(Ed. Note: Article by Guest Writer Heather Ryerson, Photographs by Alan Sims)
It took 2 ½ years, but Dover Signature Properties has renovated and opened their latest development project in downtown Knoxville, The Tribute. Located in the 1950’s era, former TN Supreme Court Building and State Office site at 625 Cumberland Ave., The Tribute is now a mid-century modern living space that offers flexible-term rentals and a rooftop lounge with some of the most stunning views of Knoxville.
Empty for a number of years, the former government building was in need of much attention and countless hours of work. From battling the pandemic and cost of services and materials, to removing asbestos, developer Rick Dover and his team had an uphill battle. The final product was worth every step.
Working with Faris Eid of Design Innovation Architects, Dover preserved as many of the original materials and touches as possible. The exterior is an art-deco marble and that continues into the main entrance. A period-piece safe that was in the former TN State Election Commission office was brought to the lobby to greet you as you walk in and as you look upward, you see the green and bronze, original light fixtures that have been fully restored to their former glory.
The building has 63 spacious living units, all 1BD, 1BA, with 14 different floor plans throughout, including gourmet kitchens and a washer/dryer unit. They offer a list of other amenities to their residents such as optional housekeeping, mail service, and parking. They lease their parking spaces from the nearby Hilton hotel so as not to add any strain on downtown parking in the area. They also offer both furnished and unfurnished spaces and are pet friendly. If working out is your thing, they have a partnership with the YMCA a block away to allow their residents to take advantage of exercise facilities.
Their access and communication is all online. From entering the building to applying for a lease to requesting services during your stay, everything is online and easily accessible from your mobile device. Dover says the building was “built like an apartment but runs like a hotel.” Dover Signature Properties manages the building and has an office on the 7th floor themselves. They are enjoying the fully online system as are the residents.
The crowing glory of the development just might be the rooftop lounge. I want to move in for this alone! At almost 6,000sq feet, this indoor and outdoor communal space that is exclusively for the residents is stunning with its continued mid-century, modern design and views of Neyland Stadium, The Sunsphere, and Church Street United Methodist Church.
Vice President and Director of Interior Design, Laurie Dover, worked with Susan Ballard of SK Ballard Contract Interiors to create a gorgeous, functional, and durable space for all to enjoy. You might recognize another of Ballard’s collaborations with the Dover’s at the Five Thirty Lounge, one of my personal favorites downtown.
In addition to the inviting lounge, the High Court offers several work spaces (called “chambers”) with desks, sliding glass doors and natural light, and smart tv’s that allow for zoom meetings for those who need to work from “home” but want to get out of their living space. There is also a kitchenette with gorgeous black quart countertops, a large dining table, several spaces to sit alone or with a group and a cozy living space with couches and multiple TV’s for entertainment. The outdoor space is equipped with tables and drink ledges with both shaded and sunny areas.
The Tribute describes the High Court as “a productive and collaborative coworking space by day, turned cool and relaxing rooftop lounge by night.”
There is only one downside to this space, though Dover would likely disagree. It is completely booked at this point. From doctors doing their residency, to graduate students, to those getting their footing in Knoxville for the first time, the units were leased immediately after opening. But as these are flexible-term rentals, keep your eyes peeled for future openings as the short-term leases exit the building.
Dover’s mission is to “restore or renovate neglected properties, including ambitious historical projects, with environmental stewardship as our top priority.” They have done this with excellence and beauty at The Tribute.