Historic Greenlee’s Bike Shop Sold to New Knoxville Owner

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new chapter is beginning for a historic property on North Broadway in the Old North Knoxville district. The former Greenlee’s Bike Shop building has found a new owner, sparking excitement about its potential future uses. This site holds over a century of history and is now poised for transformation.

The property includes several notable structures: the original storefront where Greenlee’s Bike Shop once operated, a 1902 mansion, a carriage house, and additional commercial buildings. Each of these elements contributes to the rich tapestry of the neighborhood’s past.

Greenlee’s Bike Shop, which opened in 1899, is recognized as one of the oldest bike shops in the country. It initially operated on Gay Street and later moved to Western Avenue before settling at its current location on North Broadway. Unfortunately, the shop has been closed for years, leaving its legacy in the hands of history.

The 1902 mansion on the property was constructed by Eva Williams Malone, a prominent author and suffragist in the Knoxville community. Her contributions to local culture and women’s rights have made her a significant figure in the area’s history.

Jack Coker, who facilitated the sale, emphasized the emotional connection many residents have with the building. “The structure carries an incredible amount of emotional memories for the community,” he said. “It’s been heartwarming to see people share their stories about Greenlee’s Bike Shop.”

Coker, a commercial broker, focuses on the stories behind historic properties. “I believe in telling the story of a parcel, especially in these historic neighborhoods where there’s so much life to be recounted and also a future to be built,” he explained.

The property was acquired by PC Investment Properties, the same group that owns the business directly across the street. While the new owner has not responded to requests for comment, early signs suggest a plan to restore the mansion into a residence. The commercial storefront may soon become available for local businesses.

According to Coker, the mansion is expected to undergo renovations to return it to a residential space. “What I’ve heard is that the mansion will be renovated back into a residence, and the commercial front will be available for local businesses to activate,” he said.

In the past few weeks, the new owner has already removed some of the old exterior signs from the building. Coker noted that for those considering a move to Knoxville, historic buildings like this one offer a unique opportunity. They are not only rich in history but also present a chance to contribute to the city’s evolving landscape.