Knoxville has a thriving economy and a business-friendly location. Transportation, trade, commerce, and utilities have all experienced consistent growth. The city’s thriving industries include telecommunications and tourism. Many people who visit the city want to come back and make it their home because of the town’s location in the Great Appalachian Valley near the Tennessee River.

When it comes to constructing unparalleled multifamily facilities, our editors have compiled a list of some of the best contractors in the area. These firms have been repeatedly recognized by their peers and institutions by awards and press features alike.

Merit Construction

10435 Dutchtown Road, Knoxville, TN 37932

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee Merit Construction was founded in 1982 to provide general contracting and construction management. With approximately four decades of experience, the firm has emerged as a leading contractor by delivering exceptional commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. The firm strives for excellence on every project by employing innovative construction methods, cost-effective alternatives, and cutting-edge technology. The company has repeatedly demonstrated its impressive quality and superior professionalism through customer-centric practices by providing a streamlined building process that produces high-quality projects on time and within budget. Many satisfied clients have attested to the firm’s exceptional quality.

Bruce Bosse—the CEO and one of the driving forces behind Merit Construction—leads the company. He joined the firm in 1983 and has held several positions, including president from 1995 to 2017. Bruce’s experience includes historic renovations, industrial facilities, office complexes, health care facilities, and retail spaces. The firm has garnered numerous awards and distinctions from organizations such as the AGC Tennessee – Knoxville Branch and AGC America.

Denark Construction

1635 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921

Denark Construction was established in 1985 with the goal to be the “premier builder of choice.” Almost four decades later, the company has executed over $1.7 billion in public, institutional, commercial, and industrial construction projects. It provides a full range of services, including general contracting, construction management, and design-build. The firm is supported by a team of experts dedicated to completing exceptional projects on time and within budget. Its systematic and collaborative approach to project planning and execution consistently yields results that exceed client expectations. The firm’s dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction has resulted in over 70% repeat business.

Over the years, the firm has been featured in several notable publications, including the Knoxville News Sentinel. The firm offered construction management at-risk (CMAR) services to complete the Knoxville Convention Center.

TDK Construction

1610 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

TDK Construction, headquartered in Murfreesboro, is a privately held three-generation development and construction company. TDK constructs and develops projects in the Southeast and Southwest. From pre-development planning until the final certificate of occupancy, it provides first-rate properties that set a new industry benchmark. TDK is poised to thrive in any environment, with its properties offering an elevated lifestyle and amenities that outperform the rest of the market.

Tim Keach, CEO of TDK Construction, founded the company in 1959. While still in high school, Tim began working as a concrete finisher for his father, Keach Construction Company founder Dorris Keach. Dorris, an experienced craftsman, taught Tim the same skills, which later helped bolster TDK’s reputation as a company that produces high-quality work.

The firm’s projects have been featured by publications like Building Design + Construction, Raleigh News & Observer, Main Street Clarksville, Johnson City Press, and Daily News Journal.

Christopoulos & Kennedy Construction, Inc.

2301 Hatcher Drive, Knoxville, TN 37921

Christopoulos & Kennedy Construction is a full-service Knoxville general contractor with extensive construction experience in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Greenville, and Spring City. The firm manages the entire process, including project management, self-performed work, and managing subcontractors—always ensuring that every project is done to the highest level of customer satisfaction.

The firm’s expert team builds long-lasting structures for its clients. For over 20 years, the company’s management philosophy has allowed it unlimited licensing and low bonding rates, allowing it to be recognized as a responsible and reliable partner on every construction process it undertakes. Xrisanthe and Christos Christopoulos lead the firm, and their work has been featured often by the press, including in the pages of The Knoxville News Sentinel and The Daily Times.

Cox General Contractors, LLC

3080 Horseshoe Bend Lane,  Knoxville, TN 37931

Cox General Contractors is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based general contractor and construction manager. Cox General is a dynamic and adaptive company specializing in commercial, institutional, and industrial construction. Negotiated contracts and design-build agreements account for the majority of its work. Project sizes range from a few thousand to multi-million dollar facilities, reflecting the company’s construction experience.

Owner David Cox began his construction career in 1976 by installing concrete foundations, learning to be a mason, pouring and finishing concrete slabs, patios, wood framing, and drywall work with his brother and partner, Robert Cox. In 1980, he and Robert received their contracting licenses and continued to learn the manual aspects of construction and management, sales, and estimating. They ran the company in Chattanooga until 1990 when they relocated the main office to Knoxville, where they have completed numerous signature projects over the past 24 years. They are a family-owned business, and their sons Jason, Shane, Ross, Logan, and Josh Cox have grown up learning about construction and working alongside their fathers.