square-foot space into a modern neighborhood market. The project updates the space to better serve everyday needs while keeping the character that makes Gay Street what it is.
With more people living downtown, this project set out to create a place where residents can easily pick up everyday essentials. During the as-built survey, a fully intact metal ceiling and exposed brick walls were uncovered — a discovery that shaped the direction of the design.
The design approach focused on revealing and celebrating those existing elements while adapting the layout for contemporary retail use. The linear depth of the space allows the store to be naturally organized into zones for everyday items, prepared foods, beer taps, and a meat counter. Exterior improvements, including a restored façade and a new canopy with signage, help reconnect the storefront to the streetscape.
Today, The Market functions as both a neighborhood resource and a gathering place for downtown shoppers. By blending historic character with practical updates, the project meets its original goal of creating a lively, accessible market rooted in its urban environment.
Project Details
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Project size: 3800 sq ft
Client: Total Property Management (HT Hackney)
Completion Date: 2010