Comments on: Owners ask: What will make “The Met” special?

By: Blue Streak » Owners ask: What will make “The Met” special? | Knoxville Apartments

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:23:42 +0000

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By: Rusha Sams

Rusha Sams — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:39:07 +0000

When The Holston was pre-selling, there was the idea of having a restaurant on the ground floor. Residents could rent it out for functions if their condo was too small. Any space like that to help residents entertain would be a boon to downtown, and, of course, folks could just use it as their downtown eatery on everyday nights.

By: "The Met"

"The Met" — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:19:03 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to give us your input into “The Met.” This is just the first of several opportunities for the public to comment on the development and give us their ideas on the project. “The Met” will belong to Knoxville, it will be the first thing many people see when they enter downtown, so we will urge citizens to send us ideas throughout the development.

Green initiatives, security and improving Henley Street are all high on our list of requirements for “The Met.”

We will keep you updated on “The Met” and the timeline for construction. Thanks.

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:50:57 +0000

A project this vertical will impact Knoxville’s skyline. A tremendous opportunity if studied well.

By: Glo Marquis

Glo Marquis — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:23:24 +0000

A grocery store - one that has basics and some gourmet items? I think of Reed’s in the Sequoyah Village. It had fresh veggies, items for a quick dinner, and some special items.

By: Art

Art — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:45:13 +0000

I think it is essential from an urban design aspect that the project NOT turn a cold shoulder to Henley Street. As it exists now, Henley is quite the barrier between downtown and the convention center and World’s Fair Park. In fact, the project would benefit greatly in the long-term by being as open to Henley as it is to Locust, although in different ways. If further building is done around World’s Fair Park (library, museum, etc), some effort will have to be made by someone so that Henley does not act like a fence hemming in downtown. The Met could, and should, be a part of this effort to tie them together–and not just with another bridge.

Remember, Henley Street is often the first thing visitors see of downtown Knoxville. That impression should be one of welcoming–not blank walls and non-entrances.

By: Shaun Fulco

Shaun Fulco — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:49:55 +0000

I’ll be in the market for a downtown condo within the next couple of years as I send my son off to college. The most important amenities for me will be security and adequate parking. Other amenities that I think would make The Met interesting would be a Spa, rooftop patio and/or pool, Concierge desk, grocery/convenience store, fitness center. I recently heard about a development in Orlando that will have a designated “pet walk” on the 12th floor. I thought that was a great idea. Allowing residents to walk their pets without leaving the building would be a great security feature for many after dark. The Met will already have a full restaurant and bar which would also be on my list. I love the idea of the common lobby. Can’t wait to see more as it develops!

By: Tyler

Tyler — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:49:46 +0000

I definitely agree with the environmental impact. Knoxville is a Solar America City, after all…so I would like to see some investment into some newer approaches to passive energy savings as well as the addition of solar features like using Photovoltaic panels as shading devices. I heard of a place that rather than applying for LEED certification adapted a space to educate visitors as well as residents of the environmental impact and savings the building had on the area. The money saved as well provided for even more solar panels and wind turbines integrated within the architecture of the structure.

I would love to see some retail space along the Henley Street Frontage as this area greatly needs some attention brought back to this thoroughfare. You do see people walk down Henley Street, but it’s merely a pass-by pedestrian zone because everyone has seemed to abandon any sort of street level presence on Henley.

I’m excited to hear about an addition to Knoxville’s skyline and cannot wait to see some activity brought to this part of the city.

I cannot wait to read more about what others think as well.

By: Laura Bower

Laura Bower — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:27:51 +0000

Parking is not an amenity, it’s a necessity — preferably in a well-lit covered garage with 24/7 security.

A rooftop garden and clever, private green spaces for the condos would be cool. Could be a balcony or an atrium or a screened-in porch. The Nicholas, formerly the Mary Reed Apartments, on Kingston Pike has glassed theirs in, but the original digs had screened porches. I remember, because my grandmother lived there. Can’t wait to see “The Met”!

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:51:12 +0000

I think green is important from an environmental aspect, but also from a cost-savings aspect. So many of the green initiatives save energy and also save money. Water savings go a long way and are probably more overlooked than electricity.

Keeping the lobby active is a great idea. You’re right, most of the buildings downtown with “night businesses” don’t have as much residential. Others are residential with less night activity.

A good mix of the two would be interesting and probably contribute to the other’s success.

Designating areas for 24/7 free public parking would help with the parking perception.

Looking forward to seeing other ideas here….