KCDC’s Five Points 3 earns Keep Knoxville Beautiful award

Scott BirdUncategorized

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s (KCDC) Five Points 3 has been selected a winner of the 2021 Orchids Awards, given annually by Keep Knoxville Beautiful.

Five Points 3, which earned the award in the category of new architecture, is an affordable housing complex in East Knoxville that opened in 2019. The 28 buildings in Five Points 3 offer 80 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, bringing safe, efficient, attractive and quality housing to dozens of local families. The community is rounded out by a playground, open green space and a computer room.

“We appreciate being recognized by Keep Knoxville Beautiful, as this award further confirms that sustainable, affordable housing can also contribute to the beauty of our community,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “Five Points is an important and historical community, and a thriving Five Points benefits our entire city.”

The new architecture category recognizes developments demonstrating excellence in overall design, aesthetics, form and proportion; appropriate use of materials; and the magnitude of visual impact on the area.

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s Five Points 3 in East Knoxville earned a 2021 Orchids Award in the category of new architecture from Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Five Points 3 is part of the four-phase revitalization of the Five Points neighborhood.

Knoxville’s BarberMcMurry Architects and Pittsburgh-based Urban Design Associates designed Five Points 3 with Jenkins & Stiles, LLC as the construction contractor. KCDC’s owner’s representative on the project was Partners Development.

Five Points 3 is the third of the four-phase Five Points Master Plan, which incorporated years of community input as a guide to replace the outdated Walter P. Taylor Homes and Dr. Lee Williams Senior Complex developments with modern, affordable housing units.

Keep Knoxville Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, promotes litter eradication, recycling and beautification efforts in Knox County communities using education, events and volunteer engagement. The organization has hosted the Orchid Awards since 1979 to recognize the architects, contractors, organizations, businesses and artists that have strived to improve the beauty of Knox County.