The Story of the Bend
Past, Present, and Future
past, present, and future
Like so many great American cities, Chattanooga’s iron and steel mills helped build a nation, power an economy, and create jobs for generations of hardworking people.
But it came at a cost — to the mountains and river we call home, the very air we breathe. Over the next quarter century, the city began the dedicated cleanup work its people, water, and lands deserved. The riverfront began its long-term revitalization — and slowly, steadily, Chattanooga’s people put their hope, blood, sweat, and tears back into this resilient city.
Now a beloved, growing, Scenic City with a thriving economy, rich culture, and seemingly endless natural beauty, we face different challenges and different opportunities. And on a former industrial site, we understand what Chattanooga was, what it is, and what it can be.
We understand that we have the unique opportunity to give the city what it still longs for. A vibrant, sustainable, inclusive extension of downtown. All designed to nurture, inspire, and captivate the diverse mix of people who believe in and build this city.
The Bend belongs to the river, to our neighbors, and to one another. It's waiting to welcome you.
The Future of the bend
Connecting the River to the Community
The founders of the Bend are local Chattanoogans, born and raised in the Scenic City. Their love and loyalty to their home inspired the Bend’s development and the desire to bring together some of the country’s most talented and well-respected engineers, city planners, and urban developers — each a master in their field of expertise.
After talking with thousands of local residents, the founders used this valuable input to create environments that enhance the spirit of Chattanooga and deliver what residents want to do, see, and experience.
The Bend will help grow, care for, inspire, and connect the community through a variety of spaces.
commercial
- Multi-floor office spaces with waterfront views
- Ground-floor retail spaces
- Large parking garages for employees and visitors
Residential
- Over 1,000 residential units, including townhouses, condos, and apartments
- Full-service hotel accommodations
- Easy access to downtown Chattanooga
Entertainment
- Chattanooga’s largest indoor/outdoor music venue
- Bars and restaurants with terraces and waterfront views
- Expansive food hall with multiple dining options
Recreation
- Pedestrian street zone with furniture
- Paths for walking, jogging and biking
- Clubs for volleyball, kickball, etc.
Health & wellness
- Custom parks and green spaces
- Boutique studio classes
- Hair and nail salons
FAQs
Timing
When will we begin to see construction on site?
- Did you know we already completed our first brand new road, Arabelle, and made improvements to several areas? Things have kicked off, and we're looking forward to new Phase 1 construction projects slated for fall of 2023/spring of 2024. We have a lot of work to do for the infrastructure, so that is one of our immediate priorities.
When will housing be move-in ready?
- Residential housing options, including townhomes, condos, and apartments, will come out of the ground in Phase 2, which will take place alongside Phase 1 in the fall of 2023/spring of 2024. We expect this first residential development will take about two years to complete. Units will soon be available for pre-sale and pre-lease.
When will 1111. W. Main be constructed?
- We are so excited about our first brand new 10-story mixed-use building with indoor/outdoor rooftop terrace. It will be across from Novonix and will be home to large commercial offices, as well as ground level retail. Groundbreaking is set for Spring 2024!
When will the project be complete?
- The Bend is a legacy project with a big, bold vision for Chattanooga's future. We're redeveloping over 120 acres of a former industrial site and creating millions of new square feet for living, working, dining, and enjoying life along the downtown riverfront. We can't wait for it to be 100% complete but know the enormity of the development makes it at least a 10-year endeavor. We will do all we can to beat this timeline!
Living
When will we begin to see construction on site?
- We are planning for at least 1,000 residential units. Two large residential developments are planned for Phase 2 and will be located along the riverfront near the current Blue Goose Hollow Riverwalk parking area accessed from MLK Blvd and Riverfront Parkway. The location will also be steps away from the first phase of our marina.
When will housing be move-in ready?
- Great question! Head to our Contact Form and select "I'm interested in living at the Bend." You'll receive email updates with exclusive information and event invites.
What will the marina be like?
- We are working closely with TVA to make the most out of our marina. In Phase 1, we're planning for at least 100 boat slips. Yes, there will be day and overnight short-term rentals! Oh, and an onsite gas pump, general store, and riverfront dining will elevate the experience, which will be open to the public and accessible via a re-routed Riverwalk!
Working
How many businesses will be at the Bed?
- Did you know the Bend started with three employees and now supports over 800 jobs at businesses currently on site? Current employers range from manufacturing to health care to professional services, and many of them are industry leaders! We anticipate thousands of new jobs will be supported at the Bend by the development's completion.
What's currently available for lease or for sale?
- We are fortunate to be almost fully leased at this time with existing properties! We do have a couple 50,000+ square feet industrial spaces currently available, and we are pre-leasing and pre-selling for 1111 W. Main, our brand new 10-story mixed-use building which will be the tallest building of its kind in Chattanooga in over 40 years. By the time we're done, we'll have several new commercial buildings for lease, completely transforming Chattanooga's skyline.
Why should I move my business to the Bend?
- We are working with state and regional partners to welcome company expansions and headquarter relocations. There is a long list of glistening benefits, including potential economic incentives, no state income tax, and a city leading the way in outdoor recreation, tech, transportation and logistics. Need more reason? Contact Urban Story Ventures.
Investing
How much is being invested at the Bend?
- To date, hundreds of millions of dollars have already been invested at the Bend, including millions of our developer's, Urban Story Ventures', direct investments. By completion, we expect more than $800 million will have been invested at the Bend and in our Westside community.
I am not a residential developer but am interested in purchasing multiple residential properties. How do I get more information on these opportunities?
- We appreciate your interest in residential investment at the Bend! Please reach out to us through our Contact Form and note you're interested in investing in residential property. Please provide any additional information for what you're looking for.
I am interested in other investments at the Bend, such as purchasing parcels, purchasing new buildings, or financially supporting the development. Who is the best contact?
- Thank you for your interest in investing with us! Please submit your information through our Contact Form and note you're looking to invest and select your areas of interest, whether they be commercial, hotel, dining, entertainment, recreation, etc. Please provide any additional information regarding what you're looking for.
Updated 5.25.2023