1241 Armstrong Ave Knoxville, TN 37917

Showings Dec 4-6 and Sunday morning, Dec 7. Open House Gathering Sunday 1-5 PM. All offers due Monday, December 8.

* Professional photos scheduled and will be uploaded Tuesday evening.

Unique Knoxville Loft & Artist's Residence: Reclaimed Timber, Custom Craft, and Modern Systems

A rare opportunity in the heart of Old North Knox: a former neighborhood grocery store reimagined into a one-of-a-kind historic loft. Designed by architect Michael A. Davis (formerly of Sanders Pace Architecture), the residence preserves its original open layout while integrating reclaimed materials and fully updated systems.

The owners deconstructed a 19th-century corncrib barn in Western Kentucky and incorporated its old-growth oak and poplar throughout the home. The showpiece floating staircase—built from true 2×10 solid oak beams—is echoed in the matching oak kitchen countertops. In the full bath, a reclaimed-oak vanity pairs with classic subway tile and hex flooring.

The main living area is defined by high ceilings, a wood-burning stove, and warm reclaimed poplar cladding across much of the main-level walls and ceiling. The adjacent kitchen includes a gas range, stainless steel appliances, and a custom metal refrigerator enclosure by Petty Welding, who also fabricated the living room's metal window casings. With minimal use of drywall, many framed walls are lined in cement board, giving the interior a durable, authentic finish.

All major systems were updated in 2015, including plumbing (with a new sewer line to the street), full electrical, a dual-fuel HVAC system with exposed spiral ductwork, and a metal roof installed in 2018. The structure is plumbed for a second full bath, and the rear upper wall is already framed to accommodate additional windows—giving buyers a clear path for future customization.

Upstairs, the mezzanine level showcases the barn's original weathered metal roof as the interior ceiling, backed by two feet of modern insulation. The space includes painted plywood flooring, open stud walls, and additional reclaimed wood accents. The existing framing creates two separate sleeping areas adjacent to the primary bedroom; however, the upper level was intentionally designed to remain flexible. Buyers may finish the current configuration as a true 2-bed/2-bath layout or open the space to create a larger single suite or studio-style upper floor.

Throughout the home, selected interior surfaces include hand-painted murals, expressions, and artistic finishes by the current owner, a local Knoxville artist. These elements celebrate the property's creative history and can be preserved or repainted to suit the next owner's vision.

Set on a corner lot with a fully fenced yard and a mature old-growth maple, the property features a side patio and a prominent exterior mural by Knoxville artist Ashley Dawn Addair—an installation that conveys with the home. A vintage 1966 Road Runner camper is also included.

Disclosure:
This is a unique, open-concept property. While two separate rooms are currently used as bedrooms, the upper level likely does not meet appraisal standards for two finished bedrooms. Buyers should verify all specifications and suitability for their needs.