Tuesday, December 23, 2014

December 23rd Update

KUB Update

Contact KUB at 524-2911 if you have questions about this or any other KUB construction activities.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY

December 23, 2014

Re:        Traffic Advisory – Lane Closure for Utility Maintenance [All closures and work are weather permitting]

S. Twenty First Street Road Closure [December 29] – KUB will close a short section of South Twenty First Street between Lake Avenue and Cumberland Avenue daily, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., starting on Monday, December 29, until Friday, January 9, as work is completed on the natural gas distribution system in the area. Detour routes include Volunteer Boulevard, Twenty Second Street, and Mountcastle Street.

Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures will be in place at each location to assist motorists traveling in these areas. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use extreme caution and expect temporary delays in these areas. More information on other lane and road closures and KUB construction projects can be found at www.kub.org.  


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

December 16th Update

City of Knoxville Cumberland Avenue Corridor Update

Cumberland Avenue Construction to be Rebid; City Remains '100 Percent Committed' to Corridor Project

City of Knoxville officials will be rebidding the contract for construction of the comprehensive Cumberland Avenue street redesign project, which will push the start of construction back from early 2015 to summer 2015.

Only one company had submitted a bid to perform the work, and that bid came in higher than budgeted. City consultants had estimated the construction work at about $11 million, and the sole bid was for more than $25 million. So the project will go out for rebid early next year after several elements of the bid package have been reworked.

City officials remain committed to doing the major traffic-flow redesign and utility upgrade along Cumberland Avenue, even though it appears that the project will wind up being costlier than first anticipated. Additional funding sources will be identified during the rebid process as well.

"The Cumberland Avenue Corridor project is a very complicated urban road project, and we knew it would present a number of challenges," said Bob Whetsel, the City's Director of Redevelopment.

"But we are 100 percent committed to this project, which has already helped spur more than $200 million in investment by private redevelopers. We've pledged to partner with residents and merchants in the Corridor by doing our part and modernizing the infrastructure, and we intend to follow through with what's really a once-in-a-century major overhaul."

The Cumberland Avenue project still will be done in two phases.

Phase I of the Cumberland Avenue project will ease traffic clogs on the western end of the corridor, the stretch of Cumberland Avenue between 22nd Street and Alcoa Highway.

Phase I improvements - especially the smoother-flowing intersections at Volunteer Boulevard and at Alcoa Highway - will give motorists more options for avoiding the Phase II construction work, said Project Manager Anne Wallace with the City's Office of Redevelopment.

Phase II calls for a redesign of Cumberland Avenue from 22nd Street to 16th Street. Both phases of work include new underground utilities, new signals, new sidewalks, the addition of turn lanes and new medians, plus landscaping, benches and pedestrian-scaled lighting.

Work will include putting in new underground stormwater, water, sewer and gas lines to replace antiquated lines and to support new commercial and residential developments in the area. The project also will add and widen sidewalks, resurface the road and purchase new, higher-performing traffic signals.

"We realize there will be inconveniences, and business owners will want the upgrades to be done as quickly as possible," Whetsel said. "We want the same thing. But the fact is, much of the utility infrastructure in this area predates World War II. Just last month, a stormwater pipe beneath Cumberland collapsed. It is time for these critical improvements to be made.

"At the same time, we recognize the need to increase utility capacity to support the hundreds of new apartment units and retail outlets that are infusing new energy into the Cumberland Avenue Corridor.

"We'll be creative and responsive in working with the University of Tennessee, merchants and stakeholders once work gets under way."

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

December 3rd Update

City of Knoxville Update - Temporary Road Closure

Traffic Advisory - Lane Closure for maintenance

Cumberland Avenue Closure (December 4 - 7:00 PM to December 5 - 12:00 AM)
The City of Knoxville will close a short section of east bound Cumberland Avenue between Metron Way/University Commons Way and W. Volunteer Blvd. East bound lanes of traffic will be moved to the turn lane for through movement, while the city's construction division places steel plates across the depression in the road. West bound traffic will not be impacted. See traffic control plan below.



