Urban Story Ventures says the Walnut Street building is ideal for a studio. | Photo via Waterhouse Public Relations
Remember Hamilton County’s old jail? It closed in 2021 and has been empty ever since — but that could soon change.
Local developer Urban Story Ventures wants to transform the downtown building into Jailhouse Studios, a film and music production hub.
“Chattanooga stands as a rare unicorn in the production landscape, ideally located between Atlanta and Nashville, two of the nation’s top creative hubs,” said Dan Kretz, president of Optic 8, which would help build the studios.
The proposal includes residential space for artists and a helipad on the roof to fly them in and out.
At one time, the roof of the Hamilton County Jail served as a basketball court for inmates.
Photo by NOOGAtoday
On the tech side, the studios would be “quantum-ready,” meaning each production would get its own private, encrypted digital workspace — keeping films and music secure.
“There’s nothing like it. Chattanooga will be in the global spotlight for technology and entertainment like never before,” said Jimmy White, president of Urban Story Ventures.
The project could take about 18 months if approved by county commissioners. We’ll keep you posted on their decision.
Can you think on your feet? If so, you might be good at improv. Improv Chattanooga’s winter classes start at The Chattery this week, and there’s still time to register. Classes run for eight weeks and cost $150 a person. Seems like a great new hobby to kick off 2026.
Watch
Tennessee’s story is getting the star treatment. A new short film from Gov. Bill Lee’s office highlights the state’s history, contributions, and icons — narrated by none other than Dolly Parton. Honestly, we’d listen to that woman read the dictionary. (Local 3 News)
Read
Speaking of reading — it’s on the rise, with online searches for “good books” recently hitting an all-time high. If you’re trying to turn more pages in the new year, these five area bookstores are great places to start.
Mansion Monday
A museum that looks like the Death Star, Africa’s tallest building, and the end of a 144-year project. Those are three architectural marvels on the radar heading into 2026. Here in Chattanooga, this recently listed home is a marvel of its own. (CNN)
Ranked
When Tennesseans hit the drive-thru, one chain reigns supreme. New data from Visual Capitalist shows Hardee’s is the most popular fast food restaurant in the state. But if you ask us, we’d rather hit one of these lunch spots.
Seasonal
Do you smell shortbread? Girl Scout Cookie season is almost here. Use this zipcode finder to get a countdown to cookies — and support our local Girl Scout troops.
Health
New Year’s resolutions tend to fade fast — but a routine check-up can help you stay on track all year. Cempa Community Care makes it easy to prioritize your health-related resolutions by booking a primary care appointment with one of their trusted providers. Build habits that stick, starting with a simple check-in.*
Jobs
Kick off 2026 by growing your team the smart way. Whether you’re a small business ready to expand or a large company filling a critical role, our Job Board connects you with engaged, qualified local talent ready to work. Post your open roles for free and start the new year with strong applications rolling in.
Editor’s Pick
At Mr. T’s, you can create your own or choose from one of nine specialty pizzas. | Photo via Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream
Pizzerias aren’t ruling the restaurant world like they used to. After hitting a record high in 2019, the number of pizza restaurants in the US has steadily declined, with coffee shops and Mexican restaurants now outnumbering them.
Our favorite car accessory: a portable air pump and power bank. Never worry about low tire pressure again with this lightweight device that inflates tires while providing a real-time pressure display. Plus, it features a flashlight + flashing SOS mode for added peace of mind during a breakdown or emergency.
Holy snails, y’all are the best. I never thought an inbox full of snail emojis could make me feel so good. Thank you for supporting me and loving NOOGAtoday as much as I do. You are the reason this newsletter exists, so 🐌 right back at ya.
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