Known as the “Marble City,” Knoxville, Tennessee is a great place to settle down thanks to its affordable living costs, lakes and rivers, educational opportunities, and more. The city is home to Tennessee’s largest and most well-known university, a number of recreational parks, and downtown commercial spaces that provide an urban twist to the overall rural atmosphere. Knoxville has a strong economy, a thriving job market, and various industries, including energy, financial services, and telecommunications. It is currently home to well-known companies such as Regal Cinemas, Pilot Flying J, Team Health, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Construction and development are on the rise as the city expands, and many new businesses are establishing themselves in the city. This article lists nine of the best commercial contractors in Knoxville, Tennessee. These firms were chosen for their skills, experience, awards, and impressive portfolios.
Johnson & Galyon Construction
1130 Atlantic Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917
With over a hundred years of extensive construction experience, Johnson & Galyon Construction continues to build remarkable projects in East Tennessee. Founded in 1914, this Knoxville, Tennessee-based firm provides comprehensive services, including construction management, general contracting, and design-build. The firm has a solid track record of exceptionally completed projects in the healthcare, education, commercial, and residential building sectors. It provides a single-source solution for its clients by handling every detail of the project including materials, methods, systems, and phasings. The firm emphasizes constant communication and close collaboration to ensure high-quality projects and enable its clients to make sound decisions throughout the construction process.
In 2010, the firm completed a renovation of the Ayres Hall at the University of Tennessee. The project consisted of updating the major systems including the utility infrastructure as well as the mechanical, electrical, and non-code compliant structures. This LEED Silver-certified restoration and renovation enhanced the building’s features through new and modern technology systems.
RTC General Contracting
10425 Cogdill Road, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37932
Since its inception in 1981, RTC General Contractors has built an impressive portfolio of over 2000 projects totaling 700 million dollars. The firm has experience building in the retail, restaurant, office, healthcare, financial, and automotive sectors. Over the years, the firm has established its reputation as a premier contractor with its retention of customers, commitment to quality, and the ability to meet its client’s needs and demands. The firm takes an integrated and quality-oriented approach to ensure successful projects that consistently exceed expectations. The firm is committed to fully understanding the client’s ideas and visions and translating them into actual spaces that achieve their goals.
The featured project is a perfect example of the firm’s impressive quality and unparalleled professionalism. Completed in 2019, the Adventure Action Park is a family entertainment center located in Knoxville. It provided its client with Go-Karting facilities, obstacle courses, and more.
Merit Construction
10435 Dutchtown Road, Knoxville, TN 37932
Merit Construction, Inc. is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based general contracting and construction management firm founded in 1982. With nearly four decades in the industry, the firm has proven itself as a versatile, responsive firm that provides exceptional commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. The firm continuously strives for excellence by incorporating creative building techniques, cost-efficient solutions, and cutting-edge technology in every project. Its client-centered processes have resulted in a smooth and streamlined construction experience that delivers high-quality projects on time and within budget. The firm has a long list of satisfied clients that serve as a testament to the superior quality of its work.
One of the firm’s notable projects is the Mountain Commerce Bank branch in Knoxville. This financial center spans approximately 10,488 square feet and includes a traditional bank branch, corporate offices, conference rooms, as well a community room on the upper floor.
Denark Construction
1635 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
Denark Construction was founded in 1985 with the goal of being the “premier builder of choice.” Now, nearly four decades later, the firm has completed over $1.3 billion worth of construction projects in the public, institutional, commercial, and industrial sectors. The firm offers a full set of services, from general contracting, construction management to design-build. The firm is backed by a team of experts passionate about delivering exceptional projects on schedule and within budget. Its systematic and team approach to project planning and execution consistently leads to successful outcomes that exceed client expectations. The firm’s dedication to excellence and client satisfaction has resulted in over 70% return business.
Over the years, the firm has been featured in several noteworthy publications, including the Knoxville News Sentinel. The firm provided construction management at-risk (CMAR) services to complete the Knoxville Convention Center. The project, which opened in 2002, includes a 500,000-square-foot building strategically situated across the scenic scenery of World’s Fair Park and between the city’s urban core and the University of Tennessee’s campus. It offers event services and amenities and hosts over a million attendees a year.
