Tennessee Theatre Expansion Unveils Opening Date and Secret Addition

The Tennessee Theatre's $24 million expansion into a building two doors down will open to the public in March after years of behind-the-scenes work. The March 20 opening date was announced Dec. 9, along with details about the top floor of the Mechanics' Building at 612 S. Gay St., which will become a recording studio. Artists will be able to record in the new space or from the stage of the Tennessee Theatre to document their Knoxville concerts.

Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock wants the top floor to honor its original use as a radio station, down to keeping some of the 100-year-old flooring in place. The theater acquired the floor six months after construction started on the expansion, Hancock said, increasing costs by a few million dollars.

"Adding the recording studio was a pretty ambitious idea, but we wanted to figure out something that would make the theater more versatile − more attractive to both touring artists and then supportive of local performing artists," Hancock said. "And then the tying of the building's history was just too good to be true."

While the recording studio might not be ready in time for the opening of the expanded theater, guests will be able to explore the other renovated areas of the Mechanics' Building in March. Each floor is being designed with a specific use in mind, from event spaces and a donor lounge to rehearsal spaces and administrative offices.

The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation purchased the bank property in 2019 and started the renovation in April 2024, marking the second major renovation project in the theater’s history. The theater underwent a $25.5 million construction project between 2003 and 2005 that transformed it into the space we know today.

The expansion will allow the theater to host rehearsals, workshops and summer camps. It also will enhance two other highly critical theater-going amenities with more bars and more bathrooms (10 more toilets for women, six for men and one family bathroom).

The theater is gaining an additional 30,000 square feet with the expansion. And though the seven-floor building doesn't sit directly next to the theater, it does connect to the main auditorium.

The buildings are just about 10 feet apart at their closest points. A hallway will connect the two just outside the entrance to the auditorium, and there will be a staircase connecting the buildings at each floor.

“This is as close to a silver bullet project as I can think of,” Hancock told Knox News in July. “All the needs we couldn’t meet in (the 2005 renovation) … this building addresses them all.”

Key Features of the Expansion

• Recording Studio: The top floor of the Mechanics' Building will serve as a state-of-the-art recording studio. This addition aims to support both local and touring artists, providing a unique space for documenting performances.
• Historical Preservation: Efforts have been made to maintain the historical integrity of the building, including the preservation of 100-year-old flooring.
• Multi-Purpose Spaces: Each floor of the Mechanics' Building has been planned with specific functions in mind, such as event spaces, a donor lounge, rehearsal areas, and administrative offices.
• Improved Amenities: The expansion includes enhanced facilities, such as more bars and bathrooms, addressing long-standing needs that were not met in previous renovations.
• Connectivity: Despite the distance between the two buildings, they will be connected by a hallway and staircases, ensuring seamless access between the main auditorium and the new spaces.

Impact on the Community

The expansion is expected to bring significant benefits to the local community. By creating more versatile spaces, the Tennessee Theatre aims to attract a wider range of artists and audiences. The addition of the recording studio will provide local musicians with a professional environment to create and record their work, fostering a stronger arts scene in Knoxville.

In addition to supporting artists, the expansion will offer more opportunities for educational programs, such as summer camps and workshops. These initiatives will help nurture the next generation of performers and theater professionals.

Future Prospects

With the completion of this expansion, the Tennessee Theatre is well-positioned to continue its role as a cultural hub in the region. The new spaces will not only enhance the visitor experience but also support the theater’s mission to promote the arts and provide high-quality entertainment.

As the theater prepares for its grand opening in March, the community can look forward to a revitalized venue that reflects both its rich history and its commitment to the future. The project represents a significant investment in the arts and a testament to the dedication of those involved in bringing this vision to life.