Possible Walnut St Boutique Hotel For Chattanooga Could Boost The City’s Profile Say Local Economic Leaders

CHATTANOOGA,TN, (WDEF)-Andrew Hibbard, Vision Hospitality Group,"We have got to get this right, this is such a special area it means a lot to us"

Hibbard says they are working to make sure that the hotel design would  compliment the riverfront and Walnut Street area which includes The Hunter Museum and apartment complexes.

Andrew Hibbard, Vision Hospitality Group,"We have got hotels that are currently being built in Houston and Nashville but Chattanooga is our home town"

River City Company say a boutique five story hotel like the Walnut St Bridge Hotel proposal would cater to a growing niche in the Tennessee Valley.

Kim White, River City Company,"Maybe couples, retirees, we have a lot of adventurers that come to town, that like a place a little different"

The Chamber of Commerce believe hotels are becoming a necessity with more and more national sporting and outdoor events choosing  Chattanooga.

Charles Woode, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, "We have seen significant investment in the hotel industry, there have been half a dozen new hotels that have popped up over the last couple of years. This is a unique opportunity"

The Walnut St Bridge Hotel if given the go ahead would become the third hotel in the next two years to open business in the Scenic City.

A new Holiday Inn is due in 2015 and Red Roof Inn Plus held a gala reopening on Wednesday morning.

Marina McDonald, Chief Marketing Officer for Red Roof Inns,"Occupancies at record levels, the demand here for business and pleasure has been significant and we are just happy to be part of it"

Chattanooga Visitor’s Bureau say it’s vital to have a  range of options available  for those visiting and staying in the Tennessee Valley.

Bob Doak, Chattanooga Visitors Bureau,"Attract a different visitor to Chattanooga which will compliment the many other hotels, we have a hotel practically for anyone’s budget coming to Chattanooga"

The building where the hotel would be located has previously been used as a day spa and salon