City: Jim Clayton withdraws donation for Knoxville science museum
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The $150 million donation and commitment for a new, privately-funded science museum at the location of the Knoxville Police Department's previous headquarters has been withdrawn by Clayton Homes founder Jim Clayton, the City of Knoxville released Friday morning.
A city spokesperson shared with 6 News that the City of Knoxville had recently been informed that Clayton was withdrawing the donation and commitment to build the science and discovery museum at the former Safety Building property on Hill Avenue.
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'After 6 years of meetings about this project, I am disappointed in Mr. Clayton's decision,' said Mayor Indya Kincannon. 'At the same time, I am excited about the opportunity to work with Councilwoman McKenzie and the community to reimagine development on this prime piece of property in our city.'
The museum had been expected to be a state-of-the-art museum that would become a tourist attraction, with exhibits specializing in weather, robotics, jewelry and aviation.
Previously, Clayton Homes' charitable organization, the Clayton Family Foundation, had been expected to fund the $100 million project and to provide a $50 million museum endowment. Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero announced the new museum and that the property where the Safety Building was located would be conveyed to the Clayton Foundation after it was vacated, in her April 2018 State of the City address.
The spokesperson said Clayton informed the City that he will convey the land back to the City once the demolition and site grading work is complete.
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After the property is returned, Knoxville's Urban Development team will be working with 6th District Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie and the community to develop future ideas for the site, which will compliment the ongoing investments at First Creek at Austin, Burlington, the Magnolia Corridor, the new Covenant Health Park, the Reconnecting Communities Grant projects, and more.
In September 2018, the Knoxville City Council unanimously approved a purchasing agreement for the former Safety Building. The new museum was initially expected to open in in 2020, however, the new Public Safety Complex, which is what now houses the Knoxville Police Department as well as the Knoxville Fire Department, City Court operations and more, did not have a grand opening until October of 2023.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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