University of Tennessee Update 

Final exams start tomorrow - good luck to all students! The last day of exams is Thursday, December 11th. For those leaving for Winter Break, remember to secure your belongings and reduce crimes of opportunity. Congratulations to all graduates and best wishes for your future endeavors!

Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA)
The monthly merchant's meeting was held today at 3:00pm in the Goal Post Tavern. Several businesses and community members participated. The City of Knoxville provided an update on the streetscape project, form based code, parking and private development. Merchants shared information.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7th at 3:00 PM in Goal Post Tavern. Parking: Available parking is located at Graphic Creations, 1809 Lake Avenue. Please plan to attend and bring a friend or neighbor.

Community Events 
November 26 – December 21, 2014
A Christmas Carol
Clarence Brown Theatre
Show times vary
Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts return in our long-running and most popular production. Join us for music, dancing and Dickens’ timeless tale of love and redemption.
http://clarencebrowntheatre.com/
(865) 974-5161

November 28 – December 14, 2014
The Game’s A Foot (Holmes for the Holidays)
Theatre Knoxville Downtown
8:00 p.m. Thursday – Saturday
3:00 p.m. on Sunday
Admission $15 Thurs – Sat; $13 Sunday
It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guest is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it is up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and the hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

November 28, 2014 – January 4, 2015
Holidays on Ice presented by Home Federal Bank
Market Square
Monday - Thursday (Nov. 28-Dec. 18): 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday (Dec. 19-Jan. 4): 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Holidays on Ice presented by Home Federal Bank is an open air ice skating rink in Market Square open Friday November 28, 2014 through Sunday, January 4, 2015; closed Christmas Day. Admission price includes entry fee, skate rental and unlimited time on the ice!
http://www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com/


December 2-6, 2014
Nutcracker on Ice
Ice Chalet
7:00 p.m. daily, plus 2:00 p.m. performance on December 6th.
This familiar take of a young girl’s magical Christmas and her beloved Nutcracker doll is brought to life on ice! Skaters of all ages and skill levels, including many professional level freestyle and pair skaters dance to the music of Tchaikovsky. Theatrical costumes and lighting are used throughout the show.
www.chaleticerinks.com/nutcrackeronice
865-588-1858

December 3, 2014
Jim Brickman On A Winter’s Night
Tennessee Theatre
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Event: 8:00 p.m.
Admission: $49.00 & $79.00 plus fees
Jim celebrates this in a one-of-a-kind concert event filled with lush instrumentals and soaring vocals. As he marks this 18 year tradition from coast to coast, Jim will showcase new music, along with holiday favorites and the hits that made him the most charted (30) billboard Adult Contemporary artist.
www.tennesseetheatre.com
865-684-1200

December 3, 2014
Affordable Care Act
South Knoxville Community Center, 522 Maryville PK
3pm-7pm
Open enrollment for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act will run from Nov. 15, 2014, to Feb. 15, 2015. There will be trained volunteers available to help with the enrollment process. For more information, visit HealthCare.gov, the federal government website. You can also call 1-800-318-2596 or 1-844-644-5443.

December 3-20, 2014
James White’s Fort Christmas Past Tours
James Whites Fort
Visit www.jameswhitesfort.org for more information

December 4, 2014
The Knoxville Award
Knoxville Convention Center
11:45 a.m.
$150.00 per person
The twenty first annual Knoxville Award Luncheon recognizes and honors a deserving person who demonstrates his/her care for the community and its citizens. The monies raised at the event help SCHAS to provide homemaker and personal care services to seniors and persons with disabilities of all ages.
www.schas.org
865-523-2920

December 4, 2014
Knoxville Ice Bears VS Peoria Rivermen
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
7:30 p.m.
Get your tickets by calling 865-656-4444

December 4, 2014
Cocktails & Conservation
Knoxville Museum of Art
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
FREE
Cocktails and Conservation with KMA Executive Director David Butler. Cash bar & complimentary snacks.
www.knoxart.org
865-525-6101

December 4, 2014
Christmas with the Knoxville Chamber Chorale
Church Street United Methodist Church
7:30 p.m.
FREE
Knoxville’s premier chamber chorale presents a concert of holiday choral music featuring works of traditional and modern.

