Developers assert construction around Erlanger Park is on schedule, Mayor Wamp’s office says they disagree
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Developers have responded to recent criticisms of the progress of construction around Erlanger Park from Hamilton County Attorney Janie Varnell.
In a letter we obtained, they say they are meeting target goals for development around the stadium, which will include new housing, retail, and office space.
Here is that following letter in its entirety:
“Dear Ms. Varnell:
I write on behalf of Pipe Properties & Perimeter Properties (the site owners) in response to your March 5th letter requesting a status update on development in the TIF district surrounding the new Lookouts
stadium (Foundries District). It appears you may not have the final signed copy of the agreement, so, I enclose it for your records. Below, we address the specific information requests from your letter.The first deadline your letter mentions from the “Targeted Development Thresholds” in Section 3(c) of the Development Agreement occurs five years after the stadium receives its certificate of occupancy.
The site owners and New City are making expected progress at this early stage and, in many ways, are ahead of schedule for meeting the First Targeted Development Threshold. For example, the site owners
are in advanced negotiations with New City for New City to acquire another parcel near the stadium for additional private development, and New City has already submitted civil construction documents for
permitting for that second parcel. Site owners and New City are also making progress on plans for short-term and long-term activation of “The Shed” (the former foundry building immediately adjacent to the
stadium), recently announcing a deal for a beer garden operated by Creature Comforts based in Athens, GA. Additionally, the parties are in discussions with other entities interested in office space near the
stadium. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the Foundries District surrounding Erlanger Park is moving ahead with momentum.Next, regarding the Phase I Development, no “Development Focus Shift” has been proposed. New City assures us they remain committed to the “Anticipated Phase I Development” defined in the Agreement
and they are working diligently toward that goal.Typical of complex developments, the design and permitting process is multi-phased, regularly adjusted based on feedback from design and engineering professionals, the general contractor, the market, and
planning staff, zoning bodies, and code officials on behalf of the City. The drawing and permitting timeline up to now has been as follows:• Site owners and New City submitted for initial site grading and utilities permits on November 8,
2024, as part of the post-issue amendment No 2.• New City obtained initial schematic design drawings from its local architect by December 20,
2024. Those drawings were revised and detailed several times, with the latest version of the SD
set dated January 29, 2025.• The drawings were further detailed to the design development level by June 4, 2025.
• New City appeared before the Form Based Code Committee and obtained variance approval on
July 10, 2025.• In connection with approved variances and feedback from City staff, New City obtained a revised
design development set on October 31, 2025.• New City appeared before BOCA on November 14, 2025 to determine how the designated no-
build area in the existing Stadium Declaration impacts certain requirements related to building
placement near adjoining property lines.• New City submitted its civil construction documents for the site specific Land Disturbance Permit
on February 13, 2026.• Based on feedback from all reviewers at the City in response to the February 13 submittal, New
City re-submitted construction documents on March 18, 2026.• New City completed pre-submittal review on March 3, 2026, for its next stage of permits related
to the Phase I Parcel (formal submission being imminent).• New City has requested an air rights/building overhang encroachment easement from the Sports
Authority in connection with the final building design (initially requested in early October 2025,
revised based on the BOCA meeting feedback, and the latest version is currently under review by
the Sports Authority).The above milestones are precedent requirements for the final building permit, which is New City’s current focus. While New City is working on the building permit, construction has continued toward the
development. All on-site and off-site utility connections and corresponding infrastructure for the Phase I Development have been completed. The building pad for the Phase I Development was completed on
or before February 10, 2026, and the design team is currently working on the closure of the corresponding permit.Ensuring that the Erlanger Park construction schedule remained on time and on budget required the site owners and developer to conscientiously coordinate with the Sports Authority and stadium contractor,
including on site access across the Phase I Parcel. Erlanger Park construction remains on time and on budget despite inflationary pressures and complex supply chain challenges and will be ready for opening
day on April 14th. We have no concerns about New City meeting the originally contemplated construction timeline for completion.We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with an update on the Foundries District which is already catalyzing private investment into the nearby community. We are happy to provide updates when
requested, but also note that for over two years, Pipe Properties & Perimeter Properties (site owners), New City (the master developer), and the Chattanooga Lookouts have held weekly status meetings every
Friday by Microsoft Teams, inviting the Sports Authority, the City of Chattanooga, and Hamilton County. We encourage the County to have a representative attend those going forward, as the purpose of that
call is for the parties to provide real-time updates and keep all stakeholders informed of the progress.We are grateful for Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga’s continued partnership and interest in this important development.
Sincerely,
Kirby Yost, on behalf of the Site Owners.”
However, we have also heard for Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp’s office, who say they disagree with the assessment of this letter to Attorney Varnell.
Haley Burton, Mayor Wamp’s press secretary, sent us the following statement:
“As their own lawyer admits, New City has failed to meet any of the deadlines established in Section 3(a) of the Development Agreement. The county has attended and monitored the Teams meetings organized and hosted by Bridge Public Affairs and will continue to do so.
Regardless of spin from lawyers, lobbyists, and publicists, there is not a single meaningful project under construction around the stadium. This is a stark contrast from the 2024 Younger study promoted by developers, which projected more than 600,000 square feet would be complete or under construction in 2026. The bottom line is that until the developers do what they said they would do, taxpayers will be footing the bill.”
Opening Day at Erlanger Park is set for April 14.
