For 2007 - 2008 a number of activities and projects are underway in Downtown Johnson City that directly impact the renovation and revitalization of the historic business district. The State of Tennessee designated Johnson City a Main Street community in 2005 and following the national Main Street principles will be critical to accomplish dramatic visual and qualitative changes. The Tipton Street project is a phased private development that includes a mixture of residential and retail activities and can be a catalyst for additional reinvestment activities.
Additional unique projects such as the redevelopment of the historic General Mills property could hold great promise for rebuilding key blocks of Downtown Johnson City and its surrounding landmark railroad properties. Proximity to Interstate 26 creates favorable access for business or residential development and as an attraction for through travelers. Interstate 26 is one of the most scenic corridors along the U.S. interstate highway system connecting Johnson City with Asheville, North Carolina, and the South Carolina cities of Greenville-Spartanburg, Columbia, and Charleston.
Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee is one unique creation. It has the appearance and many characteristics of a western frontier town. The initial boom era for Johnson City occurred from 1890 to 1910 with the town's growth spurt being driven by railroad and mining investments similar to many towns west of the Mississippi River. However, unlike most cities in which the railroads were on the edges of the city, Johnson City grew up amidst three major railroad lines with the downtown blocks basically being wedged in among railway rights-of-way. This unique development pattern while creating obstacles for redevelopment in the past, has an attractive charm in the 21st Century era of urban lifestyles based upon unique historic settings and the reuse of industrial properties (such as General Mills) for residential and mixed use conversions. Johnson City has numerous postcard setting properties (such as the "London's Block") that are "one of a kind" originals that are prime candidates for redevelopment.
Being located in the center of a city with a population of 60,000 and a metropolitan area of 500,000 solidifies both the property value investment potential and "trade area" of Johnson's Depot for retail, commercial or other small business enterprises. With the characteristics and feel of a quaint 19th Century railroad town, a quality of lifestyle exists in Johnson City basically void of traffic congestion and the "rat race" atmosphere typical of America's larger gridlocked metro areas. The ability to join with other imaginative folks in the shaping and creation of a 21st Century urban community inspired by the railway heritage of Johnson's Depot will be as invigorating for new participants as it was a century ago when the Lady of the Fountain stood proudly to welcome the arrival of each passenger train to Johnson City.
For retirees, the cost of living is favorable and the mountain climate cannot be matched with its four distinct seasons and lack of either extreme cold or heat variations. Located less than one hour from Biltmore/Asheville and the ski resorts of North Carolina's High Country, and only 5 hours from Charleston's beautiful Atlantic Coast, the medical/university community of Johnson City, Tennessee is worth visiting and examining for residential or business relocations.
The pace is picking up around the railroad town and funding has been allocated for new streetscapes, landscaping amenities, and improved signage for Downtown Johnson City.
Mayor Henry Johnson will be issuing "mail call" pretty soon at his Depot so we had best move along down the street and see if we have any letters from our folks all the way up in Virginia.
Go ahead and look around the internet version
of Johnson's Depot and check back to this website for
updates and happenings around town.
The Blue Plum Festival Before becoming known as Johnson's Depot,
the area that became Johnson City was known as "Blue
Plum." Henry Johnson appears to have maneuvered to have the
Blue
Plum Post Office closed and moved to his Depot in 1859. Miraculously
140 years later "Blue Plum" has reappeared in the form
of a community festival located in Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee.
Animations for children were shown in the Hands
On! Regional Museum on East Main Street, and other animations
were shown at the Nelson
Fine Art Center, also located on East Main Street. |
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ATTENTION: The "Rebuilding the Railroad Town" CD is available from the Johnson City Development Authority. This automated PowerPoint show features photos, maps, music, and other media to tell the story of Johnson City's history and key events. Johnson City
Development Authority
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