4 bid to build ex-Supreme Court site

Four builders submitted proposals to begin a major much-talked about key development project at the site of the old state Supreme Court in downtown Knoxville.

The city several months ago began the bidding process, asking builders to submit plans. The proposals were opened on Monday morning.

The city by law only has to say who bid on the project and does not have to disclose any details about developers would like to do.

At issues is the almost two-acre site at 710 Locust Ave., which the city bought for $2.47 million last year.

The site is bound by Locust Street, Cumberland Avenue, West Church Avenue and Henley Street.

It’s been mostly used for parking in recent years.

Here’s who submitted proposals: 

• Marble Alley development team of Dale Smith and Buzz Goss
• BNA out of Nashville
• Commercial and Investment Properties out of Knoxville
• Dover Development of Knoxville

The site also includes a 52,776-square foot facility – the court house and an adjoining 6-story brick building. The courthouse, which features large expanses of East Tennessee marble and glass walls, opened in 1954.

The adjoining building serves as the main state office building until the 1980s.

According to the city documents covering the bidding process, officials want a developer to buy the site and then development someone.

The documents suggest that the area “will play an important role in continuing the momentum of downtown redevelopment efforts.”

It also notes that the city seeks “the establishment of a transformational anchor to an emerging district.”

Dawn Michelle, director of redevelopment for Knoxville, said the city is looking for “something that’s going to be vibrant, something that’s going to energize our downtown even more, something that’s going to set a catalyst to generate use along Henley, something that’s going to have that great street front presence is what we’re looking for.”

The documents note that nearby the site, developers have built some 225 condos and 642 new apartment units in the past decade.

“This development should create a sense of place that is attractive to residents seeking an exciting urban lifestyle, while building on Knoxville’s unique historic fabric and growing downtown culture,” the bid documents state.

The city's purchasing department and an evaluation team of city leaders will vet the proposals and take more with the builders in the coming months before making a decision and negotiating a contract with the winner.

Officials said they hope to have a formal proposal in front of the Knoxville City Council for approval by the end of the year.

The developer who is picked is expected to begin construction within 12 months of buying the property and must complete it within three years of the start date.

Former PBA CEO Dale Smith to join Marble Alley development team

Smith

Former Public Building Authority head honcho Dale Smith has joined the private sector.

Smith, who retired earlier this year, has joined the Marble Alley team as a partner, working with company president Buzz Goss.

Smith and Goss will partner on new projects such as the second phase of Marble Alley, the Caledonia Flats at Marble Alley, and several others which are in the early planning stages.

The two intend to focus on urban mixed-use and multi-family projects, primarily in Knoxville. They also will consult with land owners and investors on a fee-development basis.

“Having known Dale for 15 years, I have grown to appreciate his professionalism and integrity; his skill sets and experience are a perfect fit," Goss said.

“I’m honored that Buzz invited me to be his partner. He set a new standard of excellence in downtown residential development with the Marble Alley Lofts project, and I look forward to working with him on similar projects,” said Smith.

Goss, is an acclaimed architect known for his restoration of historic buildings throughout the southeast. A graduate of The University of Tennessee School of Architecture, He has been a design architect and a project manager architect on such diverse projects as the historic Burwell Building in Knoxville, TN (home of the historic and world renowned Tennessee Theater), The Exchange Lofts on Church Street in downtown Nashville, TN and the Jackson Ateliers in Downtown Knoxville, TN.

Smith served as CEO of PBA from March 1, 2000 until January 1, 2016, completing over $500 million in construction projects for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Projects included the Knoxville Convention Center & World’s Fair Park redevelopment, Regal Riviera 8 Cinema, East Tennessee Historical Center Addition, Hardin Valley High School, Juvenile Justice Center, and the Knoxville Transit Center. In addition, PBA managed over 3 million square feet of government buildings as well as World’s Fair Park and Volunteer Landing.

Prior to joining PBA, Smith managed, developed and ultimately divested a 60,000-acre real estate portfolio in South Florida owned by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation from 1993 to 1999. He served as Executive Director of the Palm Beach County (FL) Economic Council from 1988 to 1993 and as Manager, Public Relations & Advertising at Pratt & Whitney’s Government and Space Propulsion Division from 1985 to 1988. Smith served eleven years on active duty and eleven years on reserve duty in the U. S. Navy, retiring in 1996 as a Captain (O-6). He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, which he attended on a Navy ROTC scholarship.

