Recently, the Knoxville City Council approved the redevelopment of the former South High campus. Richard Dover of Knoxville was the only developer to bid on the property, which has an expected renovation cost of nearly $9 million. Now Dover opens up about why he is willing to take such a risk on a structure that some believe should be leveled.
Q: What plans does Dover Development have for the South High building?
Richard Dover, Knoxville: We are in the early stages of prepping the land and building for use as a senior living complex. This is a project similar to the Oakwood Senior Living Center in North Knoxville. When complete, the building will house 60 individual living units and bring 30 permanent jobs to the area.
Q: How much will this project cost, who is paying for it, and when will it be complete?
Richard Dover, Knoxville: Dover Development will fund the project, which is expected to cost roughly $8.8 million. We bought the land and existing structure from the county for $1,000. Currently, we are projecting a late 2018 completion date.
Q: Why is it so important to revitalize these old buildings as opposed to tearing them down and starting over?
Richard Dover, Knoxville: Buildings like this? They have character that we just can’t recreate these days. They are the canvas upon which this city’s memories are painted and serve as a permanent reminder of all that the people of Knoxvile share regarding our community. When the building opened in 1937 as South Knoxville Junior High, it became a part of Knox County’s heritage. Many of the people who went to school here still live nearby and want to see it saved.
Q: In your opinion, can most of the original structure be salvaged?
Richard Dover, Knoxville: The bones can be saved, that we know for sure. A lot of the building is falling down. It’s not pretty right now, but once we get in there and strip away the decay, it won’t take long to see its original glory shining through.
