The Riverfront Parks NEXT (ONE Riverfront Plan) Is building upon the legacy and design of the 21st Century Waterfront, we will evolve and enhance our Riverfront Parks for residents and visitors to experience and enjoy beautiful, comfortable, and exciting park spaces. This revitalization, in partnership with River City Company, will create new public gathering spaces and parking to support downtown accessibility.
Riverfront Redevelopment
Project Highlights
- Dining Concepts: Two new food and beverage concepts bookending Ross's Landing, including the full-service Chestnut Street Restaurant and a casual Pier Café with public restrooms.
- Recreation & Play: A unique play zone next to an enhanced pier experience, plus multi-use sport courts, seating, and art under the Olgiati Bridge (Highway 27).
- Waterfront Access: An expanded floating commercial dock welcoming the public closer to the water while continuing to accommodate boats.
- Infrastructure & Parking: Incorporation of traffic-calming speed tables on Riverfront Parkway, 1,200 future parking spaces through the Hawk Hill development, and up to 12,000 overall supporting parking spaces.
- Greenery & Event Spaces: A ribbon of shade trees, native plants, and flowers, alongside flexible open lawns ("The Valley" and passive porch areas) designed to accommodate large-scale events.
Project Timeline
The Riverfront Parks NEXT project is currently in the Planning phase.
- Design Drawings: As of July 1, construction drawings have reached 90% completion as technical experts finalize exact plans.
- Fundraising Campaign: River City Company’s public fundraising campaign has officially launched.
- Construction Start: Physical ground-breaking for phase one is on track to begin this November.
- Stakeholder & Event Coordination: Regular stakeholder meetings are active to support local businesses and assist major event organizers with contingency planning and alternative venue options for 2027.
Riverfront Redevelopment Images
FAQs
Since the celebration with Governor Bill Lee, River City Company has worked with design teams to finalize construction documents. The first phase of physical work is slated for November.
Event organizers provided direct feedback during planning. Many elements add essential infrastructure for major events, ensuring the parks serve both daily visitors and large-scale gatherings.
The Riverfront District offers over 2,000 existing parking spaces (free after 6 PM and on Sundays). Future Hawk Hill developments will add over 1,200 garage spaces available to the public.
It aligns with Chattanooga's broader Parks and Outdoors Plan (POP) to connect open spaces citywide and support Chattanooga’s path to becoming the first National Park City in the Americas.
Send questions or feedback to dawn@rivercitycompany.com.