By MIKE KRAFCIK
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - If you've been around downtown Knoxville lately, you may have seen another part of Gay Street that's starting to flourish.
More restaurants and businesses are now calling the 100 Block of Gay Street their home.
Residents are noticing the sidewalks bustling with people. "I've noticed a lot of activity, a lot of people walking their dogs, couples, families," James Dixon said.
City planners say the 100 Gay Street project is beginning to come to fruition after a major construction project that began 2009 that completely changed the face of the block.
"We're seeing a little bit of upswing, and folks are starting to develop some of these areas where they couldn't before," said Rick Emmett, downtown coordinator in the city policy and communications department.
A new Raw Oyster bar, Shuck Raw Bar & Grill opened Tuesday. It's located in the same spot as the former Nama Sushi Bar location.
Construction is underway on Cru Bistro and Wine Bar, located next to Shuck, and scheduled to open in late spring.
"When we came up with this concept, it was a no brainer. Put it here in the 100 block. We absolutely love being here," said Shuck Raw Bar and Cru Bistro General Manager Kellie Kinder.
Hundreds of residents now live on the 100 block. By next year, hundreds more hope to move in after work on the Jackson Lofts is complete. The lofts will be made of 71 units. The complex is owned by Dewhirst Properties.
Owners expect the first lofts to open sometime in the spring of 2013. "They're combining three buildings worth of work so it's going to be a bit of doing to bring all of this together," Emmett said.
Emmett says the 100 block is part of a bigger vision. The city hopes development continues to take place around the corner to Jackson Street.
"Getting all those extra people down here just creates much more energy for us, the Old City, and into the whole surrounding area, not just the 100 block," Emmett said.
