The City of Maryville, with a population of approximately 32,000 residents, has a rich and storied history that dates back to its incorporation in 1795. More than two centuries later, downtown Maryville continues to serve as the heart and soul of the city, reflecting its past, present, and aspirations for the future. The designated planning area for downtown encompasses roughly 210 acres and is bounded by key corridors including US-321/Lamar Alexander Parkway, Washington Street, and the northeastern city limits shared with the neighboring city of Alcoa.

In early 2023, TSW was engaged by the City of Maryville to lead the creation of a forward-looking master plan that envisions the long-term evolution of downtown. A key objective of the plan was to enhance the “Town and Gown” relationship between the city and its nearby educational institutions, recognizing the importance of collaboration and shared goals. The planning process was shaped by a robust public engagement strategy, which included community meetings, stakeholder interviews, and online feedback tools designed to gather a wide range of input from residents, business owners, and institutional partners. This inclusive approach ensured that the resulting recommendations reflect the community’s collective vision and long-term priorities for downtown.

The final master plan serves as both a celebration of Maryville’s unique identity and a practical framework for sustainable development. It lays out strategies and initiatives aimed at improving connectivity, promoting economic vitality, enhancing public spaces, and fostering partnerships with educational and civic institutions. Ultimately, the plan provides a clear and actionable roadmap for the continued growth and revitalization of downtown Maryville in a way that benefits residents, supports local businesses, and strengthens the community as a whole.

Some of the key components of the Master Plan included: