KCDC’s First Creek at Austin earns Keep Knoxville Beautiful award
Submitted by Scott Bird
Published February 21, 2023; 12:18 p.m.

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s First Creek at Austin Phase 1 earned a 2023 Orchids Award in the category of new architecture from Keep Knoxville Beautiful. First Creek at Austin, which will be built in three phases, is Knoxville’s first mixed-income community and offers affordable and workforce housing.

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s (KCDC) First Creek at Austin Phase 1 has been selected a winner of the 2023 Orchids Awards, given annually by Keep Knoxville Beautiful.

First Creek at Austin Phase 1, which earned the award in the category of new architecture, is part of Knoxville’s first mixed-income community and offers affordable and workforce housing. The 105-unit community – the first of three phases – offers contemporary one- to four-bedroom units, modern amenities and close proximity to the Old City and downtown Knoxville for connectivity and a sense of community.

“The Orchid Awards represent excellence and beauty that enhances the community, and we appreciate being recognized by Keep Knoxville Beautiful,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “First Creek at Austin is a transformational community for Knoxville with a broad range of residential housing types and shared open spaces that encourage an inclusive and engaged neighborhood.”

The new architecture category recognizes developments demonstrating excellence in overall design, aesthetics, form and proportion; appropriate use of materials; and the magnitude of visual impact on the area.

Johnson Architecture was the architect of record for First Creek at Austin Phase 1, and J.A. Fielden served as the construction contractor. KCDC’s owner’s representative on the project was Partners Development, and Pinnacle Financial Partners served as equity partner and mortgage lender.

Keep Knoxville Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, promotes litter eradication, recycling and beautification efforts in Knox County communities using education, events and volunteer engagement. The organization has hosted the Orchids Awards since 1979 to recognize the architects, contractors, organizations, businesses and artists that have strived to improve the beauty of Knox County.

Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville and Knox County. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit www.kcdc.org.