Oakwood Elementary School – 232 E. Churchwell Avenue
This Oakwood neighborhood icon is currently owned by the Knox County School System and is used for storage. The later addition is occupied by the Teacher Supply Depot. The Knox County School System has moved most of its activities out of the building and has discussed plans to sell it for private development. This year the Knox County School Board voted to allow the East Tennessee Community Design Center to work with residents to create a plan for the building. Due to the rapid deterioration of the building, Knox Heritage calls upon the School Board to act immediately to make the repairs necessary to stabilize the historic portion of the building. If this is not done soon, little will be left after the planning process to attract private redevelopment of the structure. Time is rapidly running out for Oakwood School due to the school system’s neglect and the resulting water damage occurring in the building.
South High School – 801 Tipton Avenue
South High was designed by noted local architect Charles Barber and was built in 1935-1936 as South Knoxville Junior High School. The school opened in 1937. Barber was the primary architect of 14 schools in Knoxville and Knox County prior to 1940. It served as a junior high school and a high school until the last graduating class in 1976. The building sustained serious roof damage over the last few years and that water infiltration has harmed the structural integrity of the building.
Preservationists and residents of South Knoxville began their efforts to save historic South High in 2002. In 2004 the Knox County School Board surplused the building to Knox County so it could be redeveloped as a community asset. County Commission voted to auction the building to the highest bidder last year. The high bidder at the June 2008 auction was Bahman Kasraei. Mr. Kasraei expressed his intent to preserve the building, but construction was delayed until this spring. The roof of the building is being replaced, but it is just the beginning of the construction process. Knox Heritage strongly encourages Mr. Kasraei to proceed as quickly as possible to complete the stabilization of the building and identify a use that will insure the long term preservation of this South Knoxville landmark.
Eastport Elementary – 2036 Bethel Avenue
The original Eastport School was founded circa 1870 and is believed to be the first school established for African Americans in the Eastport community. The current building, built in 1932, was designed by Ryno and Brackney Architects. The school was expanded with additions in 1948, 1956 and 1958. The historic part of the structure is currently vacant while the mid-century additions are used by the school system.
KCDC recently announced plans to restore the school for senior housing and City Council approved federal Neighborhood Stabilization Funds for that purpose. Since that time questions have been raised about the building’s compatibility with KCDC’s proposed use and the option of demolition has been put on the table. Knox Heritage calls upon KCDC to diligently review its plans for the school building and explore all options for its preservation. If the building is not suitable for senior housing, KCDC should work with the City of Knoxville, Knox Heritage and residents to identify another use that will preserve one of the most significant buildings related to African American history in Knoxville.
Flenniken Elementary – 115 Flenniken Avenue
In 1850 the first Flenniken School building stood at the corner of Maryville Highway and what would later be called Sims Road. In 1917 the City of Knoxville annexed the area around the school and it became a part of the city school system. The current building on Flenniken Avenue was built in 1919 and contained only seven rooms. Additions made in 1926 and 1956 expanded it to its current footprint. The school has been vacant and vulnerable since it closed in the mid-1990’s and is currently owned by Terminus Real Estate Inc.
Several potential private developers considered the school for redevelopment in recent years, but no one stepped up to take on the project and put together the financing required. The building is now the focus of a plan by Southeastern Housing Foundation to develop 48 units of permanent, supportive housing as a part of the city and county’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. The project will require several sources of funding, including a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank, historic preservation tax credits and affordable housing tax credits from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, in order to come to fruition. Knox Heritage will continue to advocate for the preservation and reuse of the building and provide technical assistance to any potential developer, non-profit or for-profit, determined to save the school building.
Rule High – 1901 Vermont Avenue
Rule High School was named after Captain William Rule a former Union Army Captain who went on to become the mayor of Knoxville, as well as publisher and editor of the Knoxville Journal from 1885 until his death in 1928. Rule High School was built in circa 1926-1927 and opened in the fall of 1927. The school closed in 1991 and is currently owned by the Knox County School Board which leases it to a non-profit organization. The school continues to languish in a deteriorated state and the resources for its preservation are lacking. Knox Heritage encourages the Knox County School to review the existing lease arrangement and identify potential users with the financial ability to preserve and reuse the structure.