December 5, 2014
WIVK Christmas Parade
Gay Street
7:00 p.m.
Free
The annual WIVK Christmas Parade presented by Advanced Office Systems. See all of the different decorated floats, marching bands and dancers and watch for Santa Claus.
*Temporary No Parking on Gay Street

December 5 & 6, 2014
The District in Bearden’s Holiday Open House
Shop’s in The District of Bearden
Friday: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
FREE
We invite you to take part in a unique celebration. Our merchants will open their doors to the community and treat their valued guests to special sales, truck shows, food and beverages.
www.thedistrictinbearden.com
865-604-1775

December 5 & 6, 2014
Broadway at the Tennessee: Sister Act
Tennessee Theatre
Friday: 8:00 p.m.; Saturday:  2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
$52.00, $67.00 and $77.00 plus fees
Sister Act is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “RIDICULOUSLY FUN” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement!
www.tennesseetheatre.com
865-684-1200


December 5 – 23, 2014
Arts & Culture Alliance Members Show
The Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street
December 5: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Gallery Hours:
Monday – Friday:  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
FREE
The Arts & Cultural Alliance presents its 2014 Members Show, the largest annual exhibition of local artist in the Greater Knoxville area. The fresh mix of two and three dimensional works created within the last two years encompasses a wide variety of media. Most of the works are for sale and may be purchased through the close of the exhibition.
www.theemporiumcenter.com
865-523-7543

December 5- 28, 2014
Art Market Gallery New Artist
Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay Street,
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FREE
The Art Market Gallery announces a special exhibit of recent works by painter Marjorie Horne and wood artist Nelson Ziegler. The gallery will host an opening reception for these featured artists during Downtown Knoxville’s First Friday Art Walk.

December 6, 2014
Scott Hamilton & Friends on Ice
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tickets $22 & $32.50
We are so honored to announce our very unique and exciting annual event.  “Scott Hamilton and Friends on Ice” featuring musical guest MercyMe.  This magnificent  figure skating performance, featuring 13 Olympic and World champion skaters, to a live concert by MercyMe is truly a one-of-a-kind production that our community has never experienced. All proceeds will benefit the Provision CARES Foundation and the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation supporting cancer education and wellness, clinical research and patient assistance.
www.provisonhp.com
(865) 684-2616

December 6, 2014
Faithwalk & Al Ichiki 5K
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
2:00pm
5K Walk & run through 4th & Gill neighborhood.

December 6, 2014
Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Ages 4 & 5
Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center, 1127 Broadway
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
$18.00
Pre-schoolers and a parent will experiment with a variety of different art techniques while making Christmas ornaments. Acrylic balls will be filled with colorful berries, greenery and ribbons. Small gingerbread men will also be decorated with buttons, ribbons and delicious looking decorations to add some bling to your holiday tree trimming décor.
www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/arts
865-523-1401

December 6, 2014
Christmas Gifts to Give, Ages 6 – 10
Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center, 1127 Broadway
10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$49.00
For over a decade we have offered this unique class allowing students the opportunity to make then wrap their own gifts. Following the class students will leave with four handmade gifts ready to place under the tree.
www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation/arts
865-523-1401

December 6, 2014
Rocky Hill Christmas Parade
Rocky Hill Elementary School
6:00pm
Rocky Hill Business District Inaugural Christmas Parade. www.rockyhillchristmasparade.org

December 6, 2014
James White’s Fort Open House
James White’s Fort
Visit jameswhitesfort.org for more information

December 6, 2014
Market Square Holiday Market
Market Square, Union St & Market Street
Noon -7pm
A Market featuring locally grown holiday décor, artisan crafts and handmade foods.

