THE CANDY FACTORY

The Candy Factory, a 19th century building that once was indeed a candy factory, was renovated for the 1982 World's Fair and has since become the city's busiest multiuse facility.

The seven-story building offers retail businesses, including art galleries and the Chocolate Factory candy and gift shop. But it's also the place where many of the city's not-for-profit arts groups and community organizations meet. The Knoxville Museum of Art has classrooms there. Circle Modern Dance offers Sunday afternoon classes. Theater companies rehearse plays there. Local artists show and sell their work on its walls.

Often there are more groups needing space than there are rehearsal halls and meeting rooms. It's not unusual to see a rehearsal happening in a hallway.

The future of the Candy Factory is unclear. The city has stated its intentions to convert the building into more profitable retail space. For now, the building is profiting the city by sheltering some of its most talented and concerned citizens.

Runners-up: Ijams Nature Park, Powerhouse