With fall just around the corner, it feels like the perfect time to tell some more ghost stories. Don’t worry, these aren’t actually scary stories, but rather some things we’ve learned about the old painted advertisements — otherwise known as ghost signs — that have been preserved for years on some of Chattanooga’s buildings.
If you haven’t already, check out parts one and two of this series. For part three we’re taking a look at two other ghost signs you can find downtown.
Levin Brothers Building | 100 E. Main St.
You might have to squint your eyes for this one, but painted advertisements can still be seen on this abandoned building. The three-story building was constructed in the early 1900s and formerly was the home of Levin Brothers furniture store.
The building has sat abandoned + deteriorating for years, but was purchased in 2020 for $1.2 million with hopes to restore the building into a boutique hotel. As of 2022, plans for the construction of a hotel are still in motion.
Holbert’s Overall Factory | Corner of W. 16th Street + Cowart Street
The ghost sign visible from W. 16th Street + Cowart Street marks one of the former locations of Holbert-Langley Manufacturing — this particular location was home to an overalls production site. The factory was named after John Frederick Holbert and was constructed in the early 1900s.
The space is currently unoccupied, but you can catch Courtney Christmas Trees at the lot next door at 1513 Williams St. during the holidays.
Curious about some of Chattanooga’s other ghost signs? Send them our way and we’ll do the digging for you.