December 6, 2014
Affordable Care Act
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1807 Dandridge Ave
10am-2pm
Open enrollment for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act will run from Nov. 15, 2014, to Feb. 15, 2015. There will be trained volunteers available to help with the enrollment process. For more information, visit HealthCare.gov, the federal government website. You can also call 1-800-318-2596 or 1-844-644-5443.

December 6, 2014
Fountain City Optimist Christmas Parade
Fountain City Area
10am
Christmas Parade for Fountain City



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

November 19th Update

KUB Update

Traffic Advisory – Lane Closure for Utility Maintenance [All closures and work are weather permitting]

Cumberland Avenue Lane Closures [November 20] – KUB will close a short section of the curbside, eastbound lane of Cumberland Avenue between South Twenty-First Street and Mountcastle Street from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., on Thursday, November 20, as improvements are made to the water distribution system in the area. One eastbound lane and both westbound lanes will remain open during this timeframe. Friday, November 21, will be used as a rain date if necessary.


Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures will be in place at each location to assist motorists traveling in these areas. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use extreme caution and expect temporary delays in these areas. More information on this and other KUB construction projects can be found at www.kub.org.   

Contact KUB at 594-7531 if you have questions about this or any other KUB construction activities.

Community Events
November 20, 2014
Knoxville Ice Bears VS Peoria Rivermen
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
7:30 p.m.
Get your tickets by calling 865-656-4444

November 21, 2014
Knoxville Ice Bears VS Peoria Rivermen
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
7:30 p.m.
Get your tickets by calling 865-656-4444

Alive After Five
Knoxville Museum of Art
6:00 p.m.-8:30 pm
Admission: $10
Alive After Five: “Tribute to Donny Hathaway” featuring Donald Brown with Evelyn Jack.
www.knoxart.org
(865) 525- 6101

Holiday Season Movies 
Regal Rivera
Come see the premier of Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1 today! www.REGmovies.com
865-522-5160

November 22, 2014 
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square, Union Ave & Market Street
9:00am – 2:00pm
11th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.   www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org

Affordable Care Act
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1807 Dandridge Ave
10:00am-2:00pm
Open enrollment for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act will run from Nov. 15, 2014, to Feb. 15, 2015. There will be trained volunteers available to help with the enrollment process. For more information, visit HealthCare.gov, the federal government website. You can also call 1-800-318-2596 or 1-844-644-5443.

Knoxville Trade Day
Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park
8:00am-4:00pm
Premier Antiques Show featuring Mantiques, Vintage, Crafts & Trendy stuff  
web: knoxvilletradeday.wix.com/knoxvilletradeday#

November 22- December 3, 2014
Holiday Canstruction 
Knoxville Convention Center 
8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Free Admission 
Canstruction is a giant art exhibition with a purpose – fighting hunger. Teams of Knoxville architects, engineers, contractors, designers and students construct holiday-themed works of art made of canned food. View the sculptures and vote for your favorite at the Knoxville Convention Center. All canned food used to build the sculptures will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Canstruction is one of the largest national food bank drives in the world and takes place in more than a 170 U.S. Cities each year. 
www.Facebook.com/knoxcan


Friday, August 29, 2014

August 29th Update

KCDC Public Hearing on Cumberland Avenue Redevelopment Plan

What: A public hearing on a Cumberland Avenue redevelopment area plan

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4

Where: UT Federal Credit Union, 2100 White Ave.

Who: Knoxville’s Community Development Corp. (KCDC), acting on behalf of the City of Knoxville and City Council, is seeking public input on a proposal to establish a redevelopment area around Cumberland Avenue as a step toward financing public infrastructure.

