Have you ever had the desire to explore an old, abandoned building?
If you’re of the cautious variety, you’ve likely never followed through on that desire, and for good reason — trespassing, potentially unsafe building conditions, and (probably) ghosts.
This fall, Chattanoogans will get the chance to indulge their inner child and explore the history and space of what was one of the city’s largest employers back in the 1900s: the Standard Coosa Thatcher Mill (now shortened to Coosa Mill) — safely + legally, and (maybe) without ghosts.
… What would they say? | GIF via NOOGAtoday + VistaCreate
How
Local dance + production nonprofit The Pop-Up Project is working with the developer of Mill Town (an ongoing development surrounding + encompassing the abandoned mill) to:
Reactivate + reanimate Coosa Mill
Allow folks to explore the abandoned building safely
Use art as a means to tell stories + the history of the mill
Leverage community engagement and tell locals’ stories
When
September + October | Four different, smaller shows leading up to…
TBD | The main event, with six different shows + an opportunity to explore. Sign up for the Pop-Up Project’s email list to get the show info first
This room will become a 1920s-style speakeasy during the shows. | GIF via NOOGAtoday + VistaCreate
The fun details
The whole first floor of the mill + its performances will be ADA accessible, and Co-founder of the Pop-Up Project Jules Downum said that it will “always be bumpin’.”
One of the activities will pay homage to the incredible graffiti inside of the abandoned building with a graffiti workshop.
Speaking of graffiti… the developer (Collier) is offering full amnesty to artists who painted inside of the building — they wanna hear your story + give you credit for your work (or not, if you’d rather remain anonymous).
One room at the bottom of the mill will be converted into a 1920s-style speakeasy bar, so you can step out + take a break if needed.
The community’s help is a big aspect of this project — if you or someone you know has a connection to the neighborhood, mill, or the former company, contact The Pop-Up Project — these stories will inform the performances.
Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class | Mon., May 9 | 4-5:30 p.m. + 6-7:30 p.m. | Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. | Free | Children + adults alike will learn how to ride a bicycle safely. 🚲
Tuesday
Chattanooga Go Red for Women Luncheon | Tues., May 10 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Chattanooga Convention Center | $100 | Celebrate the American Heart Association’s movement bringing awareness to cardiovascular disease in women.
Book Chatt Connection | Wed., May 11 | 10:30-11 a.m. | Downtown Chattanooga Public Library | Free | Make connections with fellow book lovers. 📖
Thursday
Vision + Verse: Rhyme N Chatt | Thurs., May 12 | 6-7 p.m. | Hunter Museum | Free | Each performance will be inspired by works created by African American artists in the museum’s collection.
Creative Writing: The Hero’s Journey | Thurs., May 12 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery | $20 | Leave the class with an outline of your own novel or blockbuster movie script. ✍️
Dusty Slay | Thurs., May 12-Sat., May 14 | Various times | The Comedy Catch | $20+ | Dusty Slay has been seen on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and his own Comedy Central special — must be 18+ to attend.
Friday
Bunny Hop! 2022 | Fri., May 13 | 6-8:30 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion | $20+ | Families can enjoy a night of kids activities + a silent auction to benefit Chambliss Center for Children. 🐰
Kenny G | Fri., May 13 | 8 p.m. | Tivoli Theatre | $40 | American smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G is one of the best-selling artists of all time. 🎷
WanderlingerFest 2022 | Fri., May 13-Sun., May 15 | Various times | Wanderlinger Brewing Co. | $36.43+ | Celebrate local art, music, and beer at this three-day festival.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
By the looks of it, a new cocktail bar called Dusk, featuring local beer, craft cocktails, and games, is coming to Bode Chattanooga. The bar, described as “a 1920s furniture store reimagined as a 2020s glamping lounge,” will launch its summer 2022 menu soon. 🍸
Environment
The City of Chattanooga and the Southeastern Grassland Initiative have partnered to restore grasslands at Heritage Park with community help. On Sat., May 14, the organizations will host a workshop in which participants will monitor the success of earlier seeding, collect + survey data, and perform onsite maintenance. 🌱
Community
On Wed., May 11, Barking Legs Theater will host the presentations of McCallie School seniors Levi Lebovitz and Jerry Zhang, who will share their research on the history of the Ridgedale neighborhood. Stay after the presentation for Barking Legs’ “Jazz in the Lounge” with bassist Given Graber.
Traffic
To repair damaged concrete slabs, perform bridge repairs + more, TDOT will close lanes on I-75 in both directions — between mile markers 6.6 and 12.6. Upcoming work will take place from Fri., May 13 at 9 p.m. through Mon., May 16 at 6 a.m. 🚧
Award
The 12 local student winners of EPB’s “ArtSpark Goes to School” challenge will be honored on Tues., May 10. Throughout May, their work will be displayed in the windows of EPB’s downtown location and will be used to beautify local utility boxes. 🎨
Pets
To honor the late Kelly McCoy and her animal advocacy, the Humane Educational Society will host the first annual Kelly McCoy Adopt-A-Thon on Sat., May 21. From 12-5 p.m., HES will waive adoption fees for all adult dogs. 🐾
Health
Registration is now open for Erlanger’s annual OBGYN Symposium for Nurses and Physicians on Thurs., May 19 + Fri., May 20 at UTC’s University Center. This two-day event will feature simulation labsandsessions on topics within obstetrics and gynecology. 🩺
Job
Looking to work for a locally-owned, public accounting firmwhere you can become your clients’ most trusted business advisor? HHM CPAs is hiring a Financial Planner to assist clients in building, distributing, preserving + transferring wealth. Learn more and apply.*
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Did you see some interesting cars driving around Chattanooga this weekend?
They were likely part of local organization Art 120’s We Make Celebration + Art Car Ball. The events result in incredibly-designed, unique cars from around the country, creative costumes, music, and performances.
This snazzy bug was designed by Houston-based art teacher Julon Pinkston’s students + is based on a type of art called Mandala.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: Now that the weather is warming up, I’m wanting to finally take up an activity I’ve wanted to try ever since I moved to Chattanooga: rock climbing. Admittedly, though, I’m a bit nervous to try it out, and going to the climbing gyms around town intimidates me. Any suggestions for where I should go to — pun 100% intended — learn the ropes?Email me.
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