Chattanooga, August 24, 2025
News Summary
A recent Preservation Town Hall in Chattanooga brought together around 90 community members to address the urgent need for historic preservation. Key concerns were raised about threatened buildings such as the Medical Arts Building. With only four local historic districts, community leaders stressed the need for a comprehensive preservation plan to protect Chattanooga’s architectural heritage and identity.
Chattanooga Mobilizes Community to Protect Historic Buildings
A recent Preservation Town Hall in Chattanooga brought together approximately 90 concerned community members to discuss the future of historic preservation in the city. The gathering highlighted an urgent call to action for protecting the city’s architectural heritage amid ongoing threats to its historic sites.
During the event, Todd Morgan, executive director of Preserve Chattanooga, underscored the need for immediate action in preservation efforts. Attendees viewed images of local buildings categorized as “LOST,” “THREATENED,” or “PROTECTED”, which served as powerful reminders of the ongoing challenges in preserving Chattanooga’s history.
One major point of concern is the Medical Arts Building on McCallie Avenue, which is currently threatened with demolition by its owners, First Presbyterian Church. Additional sites facing similar fates include the former Sports Barn downtown, where ongoing demolition is clearing the way for a new Drury Hotel, and the historical president’s/chancellor’s home at UTC, which has already been demolished. Other recent losses include the former Highland Park Baptist Church, which succumbed to a fire, and several older school buildings such as Tyner High and Middle Schools and CSLA/Elbert Long School.
Chattanooga currently has only four local historic districts and one local historic landmark, severely limiting the protection available for its historic sites. Designation as a local historic district offers more robust protection than being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Experts at the Town Hall emphasized that a preservation plan for the city is long overdue, as the last comprehensive plan dates back to the early 1990s.
Cassie Cline, a preservation planner for the city, explained that gaining local historic recognition requires satisfaction of one of ten criteria. The event also showcased ongoing restoration efforts for the Waymark Hotel, which is being renovated while preserving its historic elements.
Linda Moss Mines, the county historian, reiterated the importance of historic preservation, linking it to an understanding of the community’s historical fabric. The audience was prompted to consider how the loss of historical sites represents a significant blow to the community’s identity. Attendees raised questions about the protection of individual historic items and expressed concerns about the condition of specific sites like Engel Stadium.
In addition to the town hall meeting, Preserve Chattanooga has announced the upcoming Chattanooga Preserve Awards program, scheduled for September 18. This event will feature speaker Donovan Rypkema, who will discuss the economic advantages of historic preservation, further engaging the community in these vital issues.
There is also a community initiative to restore the large sign atop the old Chattanooga Choo-Choo dome, showcasing local interest in preserving iconic landmarks. Overall, the event aimed to mobilize citizens in protecting Chattanooga’s architectural legacy and encourage greater public involvement in preservation activities.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the Preservation Town Hall in Chattanooga?
The Preservation Town Hall aimed to discuss the future of historic preservation in Chattanooga and mobilize community efforts to protect historic buildings.
Who organized the event?
The event was organized by Preserve Chattanooga, a local organization advocating for the preservation of historic sites.
What threats to historic buildings were discussed?
Key threats included the potential demolition of the Medical Arts Building, ongoing demolition for a new hotel downtown, and recent demolitions of the UTC president’s home and various school buildings.
How many local historic districts are in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga currently has only four local historic districts and one local historic landmark.
What specific protections do local historic districts offer?
Local historic districts provide greater protection against demolition compared to properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
When is the Chattanooga Preserve Awards program scheduled?
The Chattanooga Preserve Awards program is set for September 18 and will highlight the economic benefits of historic preservation.
Key Features of Chattanooga’s Preservation Town Hall
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Attendees | Around 90 community members participated in the event. |
| Key Speaker | Todd Morgan, executive director of Preserve Chattanooga. |
| Threatened Buildings | Medical Arts Building and former Sports Barn, among others. |
| Local Historic Districts | Only four districts and one landmark in Chattanooga. |
| Next Event | Chattanooga Preserve Awards on September 18, featuring Donovan Rypkema. |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Preservationists Talk Strategies for Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Chattanoogan: John Shearer on Historic Preservation
- Google Search: Chattanooga Historic Preservation
- Chattanooga Pulse: Chattanooga’s First Preservation Town Hall
- Google Scholar: Historic Preservation Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Crews Take Wrecking Ball to Historic Chattanooga Car Barn
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Preservation
- Local 3 News: Historic Downtown Chattanooga Building Demolished
- Google News: Chattanooga Preserve Awards
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