Big changes coming to Chattanooga’s riverfront

A major project will bring new amenities and an 18-month closure starting this fall.

Aerial view of a vibrant urban riverside park, featuring green lawns, trees, walkways, a pier with boats, and nearby city buildings, evoking a lively atmosphere.

Here’s a bird’s-eye view of what the riverfront could look like in May 2028.

Rendering via River City Company

Chattanooga’s downtown riverfront hosts dozens of events each year and offers a scenic place to walk for locals and tourists alike.

But starting in the fall, it’ll close for 18 months for major renovations. Want to see what’s planned? Here are some of the things the project will include:

More shade

Right now, the riverfront doesn’t have a lot of shady spots to get out of the sun. As you can see in the rendering above, the project includes planting 200+ trees to keep visitors cool.

New restaurants

Two restaurants are planned for each end of Ross’s Landing. One will be more casual with grab-and-go options, while the other will offer sit-down service with elevated fare.

Riverfront dock

The commercial dock at Ross’s Landing will expand to give visitors better access to the water. The expanded dock will be ~5,600 sqft and open to the public daily.

Under a large overpass, people enjoy colorful outdoor basketball and pickleball courts. Cars are parked nearby with greenery and buildings in the background.

This space under the highway will become a place to play and park.

Rendering via River City Company

Recreational courts

Pickleball under a highway? That’s right. The space beneath Highway 27 will be used for recreational courts.

The project will also add a new playground, updated lighting, public restrooms, and improved accessibility.

Right now, the plan is to start construction in November, but a more updated timeline is expected to be released at a later date.

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