Burritt to take over PBA in January

Burritt

The Knoxville-Knox County Public Building Authority Board picked a new leader to oversee its $12 million operation on Tuesday, going in-house to choose a successor for long-time Executive Director Dale Smith.

In a unanimous vote, the board hired Jayne Burritt, the office's current director of property management, to replace Smith, who is retiring Jan. 1.

She will earn $150,000 annually and direct some 130 employees who work in property management and security throughout the local government owned-facilities.

The recommendation to appoint Burritt initially came from Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett in August, although the board makes the final decision. The PBA's budget is jointly funded by the city and county.

"Dale and I want to work together for the rest of the year, so we have a smooth transition," Burritt said. "There's a lot of things to pick up from him – he’s done a great job."

Burritt said she wanted to focus on better training the PBA's employees and adding more technology to the overall operation.

"I want to better prepare the folks to help our clients in whatever way they want us to," she said. "I see us growing – we continue to get more property that we have to manage, and provide maintenance, security and custodial services."

Burritt joined the PBA in early 2008 and helps oversee security and maintenance for about 1.5 million square feet of facilities, including parking garages, downtown parking, World’s Fair Park and the City County Building. She is over roughly 100 employees and a $12 million budget.

Prior to working for the PBA, she was vice president of corporate real estate for First Tennessee Bank and was a facilities manager with CB Richard Ellis, and has 20 years of experience in property management.

Smith, who earned $194,000 in salary, told WBIR 10News that he decided to step down for a number of reasons. Foremost, though, he planned to retire in a year or so but he also had to appoint someone to replace Jeff Galyon, the authority’s former director of project management.

Galyon, who abruptly resigned in June under a cloud of controversy, was accused of manipulating bids, and spending PBA time working to benefit the downtown Blue Slip Winery, which he co-owns.

Galyon’s attorney says his client did nothing wrong and served the PBA “both professionally and ethically.”

Smith said it made more sense for a CEO who was going to be in place for a while to be the one to appoint a replacement for Galyon.

"I don’t see the project management position going away," Burritt said. "I think that's something we need to work on. We have two divisions – project management and property management. For the project side we have to regain trust and find the right leader to make the city and county feel comfortable to use us again for big project. But I think there's opportunity there."

She also will have to fill the head of security and parking manager positions.

PBA to pick new leader in October

Burritt

Local leaders are expected to go in-house when they fill the soon-to-be vacant executive director post for the Knoxville-Knox County Public Building Authority, but that won't be until October.

The PBA board on Tuesday was initially set to vote on whether to hire Jayne Burritt, the office's current director of property management, to succeed longtime director Dale Smith, who is stepping down Jan. 1.

However, officials said they wanted to give the public the chance to weigh in, so they opted to hold off until the board's next meeting, which isn't until Oct. 1.

"We'll make the offer then," said PBA Chairman Winston Frazier.

The recommendation to appoint Burritt initially came from Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett late last month, although the board makes the final decision.

Burritt joined the PBA in early 2008 and helps oversee security and maintenance for about 1.5 million square feet of facilities, including parking garages, World’s Fair Park and the City County Building. She is over roughly 100 employees and a $12 million budget.

Officials are expected to offer Burritt $150,000 in annual salary to take over the position.

Mayors look in-house for new PBA CEO, board to vote Sept. 15 on pick

Burritt

The search for a new Knoxville-Knox County Public Building Authority executive director may already have come to an end.

Officials appear ready to appoint the authority’s current director of property management – Jayne Burritt – to the post. The move comes about a week after current and longtime CEO Dale Smith announced he is stepping down as of Jan. 1.

“In a meeting yesterday with both mayors and their staff, they suggested that the board consider Jayne Burritt to be named the PBA administrator effective January 1, 2016,” PBA board Chairman Winston Frazier wrote to board members on Friday. “For now the search committee will stand down, and I look forward to seeing you all at the next scheduled board meeting to discuss this request.”

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero recommend the CEO, but the board makes the final decision.

Burritt joined the PBA in early 2008 and helps oversee security and maintenance for about 1.5 million square feet of facilities, including parking garages, World’s Fair Park and the City County Building. She is over roughly 100 employees and a $12 million budget.

Prior to working for the PBA, she managed corporate real estate for First Tennessee Bank and was a facilities manager with CB Richard Ellis, and has 20 years of experience in property management.

“I’m extremely excited,” she told 10News. "I’m honored that they would want me to take that role. It’s key to work with our clients – the city and county – and I’ve been fortunate to be able to work alongside their efforts.”

