Aug. 05, 2026
Bluedog Capital Partners and Dominion Group, joined by community leaders and project partners, officially broke ground Aug. 5 on MAC on Fifth, a mixed-use residential and retail development that will continue the revitalization of Downtown North and support the growth of its design district.
Located at 200 W. Fifth Ave., on the former MAC Auto Loans site, the development will incorporate the refurbished iconic sign as an homage to the property’s history. The new structure will house 134 residential units, 14 of which are designated as workforce housing. The development also includes 10 live/work units designed with makers in mind and about 2,300 square feet of retail space on the ground floor along Fifth Avenue and Williams Street. MAC on Fifth is being co-developed by Bluedog Capital Partners and Dominion Group and is supported by all local business partners.
“This development will help bridge the gap between the Old City and Happy Holler and offers an attractive place for makers, designers and others to live and work within walking distance to local craft breweries,” said Sarah Harris, chief investment officer for Bluedog Capital Partners, which is based in Providence, Rhode Island, and has expanded to Harris’ hometown of Knoxville. “Our live/work units and retail spaces should also attract entrepreneurs eager to join a burgeoning design district stretching from the Old City to the Knox Walls murals at Emory Place.”
MAC on Fifth is located within walking distance or a short drive to downtown, the Old City, Emory Place and Covenant Health Park, all of which offer retail, dining, entertainment and employment opportunities. Amenities for residents will include a co-working lounge with café, rooftop deck with views of Central Avenue, fitness center and gated parking. Streetscape improvements include a bike lane and on-street parking.
“Both Dominion Group and Bluedog Capital Partners have been intentional in preserving the historic significance of this corridor and designing a building that seamlessly fits into the fabric of what is becoming a dynamic neighborhood and maker district,” said Peter Hall, president of Dominion Group. “The rejuvenation of this area benefits residents and connects North Knoxville to a vibrant downtown, walkable and bikeable destinations and entrepreneurial opportunities.”
The five-story building will offer 144 total units, including 50 studio, 68 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom units. An additional 14 units are designated as workforce housing for qualified applicants with incomes up to 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). In Knoxville, that is up to $79,500 for a family of four. The property also includes six ADA units, three of which are live/work units, offering several accessible options.
“MAC on Fifth recognizes the high demand for new housing in the heart of our city,” Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “I’m excited to see the partnership between Bluedog and Dominion Group deliver a thoughtful project that supports our creative community and strengthens downtown as a vibrant place to live, work and create.”
Financing for MAC on Fifth is provided by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 221(d)(4) construction loan, which facilitates new construction for multifamily rental units; Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) incentives from the City of Knoxville; and Walker & Dunlop commercial real estate financing.
Project partners include Sanders Pace Architecture, ISA, Empire Construction, Haines Structural Group, C2RL, Inc., Engineering Services Group (ESG), Hedstrom Design, KWI Interiors and Robin Easter Design to repurpose the MAC Auto Loans sign as a blade sign.
About Bluedog Capital Partners
Founded in 2001 by Sean N. Marchionte and Richard R. Tasca, Bluedog Capital Partners is a boutique real estate investment firm located in the financial district of Providence, Rhode Island. Bluedog has built its portfolio of business through real estate debt and equity investments ranging from offering private capital to the fix and flip industry to large-scale commercial and hospitality ventures. The company has participated in ventures throughout the United States. For more information, visit bluedogcap.com.
About Dominion Group
We’re in the business of community-based, long-term real estate development, acquisition and management. We develop, restore, and manage properties across the Southeast. From market rate to affordable housing, we build communities that foster meaningful living for all walks and seasons of life. For more information, visit dominion.us.
