River City announces vision for current Lookouts stadium on Hawk Hill

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Now that construction is underway on a new stadium for the Chattanooga Lookouts, the question is what will happen to the old one.

The River City Company is sharing their ideas for Hawk Hill.

They’ve been working on a community planning process since 2023.

That included 3100 residents taking an online survey, focus groups, input from stakeholders and two professional consulting firms.

Their vision is a mixed-use neighborhood for the 13 acres overlooking the Tennessee River downtown.

“While it’s too early to know specifically when Hawk Hill will become available for redevelopment as the Chattanooga Lookouts build and then move to their new stadium, River City Company believes it is important to share with the community how this site could be transformed in a way that benefits everyone in our community.  Today, we are revealing conceptual drawings to provide everyone with a direction for the future. The next steps of the process will be to identify how the site could be redeveloped,” said Emily Mack, President & CEO of River City Company. “We anticipate that this development would be phased over time, but as with any economic development project, it can take many years to plan, and we want to ensure we have the time to do it right.”

Their conceptual drawings show housing and a park on top of the hill, restaurants and retail below.

Plus new parking, which has always been a problem for the Lookouts.

“Having 13 acres in the heart of our downtown available for redevelopment will allow for the addition of badly-needed new housing units. As we increase the supply and density of housing in our urban core, it will lower the demand that is driving up housing prices in Chattanooga. This redevelopment will also provide opportunities for retail, restaurants, and public spaces where Chattanoogans and visitors can enjoy the beautiful river views that are unique to Hawk Hill. I am extremely optimistic about Chattanooga’s future, downtown and throughout the city. This unveiling is a great way to cap off a momentous week for Chattanooga,” said Mayor Kelly.

But don’t expect any quick decisions.

The Lookouts won’t move until April, 2026 which is more than a year and a half away.

Then the old stadium will be demolished.

Only then will they begin soliciting developers.