Kituwah LLC has broken ground on its new ‘Smoky Gap’ entertainment district, part of ‘The 407: Gateway to Adventure‘ development in Sevierville, Tennessee.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), which owns the property, is funding the project through its business subsidiary, Kituwah LLC.
Due to open in 2025, Smoky Gap is a 20-acre district in the 200-acre 407 tourist attraction, found at the main Tennessee entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The 1900s-style entertainment district will be home to various attractions, restaurants and retail outlets. It features a main street with Americana-themed storefronts and a large clocktower.
The 407: Gateway to Adventure will also include the world’s largest Buc-ee’s (opening in summer 2023) and a Courtyard by Marriott (opening in 2025).
Additionally, Puy du Fou is partnering with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to create a new show about Cherokee history for the 407 project.
“This will be an experience for the ages,” said Chris McCoy, president of Kituwah Marketing.
“We are committed to delivering unparalleled entertainment, breathtaking experiences, fine dining, and the best shopping in the Smokies. People will be able to stop for a few hours or stay for a few days.”
“Smoky Gap is a platform for partnership,” added Mark Hubble, CEO of Kituwah LLC. “This entertainment district is where the tribe is establishing long-term, mutually-rewarding partnerships with the companies and brands that will make up The 407: Gateway to Adventure a one-of-a-kind destination.
“Our tenants will operate alongside tribally-owned businesses that will contribute to an overall destination guests must experience at the start of their Smoky Mountain vacation.”
‘The 407: Gateway to Adventure‘
Knoxville-based OE Experiences, a financial consulting and business management firm that specialises in the experience economy, is serving as Kituwah LLC’s co-development partner.
“The 407: Gateway to Adventure is a testimony to partnership,” said Matthew Cross, founding partner and CEO of OE Experiences.
“The vision of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, combined with the strategy we have created and forward-thinking tenants and partners, has created a reality where others have only had concepts.”
The development, McCoy added, will “raise the bar for the entire Smoky Mountain tourism market”.
“Tenants at Smoky Gap will be a part of a destination featuring tribal businesses with global brands all contributing to a market-defining attraction,” he said.
Images: EBCI
