Knoxville plans to buy former state Supreme Court building

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The former state Supreme Court building in Knoxville could be redeveloped by the city.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/1CtJ2Nl) city officials are planning to purchase the 1950s art deco courthouse before the state’s offer to sell expires in August.

Bob Whetsel is the city’s director of redevelopment. He said a panel of urban planning experts has recommended turning the courthouse into a mixed-use building with street-level retail, residences on the top floor and a cultural or performing arts component. However, the city has not committed to a specific plan yet.

The state has appraised the long-vacant building at $2.4 million.