2021 has been a year of progress in the City of Knoxville, marked by the beginning of one of the biggest undertakings in recent memory. Demolition began at the VA campus after years of planning and speculation, and Mayor Brian Hatch says it’s wonderful to finally see action.

“It’s so nice to sit here and actually talk about the progress. It seems like for years we talked about the potential; what’s going to happen, can we acquire this ground, all these things. Here we are, finally seeing some demolition and action happening. They’re almost done with demolition above ground on the north side of Pleasant Street. I think most people are aware that as you drive by, the landscape looks different out there.”

Hatch says that after demolition is complete, the property will sit vacant throughout winter of 2022-2023, with development beginning in spring 2023. Hear a 2021 year in review with Knoxville Mayor Brian Hatch on Friday’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.