The One Westside housing plan continues to move forward, bringing new housing, improved infrastructure, and community-focused design to College Hill Courts and surrounding areas. Since receiving the $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant in July 2024, the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and the City of Chattanooga have worked closely with Columbia Residential, the Master Developer and Housing Implementation Entity, to advance a multi-phase housing plan that will deliver 1,126 mixed-income units over the grant period.
Housing Phase 1
Phase 1 is now well underway, following a groundbreaking on April 17, 2025. Block Companies, the general contractor, has completed grading, sub-surface infrastructure, and foundations on two buildings. Construction is currently around 15% complete, with building framing scheduled to begin in November across the five-building configuration.
Phase 1 will deliver 230 new mixed-income units, including 92 replacement units for College Hill Courts residents. Alongside new homes, street improvements along 12th Street are underway, including underground power and broadband lines, new sidewalks, street trees, and lighting. Phase 1 construction is expected to continue through Q1 2027, with the first buildings delivered in late 2026.
To connect residents with economic opportunities, a construction job fair was held on September 23, 2025, providing direct access to construction-related positions. More job fairs are planned in early 2026 as the project expands.
Housing Phase 2
Phase 2 will bring 144 new mixed-income units, including 66 replacement units, in a five-story building over a two-level parking structure. The design includes community amenities, an outdoor plaza, and a park/recreational area. Phase 2 is structured as a twinned development using 9% and 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, along with private financing, and is moving quickly toward a closing in late January 2026.
Community engagement has been central to Phase 2, with successful resident design meetings and ongoing collaboration with architects. Disposition approval for the Phase 2 land and ground lease was received in September 2025, representing a key step toward implementation.
Housing Phase 3 and Beyond
Planning and design work for Phase 3 is underway, focusing on infrastructure improvements to support future housing. Phase 3 will be the first to impact existing College Hill Courts buildings, requiring relocation, demolition, and new streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, and utility connections. The team is coordinating with the City of Chattanooga to align funding and expects Phase 3 housing closing in Q2 2027.
As new phases progress, connectivity remains a priority. The Westside neighborhood has historically been isolated, and the master plan includes new streets and walking paths that will better link the neighborhood to the riverfront and downtown. The City’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant is supporting design work to improve traffic flow, pedestrian access, and neighborhood connectivity.
Looking Ahead
One Westside represents a transformational opportunity for the Westside community. With the continued partnership of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City of Chattanooga, CHA, and Columbia Residential, these next phases of housing and infrastructure will bring safe, modern, and connected spaces for current and future residents. We look forward to sharing updates as construction continues and more residents move into the revitalized neighborhood.
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.
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.
