Knoxville's Burlington Renewal Project Moves Forward with New Firehouse and Streetscape Upgrades

The $19 million project aims to revitalize the historic Burlington Center in East Knoxville.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:03am

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A miniature, stylized 3D illustration of the Burlington Center in Knoxville, featuring the new firehouse, updated streetscape with sidewalks and lighting, and surrounding buildings, all rendered in a clean, modern aesthetic with bold colors and soft lighting to convey the sense of renewal and revitalization.A conceptual illustration of the renewed Burlington Center in Knoxville, showcasing the new firehouse and streetscape upgrades that aim to revitalize this historic commercial district.Knoxville Today

The City of Knoxville's $19 million Burlington Renewal Project is making progress, with the construction of a new $8.7 million firehouse underway and the $10.3 million Streetscapes phase set to begin this spring. The project aims to breathe new life into the historic Burlington Center in East Knoxville, which has seen businesses close and buildings become rundown over the years. The new firehouse is expected to be completed by mid-December 2026, while the Streetscapes work, including new sidewalks, lighting, and tree plantings, is scheduled for completion in early March 2027.

Why it matters

The Burlington Renewal Project is a crucial investment in revitalizing a historic commercial district that has fallen on hard times. By upgrading the area's infrastructure and public spaces, the city hopes to encourage new business investment and activity, building on the presence of existing anchors like Barnes barbershop and Buddy's Barbeque. The project is part of a broader effort to support East Knoxville's economic development and community vitality.

The details

The new $8.7 million firehouse is currently under construction, with a projected completion date of mid-December 2026. Last summer, the site was cleared, and earth-moving and soil-compacting work was completed in the fall of 2025. The building's reinforced concrete foundation has recently been completed, and masonry block work and concrete pad pours are now underway. Steel erection will follow once that preparatory work is complete. The $10.3 million Streetscapes phase, already under contract, will begin this spring. This work will require major utility excavation and piping rework by KUB, as well as the associated upgrade of telephone and cable utilities. The surface appearance work will include new sidewalks, street lighting, traffic controls, and tree plantings to enhance the Center's attractiveness.

  • The $19 million Burlington Renewal Project was funded by the City Council in July 2025.
  • The new $8.7 million firehouse is expected to be completed by mid-December 2026.
  • The $10.3 million Streetscapes phase is scheduled to begin this spring and be completed by early March 2027.

The players

City of Knoxville

The local government overseeing the Burlington Renewal Project and providing the $19 million in funding.

Johnson & Galyon

The construction company overseeing the site work for the new firehouse.

KUB

The utility company responsible for the major utility excavation and piping rework as part of the Streetscapes phase.

Barnes barbershop

A long-standing business in the Burlington Center, operating since the 1950s.

Lunch House

An active business in the vicinity of the Burlington Center.

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What they’re saying

“One can imagine investors deciding to repurpose the old firehouse building into a coffeehouse or firehouse brew pub—potential successors to the once-thriving Ruby's coffee and breakfast restaurant. Perhaps a local hardware store or clothing shop. Time will tell. Locals eagerly await renewed commercial services for this historic area.”

— Nick Della Volpe, Lawyer, gardener, and former Knoxville City Council member

What’s next

The new firehouse is expected to be completed by mid-December 2026, and the Streetscapes phase is scheduled to be finished by early March 2027. The city and local community will then focus on attracting new businesses and investment to the revitalized Burlington Center.

The takeaway

The Burlington Renewal Project represents a significant public investment in revitalizing a historic commercial district in East Knoxville. By upgrading the area's infrastructure and public spaces, the city hopes to spur new business activity and breathe new life into a community that has struggled with economic decline in recent decades.