Chattanooga City Council hears presentation on Southside development proposal

Project developer has history with Atlanta's Ponce City Market, other landmarks

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — The announcement behind the development of the former U.S. Pipe site and Wheland Foundry has sparked both excitement and controversy here in the Scenic City.

Tonight, that very topic was discussed in front of Chattanooga’s City Council.

The task of development on the Southside project has been handed to Jim Irwin of New City Properties.

He, alongside a pair of city employees, presented their vision to the council tonight reminding them that this development is about much more than just America’s pastime.

City economic development officer Jermaine Freeman sees the potential new development as a “catalyst” for growth.

He believes the revitalization of the former pipe site will further put the Scenic City on the map.

“This is an opportunity for us to take Chattanooga into the next phase of development and this is an opportunity for us to really do some things that will help our city to shine and be recognized for many years to come,” Freeman said.

While the project promises new housing, retail, and restaurants, the prime draw is a new ballpark for the Chattanooga Lookouts.

The club’s lease would pay for 22% of the stadium’s construction.

City chief financial officer Brent Goldberg says the club’s lease agreement alone would generate over $30,000,000 in 30 years.

“That rent amount is about three times more than what the Tennessee Titans pay for a stadium in Nashville, which is also a stadium that gets half a billion dollars from the state,” Goldberg said. “It’s also quite a bit more than what the Nashville Sounds pay.”

However, not all members of the council are confident in the park’s development.

“What happens if the Lookouts go away as a team?” said Ken Smith of District 3. “[What] if MLB decides one day, hey, we don’t need the Lookouts?”

“Here I am looking at all these sports that the only way they get to have a place to play is for the government to pay for them,” said Jenny Hill of District 2. “I don’t get why we have that business model.”

Both Freeman and Irwin were quick to remind the council that this development is not solely about the Lookouts nor the new ballpark.

Irwin says there’s limitless potential to what the development of the Southside could bring to the city.

“This is not about baseball,” Irwin said. “This is about creating an amazing place for people. These public projects like this and the convergence of a stadium, a riverwalk, access to the river — it is really like all of the planets have aligned in this perfect moment.”

When regarding the stadium, however, there were some that were concerned about what would happen if a new ballpark wasn’t built.

The greatest fear is that the Lookouts, a landmark of our city, would have to leave town after more than 100 years of playing ball.