Public survey asks what should be done with downtown casino ship

Leisure Lady at the Bend / Jacob Macias, Pinnacle Tour

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Casino ship “Leisure Lady” is being rehomed to the Bend in Chattanooga. There is now an open survey for the public to share what they feel should be done with the boat.

“Leisure Lady” was docked on the Tennessee River at the Battery Place Neighborhood in downtown Chattanooga for years.

Those who take the survey can choose whether they think the ship should be used for food/beverage, lodging, a social hub, transportation or mixed use. There is also the option to “scrap the boat.”

Take the survey here.

Urban Story Ventures announced the ship’s new home on Wednesday.

The Bend is a 120-acre project along the downtown riverfront in west Chattanooga. It was previously home to the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival in 2023.

“If you’ve been on the Riverwalk or have driven across Veterans Memorial Bridge in downtown Chattanooga, you have likely seen the giant ship, which has seen better days. The core of our business focuses on next chapters in commercial real estate, and we see great potential and exciting possibilities ahead for Leisure Lady,” said Brad Shumpert, executive vice president of Urban Story Ventures.