Fidelity Building

The Fidelity Building is a Renaissance Revival office structure in Knoxville with gray marble walls, square Corinthian columns, and an ashlar facade that catches the eye with its craftsmanship. An eagle-and-garland frieze marks the recessed entrance, and the building currently serves as a wholesale food distribution center.

The structure was built in 1871 for a commercial company and later underwent major changes in the 1920s that transformed its appearance. Despite these renovations, the original design elements remain visible in certain parts of the building.

The building shows how Knoxville grew as a trading hub during the late 1800s and what that meant for the city's development. Its appearance and current use reflect the period when the city became an important center for wholesale business.

The building sits in downtown Knoxville on a main commercial street and is easy to spot from the outside. Since it currently operates as a private business facility, the interior is not generally open to visitors, but the architectural details are clearly visible from the street.

The rear section of this structure preserves its original design from the founding period, while the front was completely redesigned decades later. This contrast between two different eras within one building creates an unusual layered history.

Location: Tennessee

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 35.96528,-83.91806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02