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