Celebration of life held for Stroud Watson, whose vision shaped downtown Chattanooga
A picture of the late Stroud Watson, who was honored Wednesday evening in a celebration of life at Miller Plaza, one of the many spots he had influence over its design.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A visionary who helped Chattanooga transform its future was honored Wednesday evening.
Stroud Watson recently passed away at the age of 88 from natural causes according to his obituary.
A tone of gratitude filled the air at Stroud Watson’s celebration of life at Miller Plaza, one of the many places he had influence in its design over the past 40 years in downtown Chattanooga.
Watson was an urban designer instrumental in the development of the Tennessee Aquarium and much of the revitalization of downtown.
Before the redevelopment spurred by the aquarium, downtown Chattanooga had fallen on hard times following the closure of most industry, and being deemed the dirtiest city in America by the EPA.
Through his Urban Design Studio along with other partners, they were key players in redevelopments such as Miller Park and the 21st Century Waterfront.
Rick Montague, who worked with Watson during that redevelopment, says that seeing how downtown has grown due to the vision of his late friend is astounding.
He emphasized, “We’re trying to explain how in the world this ever happened. Before we get started for those who don’t believe in miracles, miracles happen. And we all live in a miracle that Stroud helped us realize.”
News 12 spoke with Watson during the development of the Aquarium in the late 1980s, where he along with students developed an exhibit showcasing the potential of the Chattanooga riverfront.
Watson said of people seeing that exhibit, “It caused a lot of interest at that time. It was very subliminal, and people didn’t walk out of that exhibit saying we got to build an aquarium. It just kind of planted a seed.”
Montague says that Watson’s legacy goes far beyond just the creation of the Tennessee Aquarium, but in the Riverwalk that sits right next to it.
He says that at one point that Riverwalk was close to being cut, but Watson insisted it remained in the final redevelopment plans.
Montague said, “Our city was segregated by neighborhood, race, class. Afraid to mingle and become a vibrant urban city of the future. Stroud believed that the Riverwalk was necessary to combat this.”
Watson’s vision will be a part of Chattanooga’s future.
He said upon the majority of citizens buying into the aquarium project, “That must be the turning point that the community returned to the river spiritually.”
Watson is survived by his wife of 50 years, daughter, and numerous other family members and friends.
