Sunday, May 3, 2009

Historic Chattanooga Neighborhoods

There are numerous historic neighborhoods in Chattanooga if you like the character and soul of an older home.

The following is a brief introduction to some of the communities close to downtown and their progress in restoration:

Ft. Wood:
This is the community around the UTC area in Chattanooga. Most of the houses here have already been restored, and command top dollar. Several of these are being used as fraternity houses. There are also a couple of bed and breakfasts in this area. Click here for more information about Fort Wood.

Southside:
This area is the south part of downtown including Main Street and the area surrounding the Chattanooga Choo Choo and runs south down Broad St. Lots of interest and development has been initiated in the area recently and a new magnet school has spurred growth (the individual neighborhoods that make up the Southside area include Jefferson Heights, Cowart Place, & Ft. Negley)

St. Elmo: This neighborhood is located at the foot of Lookout Mtn, TN. Lots of larger 2-story homes and larger lots. Conveniently near Ruby Falls, the Incline and Rock City. There is a small group of shops and eateries including locally owned Umbra Essence Candles & Mojo Burrito at the entrance to the residential area. St. Elmo is one of several designated Historic Districts in Chattanooga with strict review guidelines for any exterior renovations.


North Shore
:
Just over the river from downtown, this community includes the homes north of Frazier Avenue, and between Barton Ave and North Market Street all the way up to Mississippi Ave, have a numerous bungalows and a few Victorians on rolling hills and twisty roads which lend charm and a few good views. Frazier Avenue and River Street have numerous shops and restaurants, although a few of the businesses have recently moved to larger quarters on nearby Manufacturer's Road. North Chattanooga, as this area is known, is one of the most sought after areas by urban hipsters and families alike. As such, property values are higher here than in almost any other area of the city.

Highland Park: Bounded by Holtzclaw and Willow, McCallie and Main, this neighborhood surrounds Tennessee Temple University. Several Alumni and home restorers have been fixing up these houses over the late 1990's and early 2000's. The bulk of the homes on Chamberlain and Duncan have been renovated, nearly as many on Bailey and Union have been restored. These homes command a premium price, particularly those with original historic details. The Highland Park Neighborhood Association sponsors a tour of homes each year. The neighborhoods of Highland Park, Ridgedale, Oak Grove, Orchard Knob & Bushtown are often collectively referred to by Chattanoogans as Highland Park.

Glenwood: Located north of McCallie Avenue and running North on Dodds Avenue towards Memorial Hospital, it features large stately Dutch Colonial homes, surrounded by bungalows, with smaller Craftman cottages dotted throughout the neighborhood. Many of the homes have been restored, and they have an active community association which sponsors an annual jazz festival. The local Greek Orthodox church also puts on a Greek festival every year.

Ferger Place: A very small "U" shaped neighborhood with very large well maintained homes that go for top price. It's just across Main Street from Highland Park. Ferger Place is another Chattanooga neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Missionary Ridge: Numerous stately homes line Missionary Ridge. South Crest & North Crest run the length of this community and afford a very scenic drive. They have a very active neighborhood association. One thing that stands out to visitors is the presence of both cannon and plaques marking various significant Civil War sites. The Battle of Missionary Ridge was one of the most important battles of the Civil War and the history of "The Ridge" is always visible.

Ridgedale: Located 3 miles from downtown, this is a community of homes filled with late Victorian, early Craftsman cottages and bungalows. It is located between Highland Park and Missionary Ridge and to the south of Glenwood. Homes are just beginning to be restored over the past few years. Bargain hunters seeking a deal have been snapping up homes along Bailey Avenue and the first few blocks bordering the Highland Park community. Back in the 20's and 30's the portion of Dodds avenue running through Ridgedale was lined with stores and it was the shopping district before the advent of malls and urban sprawl. Some prominent Dodds Avenue businesses now include: The Barking Legs Theater, the longtime business of the Associated Fabric Shops, & Cafe Lamont. The McCallie School for Boys is also a prominent landmark within Ridgedale.

Oak Grove: This community lies between 23rd St and Main Street, and between Dodds and Ferger Place. The northwest corner of the neighborhood that borders Main Street has a small Mexican restaurant & grocery, Tienda Jalisco that is frequented by local residents. This area hopes to benefit from the revitalization of Main Street and perhaps get overflow growth from Highland Park.

The City of Chattanooga has a complete listing of all neighborhood associations throughout the city.

1 comment:

  1. Ridgedale sounds like our kinda place. One, of many, things that I love about Chattanooga are the names of all the streets on Lookout Mountain...it's like being on a fairyland mountain surrounded by luxury homes and amazing gardens. Okay one more thing I love about Chattanooga...the gnomes in the gift shop of Rock City. Great info on here btw!

    Theresa

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