If any building should have ghosts, the Andrew Johnson on S. Gay Street seems a likely candidate. Hank Williams famously spent his last night in that hotel on New Years Eve in 1952. We’ve been poking around its 95-year-old halls preparing for the upcoming sneak peek “Party in the Ballroom” this Friday, November 15.

This is the only opportunity to view the “before” picture prior to its renovation. Thanks to the generosity of Oliver Hospitality, the Friends of the Library will host an event to benefit the Library’s Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound. There will be swing and jazz music from the Absinthe All Stars and screenings of early footage evocative of Knoxville in the era.

But perhaps, the real appeal is seeing the grand dame prior to her renovation back into a grand hotel.

Today, there are all the usual office building remnants and stained carpets. Until 2022, it housed the central offices of Knox County Schools. The lobby is narrow and dark, with a very curious mirrored ceiling. But at one time, the AJ (as it is often called) dazzled guests with its grand marble staircase that led to a beautiful ballroom on the 2nd floor with ornate columns, arched windows and tile floors. The stories of proms and banquets, weddings and balls held in that room could fill a vault.

It’s fair to say that much of Knoxville’s social history happened at 912 S. Gay Street.

Behind a long-gone ceiling tile, you can see evidence of that staircase. It’s hard to see, but it’s there. Soon, the balls and banquets, weddings and proms will return. Oliver Hospitality has ambitious and beautiful plans for its future. We are excited to imagine the return of the hotel. We hope to see you there! There are tickets still available.

Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library.