City officials are exploring with KCDC the option of creating a redevelopment area – generally bounded by White Avenue, 17th Street, Lake Avenue and West Volunteer Boulevard – that would benefit from the new tax increment generated by projects in the area.

In this plan, revenue would not go toward private project financing; rather, as the area redevelops and property taxes rise, the increase in revenue would go toward infrastructure improvements in the area.

One need that’s been identified by both planners and City officials: public parking.

Currently, about 25 percent of the redevelopment area is used for parking. But, according to a draft of a proposal for the redevelopment area, parking around Cumberland Avenue “will need to evolve beyond single-purpose reserved parking that is uncoordinated and fragmented.” City officials have said a public garage is needed to support commercial and residential growth along the Cumberland Avenue Corridor.


Anyone needing a disability accommodation in order to attend the meeting should contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook in advance of the meeting at 865-215-2034, or email her at scook@cityofknoxville.org.
Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Meeting

Date: Wednesday, September 3


Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: Goal Post Tavern, 1824 Cumberland Avenue

What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.

Parking: Available parking is located at Graphic Creations, 1809 Lake Avenue.

Community Events

August 30, 2014
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square, Union Ave & Market Street
9:00am – 2:00pm
11th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.  
www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org


Boomsday
Neyland Drive
4pm-10pm
Annual fireworks festival with food vendors and activities. Fireworks are at 9:00pm


August 31, 2014
University of Tennessee vs. Utah State
7:00 pm at Neyland Stadium

As always, thanks for your interest in everything to do with Cumberland Avenue. Have a safe, fun-filled weekend and Go Vols!

Monday, August 11, 2014

August 11th Update

KUB Update

Attached below is a traffic advisory that was issued by KUB Community Relations Monday afternoon in association with upcoming utility work. Contact KUB at 524-2911 if you have questions about this or any other KUB construction activities.

Cumberland Avenue Lane Closures [August 12-14] – KUB will close a short section of the curbside, eastbound lane of Cumberland Avenue between the Alcoa Highway off ramp and University Commons Way, and the far right turn lane of the Alcoa Highway northbound off ramp, daily from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. starting Tuesday, August 12, until Thursday, August 14, as work is completed on the electric distribution system in the area. Brief, unscheduled full traffic stops will occur in this area during this work. Crews will also be present in Tyson Park, but park access will not be restricted.

Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures will be in place at each location to assist motorists traveling in these areas. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use extreme caution and expect temporary delays in these areas. More information on this and other KUB construction projects can be found at www.kub.org.  

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

August 5th Update

CAMA Update

At Wednesday’s meeting, representatives from Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) will discuss the process, including proposed meeting dates, of creating a Redevelopment Plan authorizing tax increment financing for the Cumberland Avenue area. City Council authorized KCDC to study Cumberland for a redevelopment area in 2013. The intent of this redevelopment area would be to support future public parking and public infrastructure in the district. More information will be forthcoming about public meetings.

Friday, August 1, 2014

KUB Update - Additional Work this coming Week

KUB Update
 
Attached below is a traffic advisory that was issued by KUB Community Relations Friday afternoon in association with upcoming utility work. Contact KUB at 524-2911 if you have questions about this or any other KUB construction activities.
Re:        Traffic Advisory – Lane Closure for Utility Work [All closures and work are weather permitting]

South Seventeenth Street Lane Closure [August 3] – KUB will close the northbound, curbside lane on a short section of South Seventeenth Street between Cumberland Avenue and White Avenue on Sunday, August 3, from 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. as work is completed on the water distribution system in this area. One northbound lane and both southbound lanes will remain open.  

Fort Sanders Area Lane Closures [August 4-8] – KUB and its contractor will implement intermittent lane closures daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on the following streets in the Fort Sanders area next week:

·        Forest Avenue – Full closure for construction between Thirteenth Street and World’s Fair Park Drive  with access to local traffic maintained.
·        Clinch Avenue – Intermittent lane closures on August 4-5 for paving work between Fourteenth Street and Eleventh Street.
·        Bridge Avenue – Intermittent lane closures on August 6-7 for paving work between Fourteenth Street and Eleventh Street.

