Knoxville plans to buy former state Supreme Court building

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The former state Supreme Court building in Knoxville could be redeveloped by the city.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports (https://bit.ly/1CtJ2Nl) city officials are planning to purchase the 1950s art deco courthouse before the state’s offer to sell expires in August.

Bob Whetsel is the city’s director of redevelopment. He said a panel of urban planning experts has recommended turning the courthouse into a mixed-use building with street-level retail, residences on the top floor and a cultural or performing arts component. However, the city has not committed to a specific plan yet.

The state has appraised the long-vacant building at $2.4 million.

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Information from: Knoxville News Sentinel, https://www.knoxnews.com