News Summary
The One Westside project in Chattanooga has made significant strides in revitalizing the Westside area, with the $50 million federal grant facilitating the development of 1,126 mixed-income housing units. Groundbreaking for Phase I commenced recently, promising enhanced housing options and services for residents. The initiative prioritizes community support, ensures no displacement during construction, and is set to replace outdated public housing, with completion anticipated by 2032. The project is seen as a beacon of change for the local community.
Chattanooga – The One Westside project in Chattanooga has made substantial progress in its revitalization efforts during the first quarter of 2025. This collaborative initiative, backed by a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, aims to transform the Westside area by providing much-needed housing and services for residents. Recognized as the top-ranking project in the nation for this grant, One Westside is set to deliver 1,126 new mixed-income housing units over its seven phases.
Groundbreaking for Phase I of the housing project took place last month at the site of the former Youth and Family Development (YFD) Center, which has been demolished to clear the way for construction. Phase IA is expected to deliver 64 housing units, while Phase IB is planned to provide an additional 166 units. Together, these phases will contribute a total of 230 new mixed-income units, with 92 of these serving as replacement units for current residents of College Hill Courts.
Block Companies have been selected as the general contractor for the construction, demonstrating confidence in their capabilities after a competitive bidding process that included five submissions. The current focus of the project team is on designing Phases 2A and 2B, which are expected to be situated on vacant land south of Gateway Tower. These phases will potentially deliver 144 additional new mixed-income housing units, with 66 units reserved for residents displaced from College Hill Courts.
Community Support and Services
The CNI One Westside People Plan aims to support approximately 350 original households, with a significant number accessing case management services. These services will cover key areas such as economic mobility, education, housing support, and health and wellness. Residents will receive personalized plans that promote self-sufficiency through partnerships with local community organizations.
As part of the One Westside initiative, construction of the James A. Henry Community Hub is currently underway, with more than half of the project already completed. This community hub is expected to offer various services, including a Head Start program for children, which will be vital for enhancing educational opportunities in the area.
City officials have confirmed that the project is committed to ensuring no residents will be displaced during construction phases. Housing will be developed prior to any necessary relocations, maintaining stability for the community during this transformative process.
Overall Project Scope and Future Plans
The complete cost of the Westside project is projected to reach $89 million. The initiative is designed to replace 629 obsolete public housing units currently existing at College Hill Courts and Gateway Towers, aiming for completion by the year 2032. With a master developer, Columbia Residential, overseeing the efforts, the project is gaining momentum and positively impacting the community.
In addition to housing, the One Westside initiative includes a dedicated family support specialist from Urban Strategies, Inc., who will assist residents throughout the Choice Neighborhoods development process. This focus on individualized support is expected to help families navigate the transition and improve their overall quality of life.
As the One Westside project continues to advance, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to bring meaningful change to the Westside area of Chattanooga. With critical milestones already reached, the community looks forward to witnessing the lasting benefits that these developments will bring.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Developer Halts Major Mixed-Use Project Amid Community Pushback
New Apartments and Community Hub Planned for Chattanooga’s Westside
Chattanooga Unveils New Modular Homes for Affordable Housing
Chattanooga Audit Reveals Communication Issues in $80 Million School Relocation
Chattanooga Plans New 144-Unit Housing Development
Chattanooga Plans for a Tall Transformation
Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse: One Westside Neighborhood Development Project Well on Pace
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: 230-Unit Complex in Chattanooga’s Westside Marks
- Google Search: One Westside Chattanooga
- Housing Finance: First Homes Break Ground in Chattanooga Revitalization Plan
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Westside Housing
- Chattanoogan: 1 Westside Breaks Ground on Phase 1
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- WDEF: Chattanooga Lands $50 Million Grant for One Westside Affordable Housing
- Google News: Chattanooga One Westside
