Grove Center

Grove Center was one of several shopping districts opened during the Manhattan Project.

NPS/KLEIN

Quick Facts

Location:

Oak Ridge, TN

MANAGED BY:

City of Oak Ridge

Amenities

5 listed

Benches/Seating, Food/Drink - Restaurant/Table Service, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto

When General Leslie Groves approved Oak Ridge in September, 1942 as the site for industrial uranium enrichment, Manhattan Project administrators estimated a population of 13,000 workers in the new secret city. By 1945, the population had ballooned to over 75,000 people. Grove Center, along with Jackson Square, Jefferson Square, and Happy Valley, accommodated the larger than expected population with goods, services, and entertainment.  

The ever-increasing population of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project cried out for more shopping, dining, and entertainment choices. Grove Center comprised a grocery store, clothing store, a shoe store, and other businesses. Grove Center’s main attraction, though, was the Grove Theater. Designed and built as a live-music concert hall, the theater had state-of-the-art acoustics and could seat approximately 1,000 people. During the Manhattan Project, many concerts were held at the theater, ranging from classical violinists to gospel groups. The popular music group the Oak Ridge Boys began their career here.  Formed in nearby Knoxville in 1943, the group, originally named Wally Fowler and the Georgia Clodhoppers, performed for Manhattan Project workers so often they ultimately changed their name to the Oak Ridge Quartet in 1947, and finally settled on the Oak Ridge Boys in 1961. 

Continue Your Journey

Today the Grove Center offers similar shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences found during the Manhattan Project. The closest Manhattan Project-era historic site within walking distance of Grove Center is the Community Swimming Pool, located directly across the street.