KNOXVILLE, TN - GBX Group LLC is pleased to announce that Spaces in the City, the Knoxville-based hospitality group behind some of the city's most recognizable venues and experiences, will begin booking events at The Standard as of July 1, 2026.

Located at 416 West Jackson Avenue in Knoxville's Old City, The Standard is a historic event venue situated within The South Terminal & Warehouse Historic District. Originally built for manufacturing, the property once housed its namesake, The Standard Glass Company. A GBX-managed fund acquired and preserved the building through a historic preservation agreement with Knox Heritage, ensuring that The Standard's historic character and defining architectural features will be protected in perpetuity.

"The Standard is a meaningful part of Knoxville's Old City, both architecturally and culturally," said Kyle Sparacia, Manager of Acquisitions of GBX Group. "By preserving this building and supporting its continued use as an event venue, we're helping ensure that downtown remains a place where historic spaces stay active, accessible, and relevant. Spaces in the City brings the hospitality experience and local connection needed to carry that vision forward, creating a place where history, community, and celebration can continue to come together."

Spaces in the City is the hospitality group behind Kefi, Vida, The Vault, The Press Room, The Square Room, Jackson Terminal, The Luminagil, City Catering, and other distinctive Knoxville concepts. With The Standard joining its growing collection of event venues, destination dining experiences, and modern-meets-vintage lounges, Spaces in the City will offer clients a full-service event experience rooted in thoughtful design, exceptional hospitality, and a deep connection to Knoxville.

The Standard offers a distinctive setting where timeless architecture meets modern hospitality. The venue is designed to accommodate weddings, corporate gatherings, nonprofit events, social celebrations, milestone occasions, and private events of varying styles and sizes. Original architectural details, soaring ceilings, and carefully curated finishes create a backdrop that is both sophisticated and inviting.

As part of the Spaces in the City family, The Standard will offer clients more than a historic venue. The Spaces in the City team provides full-service event management, including venue selection, event design, catering, vendor coordination, timelines, logistics, bar services, and day-of execution. By bringing planning, hospitality, catering, and event execution together under one roof, the team creates a streamlined experience tailored to each client's vision.

"The Standard represents an exciting new chapter for both Spaces in the City and Knoxville's event community," said Lori Klonaris, Chief Executive Officer of Spaces in the City. "We're creating a venue that celebrates Knoxville's rich heritage while offering a modern, full-service experience for today's events. Our goal is to simplify the planning process for our clients while delivering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences. We believe The Standard will be a place where some of life's most meaningful moments are celebrated."

The Standard's continued operation as an event venue supports local vendors, artists, event programming, and the broader economic and cultural sustainability of Knoxville's Old City. Located within walking distance of downtown restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and nightlife, The Standard offers guests an immersive downtown experience while preserving the character of one of Knoxville's historic landmarks.

By leveraging federal, state, and local incentive programs, including historic tax credits and preservation agreements, GBX Group helps make the preservation of historic properties economically viable while ensuring long-term protection for important community assets. A GBX fund, managed by GBX Fund Management Ltd., acquired 416 West Jackson Avenue, marking it as the eleventh historic property GBX companies have acquired and protected across the state of Tennessee.

"A preservation agreement is about creating lasting protection for a historic resource, regardless of future ownership or market conditions," said Christine Cloninger, Director of Knox Heritage. "This agreement ensures that The Standard's defining architectural features and historic character will be protected in perpetuity, providing long-term certainty that this important building will remain part of Knoxville's historic landscape."

With Spaces in the City beginning bookings on July 1, 2026, The Standard is positioned to remain one of Knoxville's most sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations, corporate gatherings, nonprofit events, and special occasions.

For more information about The Standard and event bookings, visit www.spacesinthecity.com or contact [email protected].

About GBX Group
GBX Group is a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring, preserving, and operating historic real estate in urban markets. Through the use of preservation-based strategies and incentive programs, GBX works to protect historically significant properties while supporting their continued relevance, economic vitality, and community value.

About Spaces in the City
Spaces in the City is a Knoxville-based hospitality group offering distinctive restaurants, bars, event venues, catering, and full-service event experiences. Its concepts are thoughtfully curated to create memorable experiences in taste, atmosphere, and hospitality, inspired by the world yet rooted in Knoxville.

About Knox Heritage

Knox Heritage is a community of preservationists dedicated to advocating for, educating about, and protecting Knoxville's historic places. The organization works to preserve and steward the city's irreplaceable architectural heritage, ensuring that historically significant buildings and places continue to contribute to Knoxville's character and future vitality. For more about Knox Heritage, visit knoxheritage.org/

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