Rediscover Greeneville: A COMMUNITY VISION
Greeneville, TN: Rediscover Greeneville’s vision is a new model of economic sustainability for small-town America, but it begins with a specific plan for the community of Greeneville. Last April, Scott Niswonger and his associates invited architects and planners from around the region for a three-day design charette and came up with a host of ideas for Greeneville’s historic downtown district.
The following projects are the next steps in the process, yet nothing is cast in stone. This is simply the beginning of a community dialogue that will determine the best uses for these properties and create a vision for what the downtown can be.
In addition to adding 28 new rooms and increased parking, the General Morgan Inn will also receive improvements such as expanded open-air event areas on the terrace and in the gardens located behind the hotel. There are also plans to bring in a luxury day spa and create a lawn and amphitheater for community events within view of the historic Dixon-Williams house.
The future of Greeneville rests in the vast potential of quaint and picturesque Depot Street. Plans include over 60,000 square feet of new retail, restaurants, and services along with 30 new loft apartments above these spaces. Potential highlights include Scotty’s Music Hall, a historic bar and music hall located in the old opera house.
The Niswonger Center, an office complex featuring 50,000 square feet of office space, will be built on Main Street. As the economic heart of Rediscover Greeneville’s vision, it will house the Niswonger Foundation, offices for enterprise development and other new businesses.
The Learning Center, a state-of-the-art library and education center is proposed on the Walters State Community College campus near the recently completed Niswonger Performing Art Center. Available to both students and the public, this education and technology resource will help all of Greeneville achieve its full academic potential.
Early settlers in the region would gather at the Big Spring, a bucolic spot located at the convergence of two Indian trails, to listen to the Reverend Samuel Doak preach under the bows of a willow tree. In 1782, this meeting place became origin of the town of Greeneville. The current green space surrounding this natural and historic landmark is proposed to be enhanced behind the existing library to create more natural space in the downtown area.
In order to accommodate both businesses and visitors, a WiFi Mesh has been proposed, which would make the entire downtown a free Internet "hotspot."
To accommodate a new generation of Greeneville pioneers, a significant housing rehabilitation program will be undertaken in the neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown, while additional mixed-use infill development will be created in the downtown core. In addition, enhanced streetscapes and parking opportunities have also been proposed for the downtown area.
"Ultimately, Rediscover Greeneville is a community redevelopment program," says Rediscover Greeneville consultant Chuck Tessier. "This vision is seen as a starting point for the community to get involved in the process. It will require the participation of city, county, and state officials. We need the public, especially business owners and property owners, to help make this vision a reality."
For more information, please visit www.rediscovergreeneville.com or contact Bob Cantler at (423) 202-5167, (800) 223-2679 or gm@generalmorganinn.com.