Knoxville’s North Knoxville neighborhood took a major step toward expanding affordable housing on Nov. 4 when developers broke ground on Riella at Oakwood at 1880 Huron St. The $70 million, mixed‑use project will revitalize the historic St. Mary’s Hospital campus, preserving the 1930‑era building while delivering 170 new homes for working families.
What the development includes
The plan calls for three housing types:
- 109 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms
- 21 townhomes with three or four bedrooms, located along East Churchwell Avenue
- 40 one‑bedroom apartments situated inside the renovated hospital building, with priority given to senior residents
All units will be offered at affordable rates to households earning up to 80 % of the area’s median income—about $82,950 a year for a family of four. Rental costs and eligibility will be determined by each household’s income and the specific housing programs they qualify for.
Preserving history while adding modern amenities
The original hospital structure, noted for its Tennessee marble flooring and other distinctive architectural details, will be retained and upgraded. Developers say the renovation will blend historic charm with modern conveniences and accessibility improvements, ensuring the building meets today’s standards for comfort and safety.
Townhomes are being designed to complement the existing homes in the Oakwood‑Lincoln Park neighborhood, maintaining the area’s character while providing new options for families.
Community benefits and city support
Residents of the new development will enjoy a range of shared amenities, including community rooms, fitness and business centers, a playground, a pavilion, and a dog park. The location places families within walking distance of schools, parks, shopping, jobs, and public transportation, aligning with the city’s goal of creating walkable, family‑friendly neighborhoods.
Mayor Indya Kincannon highlighted the city’s role, noting that Knoxville contributed $2 million from its Affordable Rental Development Fund to support 67 homes for extremely low‑income households. “When the City purchased this property from Tennova, we had two goals: to preserve the historic St. Mary’s hospital building and create more opportunities for people to live in beautiful, walkable Oakwood‑Lincoln Park,” the mayor said.
Partnerships and long‑term affordability
Riella at Oakwood is a joint effort between DGA Residential and the Knoxville Community Development Corporation. The partnership has committed to keeping the homes affordable for at least 30 years, providing long‑term stability for residents.
The former hospital campus already hosts several community assets, including Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Dental Medicine, the city’s Public Safety Complex, and the McNabb Center’s EmPATH facility. The new housing development adds to this growing hub of services.
Timeline and next steps
Construction will proceed in phases, with full completion expected in fall 2028. Applications for the affordable units are slated to open in roughly a year, giving interested families time to prepare documentation and explore eligibility.
For more information about the project, prospective renters can visit the Riella at Oakwood website.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