Jenkins & Stiles
10617 Deerbrook Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922
Jenkins & Stiles, LLC is a full-service construction firm founded in 2006 to provide exceptional projects in over twenty-five states. With fifteen years in the industry, the firm believes that its success is based on its clients’ success and strives to deliver excellence on every project. The firm’s client-centered processes have resulted in quality commercial and specialty projects delivered on time and on budget, consistently exceeding expectations. Regardless of the size of the project, the firm has proven its ability to deliver exceptional projects through its high level of commitment and desire to provide the best service in the construction industry.
One of the firm’s notable projects is the Vida and the Vault in Holston Building in Knoxville. Vida is a pan-Latin restaurant located on Krutch Park’s main floor and patio. The Vault, on the other hand, is a unique throwback cocktail bar located in the building’s basement. The firm completed the project’s construction in 2021, in collaboration with architectural firm Robin Easter Design and interior designer SK Ballard.
Blaine Construction Corporation
6510 Deane Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919
Blaine Construction Corporation was established in 1969 and offers general contracting, construction management, and pre-engineered metal building services. The firm has worked with a wide range of clients around the country, including many Fortune 500 organizations. Its team of highly-skilled designers and builders is committed to providing exceptional service and is guided by its core principles of honesty and integrity. The firm takes a hands-on, attentive approach to every job to achieve top quality and exceptional client service. As a result, for more than 50 years, the firm has maintained an excellent reputation. The firm has a strong track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
The Stokely Residence Hall, a 380,000-square-foot post-tensioned concrete frame with brick veneer dormitory in Knoxville is one of the firm’s most interesting buildings. It consists of nine floors of apartments, a basement for mechanical and culinary services, and dining facilities for 700 students A workout facility, apartments for the residence hall director and assistant director, laundry rooms, vending areas, study rooms, an amusement room, and meeting spaces are among the amenities.
TDH Construction
2211 Dutch Valley Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918
TDH Construction is a locally-owned full-service construction firm based in Knoxville. Under the leadership of President Matt Hasbrouck, the firm has provided exceptional services and outstanding construction projects since its inception in 2014. Although the firm has been in the industry for less than a decade, it has established its well-deserved reputation through its superior quality, unparalleled professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction. The firm has focused on fostering long-standing relationships with skilled local tradesmen to ensure high-quality projects regardless of size or complexity. Its unique methods are designed to boost efficiency, sustainability, teamwork, and customer satisfaction.
One of the firm’s notable projects is the Lexus of Knoxville, Tennessee. This auto dealership and service center received commercial extensions and upgrades from the firm. The center provides high-quality auto maintenance and repairs, everything from oil changes and filter replacements to engine and drivetrain repairs.
Rouse Construction
11121 Kingston Pike, Suite G, Knoxville, TN 37934
Rouse Construction is a commercial and industrial general contracting firm specializing in pre-construction and construction services. Since its inception in 1977, the firm has been dedicated to providing its clients with high-quality services at an affordable price. The firm provides a one-stop-shop solution to its clients by meticulously handling every project detail with its team of qualified and competent construction managers. It focuses on building long-lasting relationships with its clients, subcontractors, and trade partners to ensure smooth and seamless transactions throughout the project. Over the years, the firm has remained dedicated to providing a safe working environment while meeting and exceeding the expectations of its clients.
The James A. Haslam II Business Building at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is one of the firm’s remarkable projects. The project is a six-level, 174,000 square-foot facility with 34 classrooms, 50 staff and administration offices, 35 team and presentation rooms, a technology center, an investment center, and an atrium with a glass elevator.
Citadel Construction
1866 Country Meadows Drive, Sevierville, TN 37862
Citadel Construction has provided commercial construction and renovation for Sevier County and Knox County residents. Its impressive portfolio includes large-scale amusements and attractions, hotels, restaurants, financial institutions, civic and municipal centers, as well as retail and commercial facilities. With over a decade of experience, the firm is committed to excellence and consistently delivers projects on time and highest quality. The firm strives to create a streamlined and optimized construction experience based on its core values of integrity, trust, and teamwork. It employs an integrated and problem-solving approach to respond to each customer’s unique needs. Its commitment to superior quality, workmanship, and cost-efficient solutions has resulted in a long list of satisfied clients.
Citadel Construction constructed many attractions at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The project consisted of installing a massive, multi-level play structure requiring rigorous welding inspections and safety tests. Citadel Construction oversaw the complete construction process on an expedited schedule from start to finish in the atrium of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
