The ETCDC was asked by Knoxville’s Community Development Department to develop and facilitate a process that would fulfill the Knox County Board Of Education request to study the possible uses for Oakwood Elementary School. 

The ETCDC developed a public involvement process, assembled a stakeholder steering committee and a team of volunteer professional advisors to assist the Center. The process consisted of documenting the existing building conditions, creating a historical timeline, and organizing and facilitating a public input meeting.

The volunteer professional advisers concurred with the public’s vision that housing, particularly for the elderly, was feasible and desirable. The volunteer professional advisers further recommended research be done and pricing obtained for environmental abatement, roof stabilization, and closing of the windows, and then compare those costs with the demolition of the structure.

Through this process, Oakwood Elementary School was ultimately saved from demolition. The school has been renovated by Dover Development to become the Oakwood Senior Living Center and is once again a tremendous asset to the community.