All work is weather permitting. Temporary lane closures may be implemented to accommodate short-term construction needs. The Fort Sanders neighborhood work will be isolated to individual streets/areas, and construction will not take place over the entire neighborhood at the same time. Street parking may be temporarily restricted in the immediate construction area to facilitate safe access for equipment and workers. Construction methods will include sections of open-cut trench replacement, as well as trenchless rehabilitation, which includes lining of the existing pipes and pipe-bursting methods. The condition and depth of the existing pipe, as well as accessibility, will determine the construction method used. Selected manholes will also be replaced or rehabilitated as part of this project. As work areas shift, follow up advisories will be issued.

August 1st Update

KUB Update

Contact KUB at 594-7531 if you have questions about this or any other KUB construction activities.

Cumberland Avenue Lane Closures [July 30-August 6] – KUB and its contractor will implement lane closures along a section of Cumberland Avenue between James Agee Street and Thirteenth Street daily from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, July 30, and lasting through Wednesday, August 6, as construction continues on a summer-long PACE 10 wastewater collection system improvement project that is scheduled to last through August 2014 in the eastern section of the Fort Sanders neighborhood.

Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures, including flagmen, will be in place at this location to assist motorists traveling in the area. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use extreme caution and expect temporary delays in this area. More information on this and other KUB construction projects can be found at www.kub.org.


Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Meeting

Date: Wednesday, August 6


Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Location: Goal Post Tavern, 1824 Cumberland Avenue

What: The merchants and other interested stakeholders meet to discuss items of interest or concern and get updates on the City's Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project.

Parking: Available parking is located at Graphic Creations, 1809 Lake Avenue.


University Commons Update

According to University Commons website, available here, Walmart is scheduled to open next Wednesday, August 6th! The Publix grocery store and other retailers will open in the weeks to come.

University of Tennessee Update

Fall Semester starts Wednesday, August 20th! The first home football game will be held Sunday, August 31st.

UT's Cumberland Avenue Work Extended
July 31, 2014 - A major University of Tennessee utility upgrade will close two lanes of Cumberland Avenue between James Agee Street and 11th Street in August.

A UT contractor had been granted a traffic-control permit to reroute Cumberland Avenue commuters from July 23 through Aug. 8. But for now, just one westbound lane of Cumberland Avenue is closed, and the second lane won't close until Aug. 8 or later, according to Southern Constructors Inc.

The traffic-control permit allowing two lanes to be closed has been extended until Aug. 25.

Crews are installing stormwater drains on each side of Cumberland Avenue, and UT steam lines will be installed.

As work continues, the lane closures will alternate. Depending on where the crews are working, eastbound commuters will either remain in place or shift to the two westbound lanes of Cumberland Avenue. Once the second lane is closed, westbound commuters will be detoured to 11th Street, then to Clinch Avenue and then to 16th Street.

The precise dates for the alternating lane closures will be determined by the pace of the infrastructure work.

The City's Civil Engineering Division recommends that detoured westbound motorists take a different route, since the detour route will squeeze traffic from a normal two lanes to a single lane.

UT's fall semester starts Aug. 20.

Additional work on the steam line project, with less impact on traffic flow, is expected to continue into early January.

UT's steam line, which crosses Cumberland Avenue, is being upgraded. The project is tied to UT eliminating coal use completely by transitioning to natural gas, which will lead to decreased emissions of pollutants. UT's steam plant provides heating and hot water for more than 150 buildings using about 11 miles of underground steam pipes.
For information about construction in and around campus, be sure to visit the Cone Zone Blog

Community Events
 
August 1, 2014
Shakespeare on the Square- Titus Andronicus
Market Square
7pm
One of Shakespeare's earliest tragedies, and far and away his darkest, most bloody play, Titus Andronicus, is like an Elizabethan horror movie. Interestingly, it was also Shakespeare's most popular play during his lifetime. The story rests on a struggle for control of the Roman Empire but the play is awash in blood – beheadings, mutilations and horrible crimes against humanity.
"Hold onto your hats, it's going to be a bumpy ride."


