First private development tied to Erlanger Park breaks ground

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As Erlanger Park continues its construction, some of the recent discussion around the surrounding district was when nearby development would begin.

Monday, the first of those projects broke ground.

An empty lot at 26th and Cowart Streets right off of South Broad Street, will soon be the new Broadview Condominiums.

The ceremonial groundbreaking of the Broadview condos in South Chattanooga.

This private development is the first in the new South Broad TIF district as these apartments will be located about two blocks away from the new Erlanger Park.  

Senior advisor to Chattanooga mayor Tim Kelly, Chris Anderson, said, “We’re on track to have a billion dollars in new investments in this area, despite what you may have heard.”

Broadview will be a four story, 43 unit complex that is costing developers Aslan and FTC Properties $22 million dollars to construct.

In addition to the new units, there will be retail including space for a full service restaurant on site.

The property and sales tax generated on the site will be a part of the tax increment financing district surrounding Erlanger Park.

This means a portion of the revenue generated from new developments like Broadview will be used in paying off the $80 million dollar bonds of the $112 million dollar stadium.

There had been recent concerns raised by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp questioning if enough private development would be built be fast enough around the stadium to avoid a debt shortfall in city and county budgets.

However, developers say this is the first of many groundbreakings.

Aslan CEO Tiffanie Robinson said, “We know when we add residential to any area, that adds people, and that’s people walking the streets, buying from retailers, going to restaurants, it is a direct economic impact into any area. So we that think these new condos are not only going to drive economic development for this area but drive new development. I think we are going to see more developers come into this area because of the great projects that are happening, and this is just one of those projects.”

Hamilton County Commissioner Joe Graham added it’s about time more was built in the South Broad District.

Graham said, “A lot of these groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings happen all over the county except of our side of the river, our side of the county. This side of the county is now going to explode.”

Developers say they expect these projects to transform the character of South Chattanooga.

Robinson said, “I think five years from now you will see a lot of newer homes built in this area. A lot more younger families right here living in this area. Howard High School is right over there. My hope is that this area really invests in Howard High School, and becomes more engaged with that school and other schools in this area. So I think it will and feel a lot tighter as a community.”

Broadview is expected to be completed in 2026.