Emory Place Historic District

Emory Place Historic District is a neighborhood in northern downtown Knoxville comprising commercial buildings, churches, and residential structures across approximately 10 acres. The area extends between Broadway and King streets, incorporating North Central, Emory, Fifth, and East Fourth avenues.

The district emerged in the 1890s around a train station and transformed from an industrial center into a residential area following the arrival of the electric trolley in 1905. These transportation shifts led to architectural changes that shaped the neighborhood's appearance over several decades.

The neighborhood showcases notable buildings like the Beaux-Arts Knoxville High School from 1910 and First Christian Church with Neoclassical marble details from 1913. These structures reflect how the community expressed its importance during the early 20th century growth period.

The district is easy to explore on foot by walking through the streets between Broadway and King Street, where the main buildings are distributed. The flat topography and orderly block layout make it simple to discover the various corners and architectural details throughout the area.

The original Dummy Line railroad that served the district in its early days was one of the first mechanized rail lines in the region. This early transportation pioneer was crucial in helping the area develop into an important center in the first place.