Tenant plans to open antique mall in newly purchased downtown JC space

Murry Lee
·2 min read

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A large downtown Johnson City space previously owned by ETSU Physicians & Associates has been sold for less than $1 million, and plans for a new business inside are already underway.

According to a signed and notarized deed, the building at 222 E Main St. across from Capone’s was sold for $950,000 to TYL Properties LLC.

Photo: WJHL
Photo: WJHL

The deed was signed on March 28, solidifying the sale of the building that features more than 20,000 square feet of floor space across all three floors.

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The building was purchased by ETSU Physicians & Associates in December 2001.

Cam McAllister, a tenant of the newly purchased space, spoke with News Channel 11 Tuesday. McAllister plans to open Sentimental Journey Antiques in the building.

“So we plan on framing out all 20,000 square feet,” McAllister said. “And I’m meeting people here at the building and asking them what they want before we frame. Do you want wall space, do you want a small booth, do you want a whole room? You tell me what you want, and we’ll make it work.”

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McAllister said he has roughly 50 vendors already looking to rent space in the historic downtown building. He told News Channel 11 that he will be installing a sprinkler system and has further improvement plans before a planned June opening.

Photo: The interior of the future home of Sentimental Journey Antiques. (WJHL)
Photo: The interior of the future home of Sentimental Journey Antiques. (WJHL)

According to McAllister, the building dates back to 1908 and at one time was a furniture store before being used by ETSU Health. He hopes to be part of the revitalization of downtown Johnson City.

“I’ve loved Johnson City since the first time I came here, and I’m very excited to be part of the change,” McAllister said.

Downtown Johnson City has seen several new businesses move in or relocate to the area in recent months, including Piere’s Marketplace, Aura Optical, Little Magic Bar and The Manhattan Bride.

“There’s so much going on in downtown,” said Shannon Castillo, a commercial real estate broker with Mitch Cox. “People are buying up buildings, and we’re getting tenants already for those buildings. Several construction projects [are] going on, refurbishing office space, refurbishing retail space.”

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