August 2, 2014

Robotics Revolution
Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park
10:00am – 4:00pm
The event will provide educational & fun ways to explore the wonders of robotics, engineering & technology. 
www.themuseknoxville.org


Lonsdale Homecoming
Texas Ave
10:00am


Shakespeare on the Square – Much Ado About Nothing
Market Square
7pm
This most perfect of romantic comedies centers on Shakespeare's wittiest lovers, Beatrice and Benedick, two people determined to avoid the foolishness of love at all costs! The verbal fireworks between these two make up some of Shakespeare's best writing. Along the way we meet more lovers, distraught fathers, villains and the 16th century's answer to the Three Stooges – Dogberry and the Watch. Of course, like all good comedies, everyone ends up married – more or less.
"I will live in they heart, die In thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes."


Market Square Farmers Market

Market Square, Union Ave & Market Street
9:00am – 2:00pm
11th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.  
www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org


August 3, 2014
Shakespeare on the Square- Titus Andronicus
Market Square
7pm
See description above.

 
As always, thank you for your interest in Cumberland Avenue! Have a great and safe weekend.



Friday, July 11, 2014

July 11th Update

KUB Update


Contact KUB at 524-2911 if you have questions about this or any other KUB construction activities.


Cumberland Avenue Lane Closure [July 13] – KUB crews will close a section of the eastbound, curbside lane of Cumberland Avenue between South Twenty First Street and Mountcastle Street from 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, as work is completed on the water distribution system in this area. One eastbound lane and both westbound lanes will remain open during this time.

Cumberland Avenue Lane Closures [July 14-July 18] – KUB and its contractor will close one eastbound and one westbound lane on Cumberland Avenue between Eleventh Street and James Agee Street daily from 7 a.m. –5 p.m. beginning on Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18, as work is completed on the natural gas distribution system in this area. One eastbound and one westbound lane will remain open on this section of Cumberland Avenue while this work is completed. All lanes will remain open overnight.



Some listed closures may extend beyond the scheduled times depending on the conditions encountered during excavation and construction. Appropriate traffic control measures, including flagmen, will be in place at this location to assist motorists traveling in the area. Due to the ongoing presence of workers and equipment, motorists are advised to use extreme caution and expect temporary delays in this area. More information on other lane and road closures and KUB construction projects can be found at www.kub.org. 


Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association (CAMA) Update
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association was held on July 2, at 3:00 pm in the Goal Post Tavern. The meeting was attended by representatives of  UTPD, Center for Health Education Wellness - UTK, Walgreens, Graphic Creations, City of Knoxville, UT Federal Credit Union, Regions, Goal Post Tavern, KPD, University Liquors, Knoxville Homeless Coalition, and Councilman Finbarr Saunders. City staff provided an update on the Streetscape project, provided updates on private development projects on the corridor, and parking within the district. The merchants provided updates regarding business during the past month.

The next meeting is scheduled for August 6 at 3:00 pm in the Goal Post Tavern; please feel free to attend. 


Community Events 


July 12, 2014
Market Square Farmers Market
Market Square, Union Ave & Market Street
9:00am – 2:00pm
11th season of the downtown Farmers Market with locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally made artisan foods & crafts.   www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org

Knoxville Trade Day
Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park
8:00am-4:00pm
Premier Antiques Show featuring Mantiques, Vintage, Crafts & Trendy stuff                                 

July 13, 2014
Soles of the City Patriots 5K
140 N Forest Park Blvd
8:30am
5K run from Bearden Earthfare on greenway