Building Momentum: One Westside Housing Plan Implementation Updates
The vision for a vibrant, connected Westside community continues to take shape.
In July 2024, the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and the City of Chattanooga were awarded a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant, a major step toward transforming the Westside into a thriving, mixed-income neighborhood. Just a month later, CHA executed a Master Developer Agreement with Columbia Residential, officially designating them as the Housing Implementation Entity for the project.
The One Westside Housing Plan includes seven phases in total, with 1,126 new mixed-income homes to be completed during the CNI grant period. To make the most of available funding, each phase uses a “twinning” structure that pairs 9% and 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), helping maximize both the number of homes and the project’s financial efficiency.
Phases 1A & 1B: Construction Underway
Phases 1A and 1B received their 9% and 4% LIHTC allocations from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) in June 2024. After financial closing in early 2025 and a groundbreaking celebration in April, construction began in May.
Block Companies, the general contractor, has completed initial site mobilization and is now preparing building pads across the five-building site. These two phases will bring 230 new homes to the Westside (64 units in Phase 1A and 166 units in Phase 1B) including 92 replacement homes for College Hill Courts residents.
The site, formerly home to a school building, sits on an off-site parcel in the Westside neighborhood. Construction is expected to continue through early 2026.
To ensure current residents benefit directly from the project’s progress, CHA and its partners are planning a Summer 2025 job fair that will connect College Hill Courts residents with employment opportunities related to construction and ongoing project needs.
Phases 2A & 2B: Moving Toward Construction
Design and planning for Phases 2A and 2B have advanced significantly this quarter. The project team reached 100% Design Development (DD), with full architectural drawings and proposals set to be submitted to HUD and other agencies this summer.
Like the first phase, Phase 2 will also use a twinned 9%/4% LIHTC structure and deliver 144 new mixed-income homes, including 66 replacement units for College Hill Courts residents.
On June 24, 2025, the team hosted a community design meeting with strong resident participation. Feedback collected during that meeting will directly inform the final design, ensuring that what’s being built reflects residents’ priorities and vision for their neighborhood.
Phase 2 has also reached several key financing milestones:
- May 2025: Awarded a Twinning Set-Aside from THDA
- June 17, 2025: Received 4% LIHTC allocation
- July 2025 (anticipated): Expected approval of the 9% LIHTC allocation
Financial closing for Phases 2A and 2B is planned for January 2026, with a bond closing deadline of September 30, 2025. The team aims to close ahead of schedule to keep construction moving forward.
Both subphases will share a single six-story building that features two levels of podium parking and four levels of residential space above; a design that combines convenience, safety, and modern living.
The Chattanooga Housing Authority and its partners remain deeply grateful for HUD’s continued support in advancing this once-in-a-generation investment in the Westside. Together, we’re building new homes and lasting opportunities for all the families who live here.
The Housing Plan is advancing at College Hill Courts, with new housing, improved streets, and community amenities. Phases 1 and 2 are underway, connecting residents to jobs and services, while planning for Phase 3 focuses on future infrastructure.
Fall brought job support and on site resources. People Plan highlights included career coaching from the mobile American Job Center, digital readiness workshops, Bookmobile literacy programs, a Dress for Success boutique, a Health Fair, and a Resource Fair.
