April 11, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

68º | 72% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:13 a.m. | Sunset 8:10 p.m.

All rise for this courthouse update

The outside of the federal courthouse downtown

Find out what’s next in the development of a new federal courthouse. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Back in 2022, the US General Services Administration (GSA) initiated the process of Chattanooga getting a new federal courthouse. Now, a final environmental assessment has been released for three site options.

Before we dive into the updates, let’s walk it back to why this development is on the table. The current Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and US Courthouse, located at 900 Georgia Ave., doesn’t meet certain security and safety requirements or meet long-term operational needs of the courts.

The proposed 190,478-sqft courthouse would feature seven courtrooms, nine chambers, and 40 secured parking spots, plus space for services like the District + Bankruptcy clerks and US Probation Office. Congress approved $218 million for the site acquisition.

Map of the proposed sites for federal courthouse — Depending on further studies and decisions, the courthouse could move to one of these outlined destinations.
|
Map provided by GSA

The assessment looked at various factors concerning the proposed sites and found that none of them would cause significant adverse impact, environmentally or socially. Read the full breakdown of these three sites:

TVA property bounded by West 11th Street on the north, Market Street on the east, West 12th Street on the south + Chestnut Street on the west (size and location TBD)
Portion of AT&T Field at 201, 203, 205, and 301 Power Alley (size and location TBD)
8th Street property bounded by Lindsay Street on the west, East 8th Street on the north, Houston Street on the east + extending south to (and including) 814 Lindsay St.

Note: There is also a “No Action” alternative where the city’s courthouse would remain and continue to not meet the standards needed.

According to the release, GSA is prioritizing the TVA and stadium sites as possible outcomes. While this development is still in the pre-design and selection phase, here are the next steps.

June | Program of requirements complete + shortlisted architecture and engineering firms announced
July | Stage 1 Solicitation posted for construction manager as constructor
Fall 2024 | Preferred site identified

Want to keep order in the courthouse? Bookmark GSA’s website for updates.

Asked

Which site do you prefer for the new courthouse?

A. TVA site
B. AT&T Field site
C. 8th Street site

Order in the court

Events

Thursday, April 11

Learn to Block Print Daffodil Tea Towels Class | Thursday, April 11 | 6-8:30 p.m. | The Knot & Needle, 3803 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank | $59.99 | Learn the art of designing and hand-carving rubber blocks to produce stunning two-color prints.

Friday, April 12

Poetry and Punchlines | Friday, April 12 | 7-10 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Join Rhyme N Chatt in celebration of National Poetry + Humor Months and laugh along to fellow comedians.
Dock Party | Friday, April 12 | 8 p.m. | Songbirds, 206 W. Main St., Chattanooga | $7 | See this local four-piece jam band while supporting the Songbirds Foundation.

Saturday, April 13

River City Ribbon Run | Saturday, April 13 | 8-11 a.m. | Chattanooga State Community College & TN Riverpark, 4501 Amnicola Hwy., Chattanooga | $15-$30 | Pick your ribbon color and join a family-friendly 5K, one-mile run + kids fun run to benefit Rees Skillern Cancer Institute.
Master Your Garden Expo | Saturday, April 13-Sunday, April 14 | Times vary | Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy., East Ridge | $0-$10 | Update your plant knowledge and collection with presentations by experts, live demos, a Master Gardener Q&A + shopping from vendors.
Odd Market X Punk & Drag | Saturday, April 13 | 12-7 p.m. | Stove Works, 1250 E. 13th St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Experience this event that “defies norms, celebrating individuality and embracing the beautifully bizarre” while shopping a local marketplace and seeing live performances.
Children Entrepreneur Market at Rock the Riverfront | Saturday, April 13 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Chattanooga Green, 100 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Shop + support more than 80 children entrepreneurs at Rock the Riverfront’s Children Entrepreneur Market.*

Sunday, April 14

Vehicle Inspections | Sunday, April 14 | 1-4 p.m. | The Samaritan Center, 9231 Lee Hwy., Ooltewah | Free | Get your car’s fluids, belts, hoses, and other maintenance items checked by the students of Southern Adventist University’s automotive program — donations are welcome.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

Urban Story Ventures has officially broken ground on the North Phase of The Bend development. This project will encompass 120 acres of the riverfront in a mixed-use residential + commercial design. See what it could look like in 10 years.

Traffic

In order to finish painting the road + installing reflectors, the W Road will remain closed for an additional week — with a projection to reopen on Monday, April 22. Drivers should utilize Roberts Mill Road or Signal Mountain Boulevard/Taft Highway.

Edu

After receiving feedback on past school years, Hamilton County Schools has drafted two versions of the 2025-2026 school year calendar. Residents (with or without enrolled students) are encouraged to take a survey to discuss their preferences on teacher planning + inclement weather days.

Environment

The City of Chattanooga’s Stormwater Division will host its annual Rain Barrel Distribution Day on Saturday, May 4 to promote “sustainable water management practices.” Homeowners within city limits can purchase up to two rain barrels at subsidized rates now through Sunday, April 28.

Arts

Applications are open for the Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant program for Tennessee nonprofits. The ABC will award up to $5,000 to projects that broaden access and experiences within the art community. A virtual informational session will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 10 a.m.

Trending

Today, April 11 is the first day of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, GA. If you’re feeling inspired and want to improve your putting game, check out our guide to 20+ golf courses and indoor facilities in and around the Scenic City.

Health

Have you heard of STEP TN? See how the syringe + needle service and education program is good for Chattanoogans.*

Plan Ahead

Psst — taxes are almost due. Use E-file for quick, online filing. Plus, file your federal taxes for free with their basic software plan.*

Announced

🎤 Usher, Usher this way

Usher is coming home to Chattanooga | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

“OMG,” Chattanooga-native R&B artist Usher will be coming home on Saturday, April 20 for a special celebration, and you’re all invited.

To honor Usher’s achievements, the famous singer will be welcomed at the McKenzie Arena where he will receive a key to the city and special remarks from local + state officials.

“The city of Chattanooga provided a spark that ignited the fire in me to pursue my dreams as a singer and I’m thankful for the support I received from so many great family members, friends, and mentors so early in my journey,” said Usher. “Thank you for the honor, I look forward to celebrating with you all.”

This event is free and open to all, but pre-registration is required. Tickets will be available online on a first-come, first-serve basis starting tomorrow, April 12 at 10 a.m. Note: There is a limit of two per person + a capacity of 3,500 folks.

The Buy

Your furry friend’s new spot to sleep. Say goodbye to traditional pet beds and pick your favorite print.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Haley

From the editor

This news about Usher coming to town has me saying “Yeah (3x)” today. If you all are as excited as I am and can’t wait, reminisce over his Super Bowl halftime show.

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