Market Square gets new construction, new fall concert series

Market Square gets new construction, new fall concert series

August 19, 2004

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Phase two of redevelopment construction on Market Square got underway Thursday afternoon. But not before entertainment officials announced a new fall concert series.

The new construction includes a new $11 million parking garage, office and retail space and condominiums. It's expected to take about a year to complete.

The garage was originally priced at $14 million. Now, Mayor Haslam says he'll apply the $3 million in savings to phase three construction, which includes a movie theatre. The money already appears in his 2005 budget.

The first phase, filled with months of setbacks, was completed in November 2003. That portion cost $8 million. [ Market Square re-opens ]

Also Thursday, A.C. Entertainment and Regal Entertainment Group announced a new weekly music series for Market Square this fall.

'AUTUMN' SCHEDULE Sept. 9 - Robinella and the CCstringband with Jay Clark Sept. 19 - Scott Miller & the Commonwealth with Mic Harrison Sept. 23 - Karl Denson's Tiny Universe with Keane Sept. 30 - Mindy Smith with Butterfly Boucher Oct. 7 - Tommy Emanuel  Oct. 14 - Robert Randolph and the Family Band with Xavier Rudd

The new shows are being billed as "Autumn on the Square." Like the Sundown in the City concert series, free shows will be held Thursday nights.

The first "Autumn on the Square" show is scheduled for September 9th.

Market Square Thursday hosted a celebration of this year's Sundown in the City series.

The Market Square District Association received a check from A.C. Entertainment for $14,288, one quarter of the proceeds from Sundown.

"It's definitely raised the profile of downtown and as a place for people to come," said Andie Ray, president of the Market Square Association. "They know it's fun. It's a great environment."

"As we give to the community, the community gives back to the event," said A.C. Entertainment President Ashley Capps. "It just seemed like the right thing to do."

6 News Reporter Tearsa Smith contributed to this report.