Council approves PD zoning for 406 Willow Ave; applicant proposes three-story Jonathan’s Grill

Council considered item 13w, an ordinance to amend the zoning map to add a PD designation for property at 406 Willow Avenue. Amy Brooks of Knoxville County Planning told council this application is a final plan associated with the 2021 multiuse stadium and mixed-use development approval and represents a second phase of that development.

Amy Brooks said the proposed building is a three-story, approximately 20,000-square-foot eatery and drinking establishment that the planning commission has found consistent with the 2021 approval. Brad Salisbury, the applicant, described the project as a Jonathan’s Grill — a sports bar and family dining restaurant — located behind the Shell station on Willow with on-site parking and access to public parking in the area.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about parking and location; one member characterized the site as underutilized and supportive of redevelopment. A motion to approve the PD zoning amendment was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

The ordinance amends the city zoning map to add the PD designation for the parcel at 406 Willow Avenue and authorizes the mayor to execute related documents as required for implementation.