Spring and summer have brought steady progress to the Neighborhood Plan for the Westside, with a focus on four key community improvements that will make a real difference for families and neighbors. Each project has a clear lead and a growing circle of partners supporting its success.
Chattanooga’s Department of Early Learning is leading efforts to strengthen access to Head Start, giving children a strong start in school and in life. The Department of Economic Development is guiding the One Westside Creative Cultural Innovation Incubator, a space where local creativity and entrepreneurship can flourish. Recreation and Placemaking in Green Spaces is being led by the Department of Parks and Outdoors, while the same department is working alongside the Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to bring more public art to shared spaces across the neighborhood.
Over the first few months of 2025, teams from Chattanooga Housing Authority, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (RPA), and City departments met regularly to refine these projects. Those discussions helped clarify goals and build stronger coordination across partners. By April 4, the Neighborhood Plan was submitted to HUD, which gave conditional approval on July 1.
Outside perspectives also played an important role. In March, the BECOME/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation team visited the Westside to explore how local policies and programs shape healthy, thriving communities. Their insights highlighted opportunities and key entry points to strengthen the impact of the Neighborhood Plan.
Transportation and connectivity are moving forward too. Thanks to a Reconnecting Communities Grant from the Department of Transportation in 2024, a study is now underway to examine how Grove Street and 12th Street connect within the Westside. A Request for Qualifications for the study was advertised on June 7, and partners are excited to see how this work will help neighbors get around safely and easily.
Construction at the James A. Henry building, which will become a central Hub for community activity and the future site of Head Start, continues at a strong pace. Concrete has been poured for the front porch, footings, and foundation walls at the rear plaza, including half of the elevated surface. Brickwork is underway along the foundation and Health Services walls. Site earthwork and utilities installation are nearly complete, and sewer line connections and permanent electrical service are in place.
Inside, crews are installing electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems. The HVAC chiller is being set in place. Drywall and plaster repairs are ongoing, with roughly half of the interior walls primed and painted. New windows are going in, the ceiling grid is being installed, and elevator components are taking shape. About half of the new roof panels have been installed.
With construction estimated at seventy five percent complete, the James A. Henry Hub is coming together as a place where neighbors can gather, children can learn, and the community can thrive. Every day brings the Westside closer to a stronger, brighter future.
