Knoxville Residents to Weigh In on Proposed South Knoxville Apartment Complex

The 367,000-square-foot development would replace the former JFG Coffee sign site near the Gay Street Bridge.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:04am

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Knoxville residents will have the opportunity to provide input on a proposed 367,000-square-foot apartment complex planned for the Sevier Avenue area near the south end of the Gay Street Bridge. The development, which would include 225 units, a courtyard, outdoor pool, and underground parking, is being spearheaded by Alabama-based CR Endeavors. The first of two public meetings about the proposal will be held on April 1, with the second meeting scheduled for April 2.

Why it matters

The proposed apartment complex would bring hundreds of new residents to South Knoxville, an area that has been encouraging walkability and welcoming more development. However, the project would also mean the loss of the iconic JFG Coffee sign, which stood in the location for over 50 years before being removed in 2023.

The details

The proposed apartment complex would be six stories tall and include a courtyard, outdoor pool, and underground parking garage with over 230 spaces. The development would also have 69 surface parking spaces. The project is being designed by Michael Graves Architecture, a New Jersey-based firm with offices across the country, including in Knoxville's Emory Place neighborhood.

  • The plans for the apartment complex were originally scheduled to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 9, 2026.
  • The meeting has been postponed for 30 days to allow time for community input.
  • The first public meeting about the proposal will be held at 6 p.m. on April 1, 2026 at the Kerbela Shriners Temple.
  • The second public meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on April 2, 2026 at Kern's Food Hall.

The players

CR Endeavors

An Alabama-based development firm that is spearheading the proposed apartment complex project.

Michael Graves Architecture

A New Jersey-based architecture firm with offices across the country, including in Knoxville's Emory Place neighborhood, that is designing the proposed apartment complex.

Kerbela Shriners

The current owners of the property where the proposed apartment complex would be built, which was the previous location of the JFG Coffee sign.

Karyn Adams

A Knoxville city councilmember who announced the public meetings about the proposed apartment complex on Facebook.

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What they’re saying

“The Kerbela Temple site offers one of our city's most incredible views and sits at the terminus of one of our most important arteries, Gay Street, as a welcome to South Knoxville and Sevier Avenue.”

— Karyn Adams, Knoxville City Councilmember

“These are meetings for you. Your voice and engagement make a difference.”

— Karyn Adams, Knoxville City Councilmember

What’s next

The proposed apartment complex plans have not been approved yet, and the public meetings will give local residents a chance to share their thoughts and opinions with the developer, CR Endeavors.

The takeaway

The proposed apartment complex represents a significant development for South Knoxville, bringing hundreds of new residents to the area. However, it also means the loss of the iconic JFG Coffee sign, which has been a landmark in the community for over 50 years. The public meetings will be an important opportunity for Knoxville residents to have their voices heard and shape the future of this project.