The City of Knoxville engaged Fregonese Associates in January to study the feasibility and options of development on the City's South Waterfront. The East Tennessee Community Design Center also provided funding for the project. The purpose of this study was to use a scenario planning technique to investigate the range of feasible alternatives for development in the south waterfront. In addition, the range of options available to the City in order to stimulate and guide development was to be explored, including the development of a South Knoxville Waterfront master plan. A "no action" alternative was also to be given serious consideration.

The South Waterfront has great potential and a plan could be developed that allows this area to develop its own revenues to grow naturally. The city's intentions have to be clear to the public and investors. Despite its limitation, it is obvious that the area could develop into one of Knoxville's great success stories. We believe that the key is in finding a way to develop a vision that reaches high and is inspirational, but begins with appropriate small and achievable steps. In this way, the small steps are perceived as a path to the greater vision.

Over the next 12 months, the City will be undertaking an implementation project to set a framework for future investment and development in the South Waterfront area. The implementation phase will include land use planning, environmental analysis, economic development, design and engineering services related to redevelopment of the South Waterfront.