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Morristown's Famous Overhead SkyMart System

The Morristown SkyMart system is world famous for its unique design of second level sidewalks and was funded by the downtown merchants and public urban renewal grants so it was a private/public partnership. Work began in 1964 and the entire CDB renewal project which included the SkyMart, massive flood control of Turkey Creek which runs under Main Street, the downtown parking lot, creation of Morris Blvd and Frank C Davis homes and more. The SkyMart itself opened and was dedicated in 1967 but the whole project officially completed in 1969.

It is a free standing structure meaning it is not connected to the buildings except for weather flashing to keep the rain out. It was built for two purposes. 1. To provide flood relief for merchants on Main Street due to the 1963 massive flood. 2. To create 2nd level shopping opportunities for merchants and customers sort of like an inside mall has today.

The SkyMart came into being from a similar idea established some 700 years ago in Chester, England.  The Chester, England idea was applied to the SkyMart by architect Hubert Bebb, who had visited the old town in England some years prior to the building of those in Hamblen County.

The unique sidewalks in the air have received world-wide publicity and carried many unique features in addition to serving the original purpose. One of the major features is background music which is installed throughout the three-block area which the sidewalks run and sets a pleasant atmosphere for those who come to the 'sidewalks in the sky'.

A number of events are featured from the overhead sidewalks ranging from band concerts to rock 'n roll combos. Musicians perform during the popular Main Street Festival, which is held once per month every 4th Friday April - Sept and we also feature artist during art shows and the Memories on Main Street Antiques and Art Show. It has been a favorite place to watch the many parades Morristown has to celebrate Veterans, heroes and Christmas.

During the 1967 SkyMart dedication ceremony, a young girl named Dolly Parton got an opportunity to sing in front of Cas Walker who was a famous grocery store owner and producer of the Cas Walker show. Cas liked her and a deal was made with her manager for Dolly to sing on the Cas Walker show. From there, her career was launched so we a proud to have had a part in Dolly's  success :)

Soon after the SkyMart was built, the new Roses Plaza Shopping Plaza was built (where Home Depot is today) and that type of shopping plaza took off in popularity pulling people away from downtown with its new stores. Of course, not too long later the big enclosed shopping malls were created which killed the open plaza type of shopping centers. This pattern was repeated all across America but starting in 2000 we are seeing a major reversal of the pendulum swing back to downtown renewal and preservation projects and the decline in Mall shopping. This swing has been very dramatic in the past 4 years despite the economic climate.

There have been some experimentation over the years with creating 2nd level shopping space but no major push to do so until recently. It is difficult to be the first or only shop up there.  We do have a plan to attract new shops to locate downtown and occupy space on the SkyMart level. We hope to start with museums and art galleries and then retail. If you are interested in helping us with this project please do contact us and let us know your interest.

More than half of the upper levels are already in use either as apartments (we have 47 apts downtown) or as storage or other uses. For example, the 2nd level of The Fret Store is used for music lesson studios and offers space for over 200 students each week. Lakeway Ballet and Dance studio has their practice floor on the 2nd floor.  Farmhouse Antiques uses their 2nd floor for Antiques display, etc. Not all buildings as you can see will be able to have 2nd floor retail space since they are already being utilized.

In the Spring of 2010 downtown Morristown received a major CDBG grant to renovate the SkyMart system and used the funds to clean and paint the entire structure. It was the first paint it has ever received as it was not painted during construction. We also repaired several sections of the system and in 2007 created a new ADA compliant ramp on the South East side so people with wheelchairs can enjoy the system. Soon we hope to have the Millennium Square Daily Gazette greenway project completed which will add 2nd level parking on the North East corner and new retail space. It is another example of Public/Private partnership working well and we are very proud of this project. See details at http://www.downtownmorristown.org/plans.asp

View a copy of the original Morristown SkyMart brochure

Look for downtown Morristown to continue to flourish and grow in the coming years!