Construction begins on Yardley Flats apartment community at multi-use stadium in Knoxville
Published July 19, 2023; 4:37 p.m.

Construction begins on Yardley Flats; GEM Community Development Group

KNOXVILLE - Construction has started on a $70 million, 233-unit apartment community that will be located directly behind the new multi-use stadium in East Knoxville with direct views of the field.

Building One is projected to be ready in time for the 2025 baseball season with the first pitch in April, and Building Two will become available a few months later in the summer of 2025. Leasing will begin in late 2024.

“Yardley Flats represents a critical intersection of history and modernity,” said Joseph A. Fielden Jr., developer and president of Third Base Residential. “We see this project as an embodiment of our community’s collective growth and development, both as an homage to a remarkable figure from our past and as a commitment to Knoxville’s vibrant future.”

Yardley Flats pool rendering; GEM Community Development Group

The apartment community is named in honor of William Francis Yardley, a civil rights leader, politician and Knoxville’s first Black attorney. The residential complex promises considerable economic benefits and much-needed housing close to downtown and the Old City, an area experiencing a significant rise in demand.

“The construction of Yardley Flats is a testament to the importance of public and private sector collaboration in fostering community development,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “This project creates new jobs, will stimulate economic activity and adds more housing options here in Knoxville. It’s a big win for the city.”

The project marks a milestone in Knoxville’s continued urban development of a once-neglected area, paving the way for further growth and expansion while reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.

“The development of Yardley Flats not only bolsters our housing options, but also serves as a robust economic stimulus,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “This project will undoubtedly contribute to the local economy and help breathe new life into surrounding neighborhoods.”

Knoxville City Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie, who represents the 6th District, added, “This development is not just about housing units; it’s about preserving our history, honoring our roots and building a community that reflects our city’s diverse and rich cultural past. Yardley Flats will be a prominent feature in Knoxville’s thriving residential landscape.”

Residents will enjoy top-tier amenities, including courtyards with stadium views, state-of-the-art fitness center, washer and dryer in every unit, pet spa, co-working spaces and more.

For more information, visit YardleyFlats.com or email Leasing@YardleyFlats.com.


About Third Base Residential
Third Base Residential, a newly formed local company based in Knoxville, is a partnership between local developer Joe Fielden Jr., Joe Fielden Sr. and members of GEM Community Development Group. Through related companies Neyland Associates and JA Fielden Co. Inc., the Fieldens develop, construct and operate high-end apartment communities throughout greater Knoxville and the southeast United States. The company prides itself on creating thoughtfully designed communities that residents are happy to call home.

About GEM Community Development Group
GEM Community Development Group, the private development partner to Boyd Sports, seeks to bring more than $200 million in private investment to complement the new multi-use Knoxville stadium, including residential, hotel, restaurant, retail and commercial projects.