What happens when community voices, student ideas and professional design come together around real places in our city?
That question will be at the heart of “Community Collaborative: A Vision for North Knoxville,” an interactive public event presented by the East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) on Friday, May 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McNutt Burks Building (309 N. Central).
The evening brings together two years of community engagement, academic exploration and design thinking focused on the future of North Knoxville.
This year’s Collaborative centers on two important sites:
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The Knox County Schools & Operations facility on E. 5th Avenue
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The former Knox Central site (known locally as the “old Sears building”) on N. Central Street
This event will showcase design proposals from seven local architecture firms alongside a wide range of student work from studios led by Tricia Stuth, Ted Shelton, Nicholas Valencia, and German Valenzuela.
“We’re thrilled to bring this event to life as a space for connection, inspiration and shared experience,” said Ellie Kittrell, ETCDC Executive Director.
“It stands as a testament to the commitment of our local design community and UTK College of Architecture + Design, grounded in a vision shaped by the community itself. Together, we’re celebrating the energy and possibility that emerge when collaboration is guided by those it’s meant to serve.”
Event Highlights
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5:00–6:00 p.m. | Arrival, Exhibits & Networking
Guests can explore student design work from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design, connect with local leaders and designers, and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages. -
6:00–7:15 p.m. | Featured Program
Seven professional design teams will present bold, community-driven concepts in a fast-paced, PechaKucha-style format. -
7:15–8:00 p.m. | Exhibits & Conversation
Attendees can return to exhibits, meet the designers, and continue conversations about what’s next for North Knoxville.
The exhibit is free and open to all. Registration is required here.
Learn more about the Community Collaborative and view past Collaboratives at https://communitydc.org/the-
