This State Street building (circa 1898) was built in the Vernacular Commercial style and was originally used as a factory for sewing overalls. It was constructed by Knoxville’s first African American millionaire and is most likely the largest commercial structure remaining in Knoxville built by a former slave. Cal Johnson also served as a city alderman during his extensive career, which included the operation of several area saloons and one of Knoxville’s most popular and durable horse racing tracks. It could be a featured site in current efforts to encourage heritage tourism related to Knox County’s African American residents and their ancestors.
The building is threatened by long term, ongoing deterioration and a lack of maintenance by the current owners. Knox Heritage calls upon those property owners to make long-overdue repairs and hopes the current level of downtown redevelopment will spur the repair and reuse of this important structure before it is too late.