Knoxville, Tenn. – The future of the city’s former public safety complex remains uncertain after plans for a new $150 million science museum were officially abandoned last week. Located near downtown, the complex, which previously housed the Knoxville Police Department, is now vacant.
The science museum project, first announced in 2018 by former Mayor Madeline Rogero, had been a long-anticipated development for the city. Initially planned to be funded in part by Jim Clayton, the founder of Clayton Homes, the museum was slated to be a major addition to Knoxville’s cultural landscape. However, following a shift in Clayton’s support for the project, plans for the museum were moved to the city’s old public safety complex in 2024. Just days ago, those plans were officially canceled, leaving the building without a definitive future use.
Mayor Indya Kincannon addressed the situation Thursday, confirming that the city has no concrete plans for the space at this time. “In recent years, Mr. Clayton has had a change of heart about the project,” Kincannon explained. “He has told us very clearly that the plans with the former public safety headquarters are not going to happen.”
Despite this setback, the mayor remained optimistic about the land’s potential. Kincannon noted that Clayton has a history of supporting charitable causes and suggested that the philanthropist might still play a role in the creation of a science museum elsewhere in Knoxville. In an email statement, Clayton himself indicated that a science museum remains a possibility for the future, though not in the current location. “This matter can be resolved amicably, and a great science museum is in our future,” he wrote.
Kincannon reiterated that the city has yet to determine what the land will be used for but emphasized the importance of community input in the decision-making process. “Things go much better when you get the ideas and input from a widespread group of people and stakeholders,” she said. The mayor also acknowledged the land’s sensitive historical context, referencing its acquisition through urban renewal projects that displaced many Black Knoxville residents in the mid-20th century. “It’s especially important that we think carefully about how to use that land going forward,” Kincannon said. “A science museum was one good option, but it’s not the only option.”
The city now faces the task of reobtaining the land legally before beginning the process of determining its future. Kincannon stressed that any new plans will involve collaboration with the community and city council members.
“Mr. Clayton’s been very cooperative throughout all of this,” Kincannon stated, adding that the city will work with him and other partners to explore alternative locations for the museum. “We hope that the science museum can find some other partners and locations.”
As Knoxville moves forward, the focus will be on finding a new, meaningful use for the valuable land, while ensuring that the community’s voices are heard in shaping its future.
