What should be Chattanooga’s building height limit?

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A proposed development near Finley Stadium is raising the question of how high new buildings should be in Chattanooga.

The former Eureka Foundry site, founded in 1902, was a large manufacturer of iron casting.

However, its future is leaving many debating whether or not Chattanooga’s future should be looking up.

One of the current buildings at the former Eureka Foundry.

The proposal by Nashville based Smith Gee Studio says the 20-story building would be a multi-use retail and residential space.

This would be a part of a larger plan to restore the Eureka Foundry site, expand parking for Finley Stadium and connect the stadium to the Chattanooga Convention Center with a potential hotel.

However, developers such as Scott Morton say a 12-story limit, currently enshrined in Chattanooga’s downtown form-based code, would be detrimental to the project.

Morton said, “Twelve stories would not allow for the economic model to restore these adaptive buildings and provide the infrastructure and open space amenities.”

It is worth noting that two 20-story buildings have been approved within the past three years, including one at the under construction The Bend on the Westside.

Some commissioners wonder if Chattanooga has to grow vertically due to geographical challenges such as the Tennessee River and surrounding mountains.

Commissioner Ledford explained, “We don’t have the land, we’re going to have to think about vertical development. Even on my own home I wish we were able to build a third story because of a growing family need, and I’m afraid I’m going to have to look elsewhere.”

Others say they’re concerned that rising building heights will block the views surrounding the city and cause more growth issues.

Commissioner Matthew Lyle said, “We do need to be very cautious with what we do, because we’re setting up the future generations with what that skyline will look like.”

Morton argues this is the path forward for Chattanooga. He said, “Allowing for the additional height provides a development incentive to restore and refurbish the buildings, and the tradeoff provides significant value to the city.”

This matter has been deferred to next month’s Regional Planning Agency meeting.