SOUTH WATERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT RFQ
Project Overview
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), in partnership with the City of Knoxville, is seeking qualified development teams through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to lead the transformation of one of the city’s most significant remaining waterfront sites.
Located along the south bank of the Tennessee River, this 15-acre, multi-parcel redevelopment opportunity offers over 1,400 linear feet of river frontage directly across from the University of Tennessee’s flagship campus. The site sits at the center of a rapidly evolving district shaped by over two decades of public planning, infrastructure investment, and community vision.
What sets this opportunity apart is its unmatched connectivity and catalytic potential. The site will anchor the southern landing of a planned $60 million pedestrian and bike bridge, linking the site directly to the UT campus and providing additional connectivity to downtown Knoxville, major employment centers, and a regional network of greenways and recreation assets.
KCDC is seeking a master developer capable of delivering a phased, mixed-use waterfront district that reflects the community’s vision—integrating residential, commercial, public space, and riverfront access into a cohesive, place-driven environment. The project is envisioned as a model for context-sensitive, innovative urban development, with opportunities for adaptive reuse, public-private partnership structures, and long-term value creation.
RFQ for Site Redevelopment
This solicitation represents the first stage of an anticipated two-step process. Through this RFQ, KCDC will identify highly qualified teams based on experience, capacity, and vision. Shortlisted respondents will be invited to participate in a subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) to submit detailed development plans. Details on how to respond and submission deadline can be found within the RFQ.
Video Overview
This production was created to help orient interested parties to the city, the site, and its proximity to downtown. The buildings and site plan depicted are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as indicative of a preferred or favorable submission. Any companies mentioned in the video are included solely for their work in the video creation.
Link to Video: South Waterfront Redevelopment RFQ
Link to: Related City Presentations
Link to: Site Surveys
Link to: Preliminary Bridge Plan
Direct Link to RFQ: Click to view RFQ
KCDC Procurement Site: https://www.kcdc.org/procurement/