Chattanooga, TN, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Chattanooga Land Bank has donated its first parcel of land to Wind River Built for developing affordable housing. This initiative aims to alleviate the city’s housing crisis by enabling the construction of lower-cost homes. The donation requires that rental units remain affordable for at least 10 years and homes for 15 years, capping prices at $200,000. With additional parcels under consideration, this marks a significant commitment from city officials toward addressing community housing needs.
Chattanooga Land Bank Donates Parcel to Wind River Built for Affordable Housing Development
Chattanooga’s land bank has made a significant step towards addressing the affordable housing crisis by donating its first parcel of land on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The donation, located on Oakland Avenue in the Alton Park area, was made to Wind River Built, a modular home builder based in Cleveland, Tennessee. This initiative aims to promote the construction of lower-cost housing in the city.
The Chattanooga Land Bank Authority has been actively involved in promoting affordable housing for over a decade by donating city-owned properties to developers who commit to building affordable housing. This recent donation marks a crucial milestone as it is the first project utilizing property from the land bank for this purpose.
City officials previously announced their intention to seek proposals for a selection of parcels in the land bank to tackle the issue of affordable housing. Currently, seven city-owned lots are being transferred to developers to encourage the establishment of affordable units for both homeowners and renters.
Details of the Donation and Requirements
As part of the donation agreement, any rental units developed must remain affordable for a minimum of 10 years, while homes must be kept affordable for at least 15 years with a price cap set at $200,000. This ensures long-term affordability for residents of Chattanooga.
An additional 30 parcels are currently under review for future donations and development, which will further expand the city’s affordable housing initiatives. The partnership involves the City of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Land Bank Authority, noted for their work in acquiring, managing, and repurposing vacant and underutilized properties.
Current Opportunities for Developers
The city is actively seeking proposals from local developers to build affordable housing, with a Request for Proposals (RFP) process currently open until January 15. A pre-submission workshop designed for interested developers is set for November 13, providing a platform to discuss project criteria and opportunities.
In addition, the city has identified another 50 potential sites through the land bank that could be developed as part of ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing options throughout Chattanooga. This shows a commitment to address housing needs and enhance community well-being.
Conclusion
The donation by the Chattanooga Land Bank represents a meaningful commitment to creating affordable housing in the city. As the initiative moves forward, it is expected to benefit many families seeking affordable living options, making strides toward a more equitable housing market.
FAQ Section
What is the Chattanooga Land Bank?
The Chattanooga Land Bank is an authority established to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant and underutilized properties with the goal of enhancing community development and addressing housing needs.
Who is Wind River Built?
Wind River Built is a modular home builder based in Cleveland, Tennessee, involved in constructing affordable housing developments in partnership with the Chattanooga Land Bank.
What are the requirements for the donated land?
The rental units must remain affordable for a minimum of 10 years, while homes must remain affordable for at least 15 years and capped at a price of $200,000.
What is the current process for developers interested in affordable housing projects?
Local developers can submit proposals for affordable housing projects until January 15, with a pre-submission workshop scheduled for November 13.
How many additional parcels are available for development?
In addition to the initial donations, another 30 parcels are currently being vetted for potential development, along with an identified 50 additional sites.
Key Features of the Donation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Donation | June 26, 2025 |
| Parcel Location | Oakland Avenue, Alton Park area |
| Recipient | Wind River Built |
| Affordability Period (Rental) | Minimum 10 years |
| Affordability Period (Homes) | Minimum 15 years, capped at $200,000 |
| Current Proposals Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
| Upcoming Workshop | November 13, 2025 |
| Additional Parcels for Development | 30 parcels under review, 50 identified for future development |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Land Bank Approves First Project
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Land Bank Moves on Affordable Housing Project
- Google Search: Chattanooga land bank affordable housing
- Nooga Today: Chattanooga Donates Land for Affordable Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Land Bank Takes Steps for Affordable Housing
- Google News: Chattanooga land bank
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