Morristown Memories

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Downtown Morristown

Mainstreet Skymart System

Construction Of The Skymart System

Early Main Street

The Chester Rows, an interconnected network of second-level balconies that began about 700 years ago in Chester, England, fascinated local architect Hubert Bebb. Bebb brought the idea to Morristown as part of the massive 1960s urban renewal project. The goal was to create two “Main Streets” in one and double the downtown shopping district. They called it SkyMart. This downtown shopping area is the only one of its kind, a unique attraction that made newspaper headlines around the world. From London to New York to Miami, SkyMart put Morristown on the map.

There was a big celebration for its Grand Opening in 1967 with music from Tex Ritter, Porter Wagoner, and Dolly Parton as part of the concerts and parades that marched down Main Street!

During the closing years of the first century of the county, the spotlight of national and international publicity was thrown on the undertaking of central business district of the county seat.

What was originally planned to be a major improvement in the Central Business District of Morristown ended with two-fold results. First was the improvement itself and secondly, part of this improvement turned out to be a major attraction of interest throughout the nation.

This major attraction is an overhead sidewalk which gives complete access to the second floor level of all buildings on Main Street in the heart of the county and serve as a canopy protection to the street-level pedestrians.

The name of the overhead sidewalks has been officially called "Skymart".

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 time to time from the overhead sidewalks ranging from band concerts to rock 'n roll combos. Artists also perform during the Skymart Art Festival, which is held from time to time.

Interest groups from cities across the land have visited the Skymart to incorporate some of its features in their own particular town. Planters filled with shrubbery and flowers throughout its entirety blend with the landscaping of the lower level sidewalks.