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UT plans to convert former Walmart into University Commons recreation center; $9.2M estimate
Summary
The University of Tennessee told the State Building Commission it plans to acquire a former 120,000 sq. ft. Walmart through the UT Foundation and renovate it into a University Commons recreation and fitness facility in Knoxville; estimated project cost $9.2 million with $1.75 million currently identified.
The State Building Commission approved the University of Tennessee’s request to proceed with the University Commons renovation in Knoxville, a project to convert a former roughly 120,000‑square‑foot Walmart into student recreation and fitness space.
"This facility, formerly a 120,000 square foot Walmart, will be acquired by the UT Foundation, and UT will lease the space from the foundation," President Randy Boyd told commissioners when presenting the item. Boyd said the university will seek commission approval for the transaction in coming months and requested approval to proceed with the designer selection process now.
Boyd described an estimated project cost of $9,200,000 with current funding of $1,750,000 identified in the materials. A motion to approve proceeding with the project and designer selection was moved and seconded; with no discussion the commission approved the request by voice vote.
The commission record in the transcript does not include a roll‑call tally; the approval was taken by voice. President Boyd thanked the commission after the vote.
