Council approves PD zoning for 406 Willow Avenue for three‑story restaurant

The council on Jan. 6 voted to amend the zoning map to add a planned development (PD) designation for property at 406 Willow Avenue, an action that city planning staff described as the final plan for a parcel associated with the 2021 multi‑use stadium and mixed‑use development approvals.

Amy Brooks, with Knoxville County Planning, told council the submission is a second phase and the parcel’s final plan conforms with exceptions approved previously. Brooks summarized the proposal as a three‑story, roughly 20,000‑square‑foot eating and drinking establishment. Applicant Brad Salisbury said the tenant will be a Jonathan’s Grill, described by the applicant as a restaurant and sports‑bar family dining concept.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about parking and location; the applicant said some parking would be on site with the remainder using public parking. The ordinance passed on a voice vote.