Page 10 - May-June2022 Vol 40 No 1

PIGEON FORGE By Jason Brady, P.E. and Shap Stiles, P.E.
Second Largest Paver Project in U.S.

A new Pigeon Forge 14-acre visitors expect “next-level architecture,” Prior Work Aids Firm’s Selection
permeable paver parking lot (connected noting that visitors have been very Due to the City’s positive history
to a new 600-foot pedestrian bridge) is complimentary of the parking lot and working with Gresham Smith in the Jake
being lauded as “a catalyst for economic how the space “helps to create a memory Thomas Farm development area, to the
vitality.” of their time spent.” firm was enlisted to evaluate all available
The lot is the largest of its kind Engineering professionals also agree options, including structured parking
east of the Mississippi River, and the with Pigeon Forge officials’ assessment. and purchasing additional land to
second largest paver project in the Last year, the project won an Honor facilitate the number of spaces needed.
U.S, according to Gresham Smith, who Award from the 2021 American Council Overcoming the extreme topography
assisted the City of Pigeon Forge on the of Engineering Companies (ACEC) TN that comes with being in the foothills
project from planning and site selection Engineering Excellence Awards of the Smoky Mountains prompted a
through construction engineering and Event, Entertainment Success Created myriad of options to evaluate. These
inspection. Parking Challenges included grade-separated pedestrian
The addition of the new 2,000-space facilities, escalators, elevators, stairs and
The LeConte Event Center in
parking lot and adjoining bridge Pigeon Forge, a premier multipurpose whether to provide access directly into
provides new access to the LeConte convention and event space in one of the building or create infrastructure that
Event Center for patrons and tourists, Tennessee’s top tourist destinations, has could serve the community in a more
while also allowing additional capacity maintained a nearly at-capacity calendar comprehensive manner.
in the existing lot to serve the Island of bookings. Its success, paired with the The City of Pigeon Forge hired
entertainment complex. In addition, the popularity of The Island (which also Gresham Smith in June 2018 as the
bridge and parking lot have become an depends on the City of Pigeon Forge lead engineering firm on all elements of
elevated landmark for the community. Municipal Parking lot) created an acute the project from site selection through
David Ware, Mayor of Pigeon Forge, construction engineering and inspection
said city officials are pleased the project need for additional public parking. (CEI.)
Specifically, the City of Pigeon Forge
enhances the appeal of the existing had to act quickly to double the available Project Also Enhances City’s Greenway
event center. “The LeConte center is a on-site parking to secure the return
beautiful building and it was important of their most valuable conventions, Goals
to city council and city staff that the including The National Quartet The land purchased by the City to
pedestrian bridge be just as visually Convention. That convention alone build the lot was across Teaster Lane
appealing.” boasts an annual average attendance of and was around 50 feet higher than the
Eric Brackins, Assistant City Manager nearly 19,000 fans. LeConte Center building elevation. To
of Pigeon Forge, said Pigeon Forge provide access, a bridge was proposed to

10 TPW May/June 2022