Government announces choice for new Federal Courthouse, but UNUM says they won’t sell

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Federal Government today announced their preferred location for a new courthouse in Chattanooga.

But there is a catch.

The owners of the property say it isn’t for sale.

The General Services Administration announced that a site on Vine Street was the winning location for the new federal courts building.

They want to build on parking lots near U-T-C.

“We look forward to building a new Federal courthouse in Chattanooga that will meet the needs of the U.S. Courts and the citizens of Chattanooga,” said Jeff Smith, GSA Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner. “Thank you to everyone at GSA, the U.S. District Court, and the citizens of Chattanooga for your support and engagement with this comprehensive, multi-year effort.”

But the property is owned by the Unum Group.

And they have issued a statement that the land is NOT for sale.

“We are surprised and deeply disappointed by today’s announcement from the General Services Administration. Unum has clearly and consistently informed the GSA that its Vine Street properties are not for sale. Additionally, local civic and business leaders have identified a viable alternative site for the new federal courthouse. For decades, Unum has invested in real estate near our headquarters to meet the long-term needs of our business and support the growth of the Riverfront and Downtown neighborhoods. The GSA’s selected location for this project does not align with or support that vision or the expressed interests of our community.”

The General Services Administration announcement today identified the Vine Street location as the best possible locatons.

“There will be no significant impact to the human or natural environment from the construction of the proposed new courthouse. “

The federal agency announced their decision to build a new, larger courthouse last April.

The current location next to Miller Park is historic, but not big enough any more.

The new courthouse will include 7 courtrooms, 9 chambers, and 40 secured parking spaces.

During the year, GSA identified four finalists for the new site, the TVA complex, a Broad Street location, Hawk Hill (current Lookouts Stadium) and the Vine Street area.

We’ll look at where the search goes next tonight on News 12 at six.