Knoxville held a groundbreaking ceremony on the grounds where the former Veterans Administration Hospital stood. It made November 21 a day to remember in moving forward in rebuilding the old Veteran’s Administation Hospital grounds after the buildings were leveled.

After the VA Hospital left town it was time for Knoxville to regroup and look ahead to what was next. The city of Knoxville and Marion County started working together to formulate plans for the future.

Mayor Brian Hatch tells KNIA/KRLS News about the day, “It’s a great day for Knoxville. It means so much to us. Like I said earlier, for years we’ve been battling the housing issues. Which isn’t unique, everyone in the state battles the same problem. It’s wonderful to give us this opportunity finally to expand and grow.”

Speaking on behalf of the Marion County Board of Supervisors was Mark Raymie, who told the crowd at the gathering, this is your project, the future of the city and county.

The project is expected to be marketed in the Spring with completion in the Fall. A total of 34 housing units and a Veteran’s Park is included in the first phase of the project.