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Knoxville Mid-Century Modern Buildings

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Sunsphere
Knoxville, TN
The Sunsphere was constructed in 1982 which is too late to be considered mid-century but I'll include it here anyway. The sphere is 74 feet in diameter and mounted on a 266-foot-tall tower. It was created for the 1982 World's Fair. The sphere (aka, the "golden orb") was used as a revolving restaurant and observation deck. The restaurant is gone but the observation deck is still open. The floors inside the sphere are numbered 4-8. The 4th floor is used for the observation deck. The floors above it are used for offices and private events. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Fountain Lanes Strike & Spare
Knoxville, TN
The Fountain Lanes Strike & Spare was built in 1961 as the Fountain Lanes. [map]

Fountain City Art Center
Knoxville, TN
The Fountain City Art Center was designed by Barber McMurry and built in 1964 as the Fountain City Library. It became the Art Center in the early 2000s. [map]

former Rich's Department Store
Knoxville, TN
The former Rich's Department Store was designed by Stevens & Wilkinson, with support from Barber McMurry. It opened in 1955. In 1961, it began housing a Miller's Department Store. In the 1980s, it housed a Hess's Department Store until closing in 1991. In 1992, it began housing University of Tennessee Conference Center. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Lawson McGee Library
Knoxville, TN
The Lawson McGee Library was designed by Bruce McCarty and opened in 1971. [map]

former Hyatt Regency Hotel
Knoxville, TN
The former Hyatt Regency Hotel was designed by David B. Liberman with Barber & McMurry and built in 1972. In 2002, it became a Marriott. From 2017-2020, it housed the Hotel Knoxville. It is now being adapted as the Vision at Knoxville apartments. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Civic Auditorium and Coliseum
Knoxville, TN
The Civic Auditorium and Coliseum was designed by Painter, Weeks, & McCarty and completed in 1961. It was originally known as the James White Memorial Auditorium-Coliseum. [map]

NOTE: There are many more Knoxville mid-century modern buildings in other sections (Banks, Churches, Offices, etc.) at the links below.