News
GBX Group Announces the Acquisition and Preservation of Historic Building “The Standard” in Old City Knoxville
GBX Group
February 3, 2026
The Standard

KNOXVILLE, TN - GBX Group LLC proudly announces the acquisition and preservation of a historic building known as The Standard, located at 416 West Jackson Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee. The property is situated within The South Terminal & Warehouse Historic District. Originally built for manufacturing, the property once housed the building’s namesake, The Standard Glass Company. The Standard has been protected with a historic preservation agreement through Knox Heritage which will ensure that the building’s historic character is protected in perpetuity.  

 

“The Standard is a meaningful part of Knoxville’s Old City, both architecturally and culturally,” said Drew Sparacia, Founder and CEO of GBX Group. “By preserving this building and supporting its continued use as an event venue, we’re helping ensure that downtown remains a place where historic spaces stay active, accessible, and relevant. Projects like this demonstrate how preservation can reinforce community life while supporting long-term sustainability.”

Located along the Jackson Avenue corridor, The Standard has operated as a distinctive event venue in downtown Knoxville. By preserving The Standard, GBX Group is helping ensure that downtown Knoxville remains a place where historic architecture and cultural activity coexist and thrive. The property’s continued operation supports local vendors, artists, and event programming, contributing to the economic and cultural sustainability of the Old City, while maintaining the building’s historic character for future generations.

By leveraging various federal, state, and local incentive programs—such as historic tax credits and preservation agreements—project partners can access critical, non-traditional financing sources that make preserving these important assets economically viable. A GBX fund, managed by GBX Fund Management Ltd., acquired 416 West Jackson Avenue, marking it as the eleventh historic property GBX companies have acquired and protected across the state. 

“A preservation agreement is about creating lasting protection for a historic resource, regardless of future ownership or market conditions,” said Christine Cloninger, Director of the Knox Heritage. “This agreement ensures that The Standard’s defining architectural features and historic character will be protected in perpetuity, providing long-term certainty that this important building will remain part of Knoxville’s historic landscape.”

About GBX Group LLC 
GBX Group LLC specializes in acquiring, preserving and operating historic real estate in urban markets. The company partners with investors to fund the acquisition and preservation of historic real estate with the goal of generating community revitalization and economic growth. As of January 2026, GBX has been involved in 216 real estate projects in 24 states. For more about GBX, visit gbxgroup.com/. 


About Knox Heritage
Knox Heritage is a community of preservationists dedicated to advocating for, educating about, and protecting Knoxville’s historic places. The organization works to preserve and steward the city’s irreplaceable architectural heritage, ensuring that historically significant buildings and places continue to contribute to Knoxville’s character and future vitality. For more about Knox Heritage, visit knoxheritage.org/


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Contact: Kelsey Sparacia

Public Affairs & Marketing Associate

kelseysparacia@gbxgroup.com

513-432-6156