A slice of life for everyone
Kern’s Bakery connects the past with the present, inspiring interaction and engagement between all patrons. Situated on Chapman Highway in the New South Waterfront District, minutes from downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee, this 16-acre innovative mixed-use community is an extension of downtown and the future of South Knoxville’s growth.
The transformation of the iconic 75,000-square foot historic bakery building into a mixed-use community—including apartment homes, a food hall, market and entertainment areas—create a vibrant destination unmatched in Knoxville.
Phase 1
Flagship Kerns, a 310-bedroom apartment community now open.
Phase 2
Renovation of the 1931 bakery building into:
- 20-merchant food hall with chef-driven eateries and unique retailers
- Approximately 2,000 sf of office space
- Full-service restaurants
- Gathering + working spaces throughout
- Indoor entertainment stage
- Outdoor gathering + entertainment areas
- Workout facility
Security-minded, state-of-the-art technology keeps everyone connected at work or at play. Modern conveniences that enhance the overall worry-free experience include:
- Close proximity to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
- Direct access to the proposed three-mile trail along the G&O Railway tracks
- Free high-speed internet
- Free onsite parking
- Nearby municipal deck connected via planned pedestrian bridge offers free parking nights & weekends
- Ride-share + valet parking
Phase 3
Plans for Phase III are being evaluated.
Design
The historic building’s unique architectural elements speak for themselves while the blending of old with new enhances design authenticity. Melding the polished with the tarnished creates a look both timeless and organic.
This warehouse casual space tells a story and evokes feelings of sophisticated comfort. Mixed materials, exposed wood trusses, purposeful green space and intentional landscaping complement the natural wilderness backdrop. Free-standing and integrated art by local artisans generates vibrant energy, piquing interest throughout the community.
Thrive
We are committed to be a leader in stewardship – stewardship of place, people, resources and the environment. Kern’s Bakery strives to form partnerships with local businesses and organizations, merchants, civic leaders and neighbors to impact our community for good. We want individual human wellness at Kern’s Bakery to expand to collective community improvement.
Our goal is to implement initiatives and host programs that invite people to find knowledge and equip themselves with know-how. The resulting halo effect will stimulate wellness and sustainability throughout South Knoxville and beyond. We lead by example and will share our learned experiences with other communities and the real estate industry to positively impact society.
We have formed a stewardship council of experts who will address needs, brainstorm ideas, recommend solutions and connect resources in this continuously evolving initiative.
Our council members represent a mix of civic, nonprofit and private-industry experts in a variety of community improvement, wellness and sustainability disciplines including:
Strategic Partners
We are honored to partner with industry-leading product and service providers to bring the very best to Kern’s Bakery.
Learn more about Thrive, our stewardship initiative.
We welcome input from our partners and neighbors.
Complete the form below to share your wellness, eco-friendly and sustainability ideas with us that will positively impact Kern’s Bakery and the surrounding Knoxville community.
Team
Master developer FSRE IV is leading the historic Kern’s Bakery building’s transformation into a modern South Knoxville mixed-use community. Principals Brantley Basinger and Alex Dominguez, with four other business leaders, wield decades of collaborative commercial real estate experience.
Ed Lee, Principal, Creative Culinary Ventures, LLC, is leading the revolution of the food hall.
Local resident, Tim Martin, TMA Real Estate Brokerage & Consulting, is curating the ideal tenant mix for the food hall.
Jimmy Ryan, NCARB, architectural designer, Johnson Architecture, is the lead designer on the bakery building transformation.