Where the South Broad development currently stands
See the latest renderings + news about the proposed South Broad stadium. | Rendering by S9 Architecture
For those who have been following along with news of the South Broad development (which encompasses the construction of the new Chattanooga Lookouts stadium), we’re giving you a refresher + for newbies, think of this as your crash course into the project.
We recently shared that the original price tag of the stadium has increased from $80 million to a now projected cost of $120 million due to inflation. We sat down with the President of New City Jim Irwin, the master developer, to discuss changes + the overall project.
Master Developer Jim Irwin said a main theme for the development is creating the stadium to be a catalyst in the middle of the site, bringing the community together.
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Rendering by S9 Architecture
Irwin said the central idea of this project and its funding is looking at the stadium as a catalyst.
“The city and county are investing in something that will create new tax revenue,” he said. “The decision that’s being made is whether or not to take that new tax revenue and take a piece of it to pay down the bond.”
Finance for dummies
Editor Haley here. As someone who doesn’t have extensive knowledge on development or a finance background, it can be easy to get lost in terminology when diving into these large-scale projects. Here’s a simplified version of the need-to-knows.
Glossary terms
TIF: Tax Increment Financing is a way to fund major + costly development projects by setting aside future tax revenues the area generates to pay back the investment.
Bond: Issued by government agencies to investors that then loan the money to borrowers to be paid back the way you would pay a complex loan.
The Tennessee Riverwalk will act as a “front door,” making the concourse a year-round amenity for anyone traveling on the trail.
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Rendering by S9 Architecture
What does the price change mean for the stadium + residents?
The city + county have approved the original bond for $80 million
The Lookouts + landowners are proposing to front the additional $40 million, by borrowing from five local banks
Pending approval, the public bonds from the city + county will be first priority in repayment
No existing property tax revenues will be going toward building the stadium
For financial projections, addressing common questions + how to share your thoughts, see more below.
Corey Smith | Friday, Jan. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga | $40.25-$70.33 | See this American singer-songwriter and guitarist hit the stage in the Scenic City during his “Suburban Drawl” tour.
Saturday, Jan. 27
Sandhill Crane Expedition | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 1-5:30 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga | $20-$25 | Caravan with the Reflection Riding crew to the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge to witness over 10,000 Sandhill cranes.
Learn to Needle Felt a Capybara | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 3-5 p.m. | The Knot & Needle, 3803 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank | $39.99 | Get a hands-on experience as you learn how to make a wool version of this adorable creature to take home.
Celebrate the Seasons! Illuminating Love and Light for Imbolc | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 4-7 p.m. | Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St., Chattanooga | $17-$47 | Celebrate the halfway point between the winter solstice + spring equinox with a communal meal and crafting a St. Brigid Cross for home protection.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Sunday Showcase of Young Talent | Sunday, Jan. 28 | 3-5 p.m. | UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St., Chattanooga | $0-$10 | The Performing Arts League will showcase choral and instrumental music, dance, drama + musical theater performances.
Monday, Jan. 29
Monday Meet-up: Climbing Inside and Out | Monday, Jan. 29 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Connect with fellow climbing enthusiasts over some local brews + free food.
Clumpies was opened by the son of a third generation candy maker in 1999. | Courtesy of See Rock City
Let the party begin, NOOGA. Clumpies Ice Cream Co. is celebrating 25 years of scooping handcrafted ice cream in Chattanooga.
For its anniversary year, this sweet local staple — known for its rich, creamy, and innovative classic + seasonal flavors — will be launching events, special flavors, and pint packs throughout the year.
It’s no wonder Clumpies has been named “Best of the Best” by the Chattanooga Times Free Press for 10 years.
Hamilton County commissioners recently approved $3.7 million to be used for maintenance projects at local schools. Notably, the funds will go towards paving, roof repairs, security + boiler and chiller replacements. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Announced
The Moon River Music Festival has announced it will take a pause in 2024. In an Instagram post, the festival stated it will “explore some exciting new opportunities to return bigger and better than ever in 2025.”
Arts
ClearStory Arts is seeking local artists to be part of its upcoming “A Celebration of Chattanooga’s Black Artists” exhibit, which will open on Friday, Feb. 16. Black artists can submit their work through Saturday, Feb. 10.
Health
Folks who have questions about health and strategies for healthy living are invited to attend an interactive Q+A with a panel of local experts on Thursday, Feb. 1. Reserve your spot for the event at 6 p.m. at The Chattery.
Edu
Lee University in nearby Cleveland will offer free ESL classes to the community beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 6. The university will offer various literary + conversation classes suitable for all levels of learners. Learn more.
Got an exercise goal, but not sure which gym is worth it? Get a free month of ClassPass + sample multiple gyms and studios with just one membership.*
Event
💌 New vendors and raffle prizes alert
Plan Ahead: NOOGAtoday, Cupid Tomorrow
Fall in love with some of our new vendors. | Graphic by 6AM City
We’re back with another NOOGAtoday, Cupid Tomorrow update for you all as we get ready to take over The Historic on Saturday, Feb. 10 with:
The Rustic House | Smell the various scents of this handcrafted candle + oil shop.
Pepper Palm | Create your own signature perfume at this booth that will have that special someone thinking of you whenever they smell it.
Shop Sugar Daddy | From vintage clothes to home goods, shop from this secondhand business of well-loved items.
mrc_ceramics | Gift your loved one (even if it’s yourself) a beautiful piece of handcrafted pottery. Bonus: This booth will also showcase art from a friend.
Jonny Poppers | All this talk about shopping has made us hungry — grab a bite from this “burger buggy.”
During the event, expect prizes like:
Voucher to Main Line Tattoo to go towards your next appointment
A colorful box of bonbons, a heart-shaped peanut butter bar, or any other small business-made chocolate to indulge and treat yourself this weekend. Don’t forget to add a hot cocoa bomb to cart, too.
In case you couldn’t tell, we are super excited to see you all at our first-ever event. Whether you bring a partner or you’re riding solo, there will be community love in every corner of The Historic that night. Make sure to follow along on Instagram over the next few weeks to learn more about the vendors and what’s in store.
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