Johnson City Residents Preparing for Move to Tapestry at Roan Hill Apartments

Johnson City, October 27, 2025

News Summary

Residents of Johnson City are set to relocate to the new Tapestry at Roan Hill apartments, marking a significant redevelopment initiated by city officials and the JCDA. This transition follows the closure of the historic John Sevier Center, built in 1924, which has served as affordable housing since 1978. The new apartments will offer modern amenities for seniors and individuals with disabilities, promoting urban renewal while planning future redevelopment for the old center into a mixed-use space.

Johnson City residents are preparing to relocate next week to the newly constructed Tapestry at Roan Hill apartments as part of a significant transformation initiated by city officials and the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA). This move comes after decades of planning that focuses on urban renewal and enhanced housing options within downtown.

The John Sevier Center, originally opened in 1924 as the luxury John Sevier Hotel designed by architect William Lee Stoddart, has served as a housing facility for seniors and individuals with disabilities since its conversion in 1978. It provided affordable housing for older adults for over four decades, benefiting the downtown core. However, city officials determined that the building had become outdated and better housing alternatives were necessary.

To facilitate this transition, the JCDA acquired the John Sevier Center in 2019, initiating plans for redevelopment. Tapestry at Roan Hill, located at 2162 S. Roan Street, will serve as the new housing option for its former residents, offering modern amenities and accessible units designed specifically for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Residents have expressed excitement about moving into this garden-style community, which boasts numerous expanded features compared to the older facility.

As the John Sevier Center prepares to be vacated, the city and JCDA are actively searching for a developer to transform the building into a mixed-use project. Proposed plans include developing a boutique hotel along with retail and restaurant spaces that leverage the building’s historic tax credits and landmark status. The aim is to revitalize the site in a manner similar to the successful adaptation of the Carnegie Hotel & Spa, which has become a cornerstone of downtown Johnson City.

This redevelopment not only signifies the end of 145 housing units at the John Sevier Center but also presents new opportunities for urban growth and development. As the Tapestry community readies for its opening, attention turns to how the historic hotel will be reimagined and whether it will honor its architectural legacy.

The efforts around this redevelopment highlight Johnson City’s commitment to enhancing accessible housing for older residents while also preserving historical landmarks in the area, ultimately fostering both modernization and respect for the past.

Key Features of the Tapestry at Roan Hill

• Address: 2162 S. Roan Street
• Type: Garden-style community apartments
• Amenities: Modern and updated facilities
• Accessibility: Units designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities

Historical Context of John Sevier Center

• Opened: 1924 as a luxury hotel
• Original Designer: Architect William Lee Stoddart
• Conversion Date: 1978 to senior and disabled-accessible housing
• Historical Significance: Once the finest hotel between Roanoke and Chattanooga

Future Plans for John Sevier Center

• Current Status: Vacant post-relocation
• Development Goals: Mixed-use project involving boutique hotel and retail spaces
• Strategy: Utilize historic tax credits and landmark status
• Comparative Example: Carnegie Hotel & Spa transformation

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Bristol City Council to Vote on New Safety Initiative for Public Housing
Bristol, Virginia Begins Housing Initiative with Police Collaboration

Additional Resources

• Johnson City Davis College Transformation – WNBF
• Wikipedia: Johnson City, Tennessee
• Riverside Gardens Groundbreaking – Spectrum Local News
• Google Search: Riverside Gardens Johnson City
• TIF Approved for Burlington Park Project – WJHL
• Google Scholar: Burlington Park Project
• Investigation into Alexandria Housing Authority CEO – ALXnow
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alexandria Housing
• Alexandria Housing Authority Leader Fired – Patch
• Google News: Alexandria Housing Redevelopment

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.