Metro Pulse

Shot of Urban by Michael Haynes: I hear that one a lot. There are quite a few topics, among folks who live or spend a significant amount of time downtown, that come up over and over again. Many of them recounting near-death pedestrian experiences, and the widespread disregard by drivers for people on foot around here. Full story »

Urban Renewal by Matt Edens: In redevelopment parlance, “infill” typically refers to new buildings built on vacant lots amid older ones. Generally occurring at a late stage in a neighborhood’s revitalization, it’s a good sign that the area has matured and stabilized. “Infill,” in that regard, is also an indication that the neighborhood is running low on fixer-uppers. To see some examples, trek out to Fourth and Gill and look at the new homes at the corner of Gratz and Lovenia, along Grainger Avenue in Old North Knoxville, or Deaderick Avenue in Mechanicsville. More importantly, these are all privately developed homes, sold on the open market to buyers who could have easily afforded to live elsewhere—another sure sign that the neighborhoods they’re in have returned to middle-class roots Full story »

Much to the chagrin of 12-year-old boys and prematurely indignant moral guardians everywhere, Swingtown really isn’t all that steamy. In fact, it’s as boring a take on drug-drenched orgies in ’70s suburban America as one could avoid imagining. Full story »