★ Downtown Knoxville’s Most Distinctive Property ★ Soaring 30-foot sky lights
Welcome to the crown jewel of the historic Emporium Building (circa 1898) — the only residential penthouse loft that sits directly beneath the century-old “Emporium” sign. The Penthouse has been fully renovated and meticulously restored to blend timeless Beaux-Arts grandeur with modern luxury. This is not just a stay; it’s a chance to live inside one of Knoxville’s historic landmarks.
The space
Soaring 30-foot ceilings, grand restored arched windows, exposed original brick walls, massive exposed beams, and redwood hardwood floors greet you the moment you step off the private elevator. Natural light pours into the unit, offering sweeping views of Gay Street, and the Arts District.
Living & Dining
• Open-concept great room with 125-year-old brick walls and dramatic iron-trussed ceilings
• Custom 8-foot quartzite island and dining for 10
• 85” smart TV with Sonos surround system
• Dedicated workspace with fiber Wi-Fi (1 Gbps) and skyline views
• Custom decor with French period antiques
Primary Suite
• King bed and period antiques
• Walk-in closet with hanging and additional storage
• Nespresso machine in walk-closet for morning espressos
Second Bedroom
• 2 Queen beds (sleeps 4 comfortably)
• Adjacent full bathroom
Kitchen
• Fully equipped chef’s kitchen: French-door fridge, Keurig, blender, everything you need and expect from a fully stocked kitchen
• Stocked with coffee pods and basic cooking essentials
The Location
Steps to everything downtown Knoxville has to offer:
• Steps from art galleries, shopping, restaurants and coffee shops in the Arts District / Old City
• 3 minute walk to Market Square farmers’ market & restaurants
• 3-5 minutes to Tennessee Theatre & Bijou Theatre
• 0.3 mi to Krutch Park and Gay Street’s bars, breweries (Schulz Bräu, Pretentious Beer Co), and coffee shops
• Healthy walk or short drive to UT Campus
• Adjacent to Old City nightlife
• 15-minute drive to Ijams Nature Center & Urban Wilderness
• Less than 30 minutes and you can be in the Smoky Mountains
• 15-20 minute drive to Knoxville Airport (TYS
Unique Features
• You literally stay under the Emporium sign — historic landmark
• Original 1898 architectural details throughout: restored arched windows, exposed wooden beams
• Magical Sunset Views
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Secure parking in adjacent parking lot included with reservation (please provide license plate)
Perfect for:
• Couples seeking a romantic, one-of-a-kind stay
• Families or friend groups
• For larger groups look into our sister property directly next door
• Remote workers needing fast Wi-Fi and inspiring views
• UT game weekends, Big Ears Festival, baseball games, or anyone wanting to experience downtown Knoxville like a local
Step back in time without sacrificing a single modern comfort. This is the Emporium Penthouse — the only place in Knoxville where you fall asleep under a piece of living history.