Burritt said she wanted to continue aligning the authority’s goals with the two governments to “work along with them and support whatever they want.”

She said right now the city has put an emphasis on downtown street enforcement and the county has picked up more facilities that the PBA is managing, so she will also focus on those efforts.

She added: “Property management is a core we want to build on. My goal is to keep that up and improve it.”

The 11-member board will vote on her appointment at its next meeting Sept. 15.

Smith told 10News on Friday: "I am really pleased that Jayne has been endorsed by both mayors. She is a great leader and manager."

Smith stepping down from PBA in Jan.

Dale Smith

Dale Smith, the long-time Knoxville-Knox County Public Building Authority executive director, is stepping down at the beginning of next year.

His last day will be Jan. 1.

Smith told WBIR 10News on Thursday he's stepping down for a number of reasons.

"It's a personal decision because at this point in my life I've been running the building for 15.5 years, and that's a long time," Smith, 61, said. "I also think it's better for the PBA to let my successor choose who runs property development. It's certainly important that the CEO and that person are on the same page."

Jeff Galyon, the authority’s former director of property development, resigned in June under a cloud of controversy.

Smith, who joined the PBA in March 2000, earned $194,000 in salary and oversaw almost 130 employees and a $12 million budget. The budget mostly covered property management, like maintenance and security throughout the local government-owned facilities. The budget is jointly funded by the city and county.

The PBA’s 11-member board of directors is expected to begin a nationwide search to fill the position in the coming months. Smith also is expected to help with the search.

The Porch wishes Dale well on his future endeavors, although I suspect he will be fine.

Rest of story HERE.

School system reaches out to leaders

Ah, now we're talking. Soon after posting this bad boy, Knox County School Board Chairwoman Karen Carson let me know that on Friday the school system reached out to Knox County Mayor Burchett, Commission Chairman Norman, PBA head honcho Dale Smith, schools Superintendent Jim McIntyre, Sheriff Jimmy "the Man with the Badge" Jones, county Law Director Bud Armstrong and Chief David Rausch to set a meeting.

The note:

Feb 22
Dear Sirs,
School Board Chair Karen Carson requests that you meet with her on Monday, February 25th at 9:30 am in the board conference room regarding school security. If you have questions please feel free to call Karen Carson. Please let me know if you will be able to attend.
Thank you,
Kay 

Here's hoping that everyone shows up.

We need a cage fight, not a PBA audit

At some point, the county commission should just throw PBA top dog Dale Smith and local developer Sandy Loy into a steel cage and let the two go at it.

I'll get to what I'm talking about in a minute.

Earlier this week, I covered the county audit committee, but the big story that came out of it was the release of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center investigation. You can find that right smack here.

Anyhoo, I didn't get around to writing or talking about the Public Building Authority audit. Or proposed one. Or lack thereof. Or whatever.

The commission in July authorized the audit committee to authorize an audit of the PBA and the financial aspects that led to the construction of the $50 million Hardin Valley Academy. (That's a lot of authorizing.)

Sooooo, on Tuesday, the audit people talked briefly about it. The problem that chairman Joe Carcello brought up, however, is that the commission wants the internal auditor to go back six years. That's a ton of work. And a ton of dead trees to go through. I'm pretty sure the commission had no idea what six years entails. A lot of work. And work done by the county's small internal auditing department. But, again – whatever.

I'm rambling here, I know.

But Carcello knows this, too.

“The Hardin Valley one is at least more limited in scope,” he said. “The PBA? This is ambitious.”

In the end, the committee asked auditor Richard Walls to examine the Hardin Valley issue.

Carcell said “if it comes though squeaky clean then I don't know if it's the best use to use the limited resources we have to do a six year audit of the PBA. If it comes back clean, we can say: 'Do you really need an audit of the PBA?'”

Walls said by mid-November, the next time the committee meets, he should almost be done with the investigation.

In the meantime, Carcello also, albeit very, very briefly, talked about the deal between Loy and Smith.

You see, these two do not like each other. For years, Loy has beat Smith over the head in news columns about some supposed mischief that went on in the construction, bidding, building, whatever process of Hardin Valley school.

It culminated awhile back when Smith talked about the issue in front of commissioners and then Loy threatened to sue him for slander.

You can read that bad boy right smack here.

On Tuesday, Carcello asked rhetorically whether the two have ever been in the same room together to hash out the allegations. He talked about how one says one thing; then the following week, the other answers. Or how their attorneys will do the talking.

I say: Screw that!

Either get them in a public forum to debate.

Or get them in the cage.