Event space in World’s Fair Park closing after more than 30 years

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Foundry on the Fair Site is set to close by the end of 2024 after more than 30 years in business.

The building was built in 1865 and rebuilt after a fire for the 1982 World’s Fair.

Marianne Greene bought the building in the early 1990s after it sat empty.

“It was a mess. It had been sitting for 10 years after the World’s Fair,” Greene said.

After 32 years and thousands of events, including weddings, proms, city events and others, she and her family are proud of the work they’ve put into it.

“I hoped that someday when I die that people remember who I was in Knoxville and it was probably a dream come true,” Greene said.

Sharon Greene Bitzer said, “It’s very emotional. I’ve had my days where I sit out in the lobby and teared up. Of course, you have your days where you’re thinking ‘This is probably the right decision’.”

“We have the support of our families and of the community to build what has actually been a successful business,” Rachel Greene said.

Marianne said selling the building is a good step for the future of it. They are working to sell it to a local non-profit.

“At my age and after COVID, things changed, and we felt like this was a good step for this beautiful building,” Marianne said.

The entire Greene family said this is an emotional decision but one they feel is right for the family and the future building owners.

“It’s been 30 years of your life growing up in it, so it’s tough but exciting too,” Sharon Greene Bitzer said.

The family expects the building sale will be finalized by Jan. 2025.

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