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A year ago, entrepreneur Josh Smith could barely get around downtown Knoxville without a GPS. Now he s a downtown property owner and part-time resident.
He also created downtown s tiniest speakeasy, located at 304 S. Gay St.
Renting the speakeasy, located in a back hallway and behind a secret door, is extra.
Repurposing a vault
Smith bought the building in 2020 and wanted to make use of the vault inside, a relic from the historic Friedman s Jewelers store.
The speakeasy, which includes the vault and an exterior room, transports guests back to the early 1900s with some period-accurate décor and antiques.
Criminal justice bills can unleash economic potential post-pandemic
knoxnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from knoxnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Dogan Gaither Flats in Knoxville offers a different life for men
knoxnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from knoxnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Historic motel to provide affordable, supportive housing for former inmates
The new development, Dogan Gaither Flats, will provide housing, counseling, work placement and traditional skills training for ex-offenders. Author: Yvonne Thomas Updated: 7:47 PM EST March 5, 2021
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. State and city leaders will attend the groundbreaking ceremony to turn a historic motel into supportive and affordable housing for former prisoners.
The project is personal for Knoxville businessman and millionaire, Josh Smith.
He spent time in prison years ago and was recently pardoned by former President Donald Trump.
Through this investment, he s helping other former prisoners get back on their feet. If we don t allow people to transition in a better way. meaning getting good jobs, getting good housing, making a structure around them to set them up for success. Then there is a high likelihood that they re going to go back, Smith said.