Park City Village Past
The development was commissioned by Arthur Fernando Aston, a lifelong resident of Park City. Aston's commitment to the area is reflected in the enduring quality of these buildings. Notably, the renowned opera singer Mary Costa was among the distinguished residents of Aston’s creation.
Park City Village sits along Magnolia Avenue, a street with its own rich history. Named after Magnolia Bryan Branner (1829-1907), the avenue honors a prominent figure in Knoxville’s past. Originally from Georgia, Magnolia Bryan Branner moved to Knoxville with her husband, George Branner, a successful plantation owner, shortly before the Civil War. They settled along First Creek, where their son, H. Bryan Branner, later became Knoxville’s mayor in 1880.
When completed in 1888, Magnolia Avenue was envisioned as a broad, modern boulevard—a clean and tranquil alternative to the crowded, bustling downtown Knoxville. Magnolia Branner, then a widow, resided in a house near what is now Pellissippi State Community College. She lived 23 years beyond her husband and witnessed the evolution of the street that bore her name.
Originally an extension of Park Street, Magnolia Avenue was renamed after it crossed First Creek. Following World War I, Park Street itself was absorbed into Magnolia Avenue, extending its reach. The avenue soon led to the popular destination of Chilhowee Park, further enhancing its appeal.
Magnolia Avenue was initially served by a small steam-driven train, but in 1890, it saw the arrival of East Tennessee’s first electric streetcar, built by William Gibbs McAdoo, who would later become U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. This line connected the avenue to Chilhowee Park, marking a significant milestone in the area’s development.
Today, Park City Village continues to embody the charm and historical significance of its origins, offering a unique blend of past and present in a setting that honors its storied heritage.
