One Westside Housing Plan Moves Forward with First Phases Underway
The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and the City of Chattanooga are making major strides in the transformation of the Westside Neighborhood through the One Westside Housing Plan. On July 16, 2024, the city received a major boost with the award of a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This funding supports a bold, seven-phase redevelopment effort designed to bring more than 1,100 new mixed-income apartment homes to the area.
On August 27, 2024, the Master Developer Agreement was officially executed between CHA and Columbia Residential, who will serve as the Housing Implementation Entity. With this agreement in place, planning and construction efforts are progressing with intention, expertise, and community input at every step.
The One Westside Housing Plan is centered around a “twinning” financing strategy, which pairs 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for Phase A with 4% LIHTC for Phase B. This innovative approach allows for more efficient development while maximizing resources to deliver high-quality, affordable housing options alongside market-rate apartments, all within the timeline of the CNI grant period.
Phases 1A and 1B represent the first major construction milestones for the project. These two phases, which secured 9% and 4% LIHTC allocations from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency in June 2024, have completed financial closing and officially broke ground on April 17, 2025. Located on a vacant, off-site parcel in the Westside Neighborhood, this site was cleared following the demolition of a former school building earlier in the year.
Together, Phases 1A and 1B will deliver a total of 230 new mixed-income apartment homes. Phase 1A will offer 64 apartments, while Phase 1B will contribute 166 apartments. Importantly, 92 of these homes will serve as replacement apartments for families currently living in College Hill Courts, helping to ensure that long-time residents have access to new, high-quality housing without displacement.
These early phases are being developed with thoughtful attention to design, quality, and long-term sustainability. Architectural drawings have been reviewed and approved by HUD’s architect. The City of Chattanooga has issued the necessary permits, and after a competitive selection process, Block Companies was chosen as the general contractor. Their proven track record and community-focused approach made them a strong fit for this cornerstone phase of construction.
On April 1, HUD officially approved the development proposal for Phases 1A and 1B. Financial closing followed on April 21, clearing the way for full-scale construction to begin.
Looking ahead, design work is well underway for Phases 2A and 2B, which will bring another 144 new mixed-income apartment homes to the neighborhood. These phases will be located just south of Gateway Tower, in alignment with the project’s “build first” strategy. This approach allows for new homes to be constructed before any existing units are taken offline, ensuring that families can transition into their new homes with minimal disruption. Of the units in Phase 2, 66 will be designated as replacement housing for College Hill Courts residents.
Surveying for the Phase 2 site is complete, and twinned LIHTC applications were submitted in March 2025. Once funding is secured, development on these phases will proceed, continuing the momentum that One Westside has already built.
The One Westside Housing Plan is about more than new buildings—it’s about building opportunity, preserving community roots, and creating a future that includes everyone. From long-time residents to new neighbors, every phase of this redevelopment is driven by a shared vision: a stronger, more vibrant Westside neighborhood that reflects the hopes and needs of the people who call it home.
One Westside made strong progress on Critical Community Improvements, including finishing touches on the James A. Henry Hub, planning the Creative Cultural Innovation Incubator, enhancing green spaces, and advancing public art projects like the underpass lighting and mural.
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.
