For months I had watched as the Southeastern Glass Building was being renovated at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Broadway. As with many buildings in downtown Knoxville, this one had been vacant for a time and cried out for someone to adopt and mold it into something wonderful. I wondered if the hand that had undertaken this endeavor was of a mind to preserve the past, as well as, improve it for safety and function. On First Friday, I got to see firsthand the result and I can tell you that Joe Petre was the right man for the job.
He has taken this building where Model T’s used to drive in, get there glass changed, and drive out, and turned it into beautiful, unique residential and commercial units. At first, it may appear to be off the beaten path, if you think of Gay Street as the beaten path, but it is soon apparent that the views bring a romantic edge that is lacking in some other locations, and is within walking distance of everything, including the incomparable Regas Restaurant.
As a special treat, right now there is a special exhibit of the art of Eric Nord, who is world renowned in his own right. Eric paints and sculpts with an obvious flair. From his pieces you get a sense of his visions which satisfy his need for artistic expression but allow the admirer to interpret each piece and be inspired. Eric has had showings in London, New York, Miami, and many other places. He has studied his craft all over the world and is a true asset and even a blessing to Knoxville.
I strongly urge you to take advantage of both of these opportunities. They are both on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/SoutheasternGlass
A 1920s landmark in downtown Knoxville redeveloped into 15 residential and 4 commercial condos, blending historic and contemporary elements. Selling fast. Joe Petre, Owner/Agent, 865-599-1696 / 865-599-1696
www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=228630&id=206089658589
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