By Ralphine Major

The brick structure is a focal point atop Summit Hill Drive.  Often referred to as the “Old City Hall,” it is located diagonally across from the historic L&N Depot.  (My column featuring the L&N appeared in The Knoxville Focus on 7-11-2011.)

The Old City Hall building displays beautiful architecture.  Many may remember the stately building when it was painted white and housed the government offices for the City of Knoxville.  Later, it was restored to its original red brick exterior and became home to some of the Tennessee Valley Authority offices.  The building’s current occupant is Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law.  The tall pillars in front seem quite appropriate for the law school which is named for former Congressman John J. (Jimmy) Duncan, Jr.  Before serving 30 years as a Congressman representing the Second District of East Tennessee in Washington, Jimmy Duncan spent several years as a lawyer and later as a criminal court judge in Knoxville.  I was honored to work for him and the late Zane Daniel in their law practice.

From a place of governing to a place of learning, the Old City Hall building is still serving Knoxville and her residents—atop the hill on Summit Hill Drive.