Chattanooga Takes Big Steps in Affordable Housing Development
Chattanooga is on the move, and it’s not just about scenic views or delicious barbecue! The city is making significant strides in the arena of affordable housing. Over the past decade, the Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE) has rolled up its sleeves and built around 200 units of affordable housing in areas like Highland Park and Ridgedale. This is no small feat, folks! These units come in various shapes and sizes: some are cozy single-family homes, while others are quad- or six-plexes, and don’t forget about multi-unit apartment buildings.
Filling the “Missing Middle” in Housing
While many developers in Chattanooga focus on sprawling single-family houses or gigantic apartment complexes—both of which often promise better returns—CNE has set its sights on bridging the gap. They call it the “missing middle.” This means creating more dense, smaller units that can be rented or sold for prices that everyday folks can actually manage.
“We’re here for everyday Chattanoogans—the teachers, firefighters, and nurses,” explained Justin Tirsun, CNE’s vice president of neighborhood investment and community engagement, during a recent walking tour. “Our units, on average, are about $300 cheaper than the market for a one-bedroom, $400 to $500 cheaper for a two-bedroom, and for our three-bedrooms, they can be as much as $1,000 cheaper than similar units in some areas.” But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; Tirsun honestly admits, “Is that affordable for everybody? No. Could we get it more affordable? That’s something we’re working on.”
Recognition and Awards
Honesty and hard work don’t go unnoticed! CNE’s efforts were recently acknowledged by none other than the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a savvy nonprofit committed to promoting accessible housing. During a City Council meeting, CNE’s executive director, Martina Guilfoil, proudly accepted the Jack Kemp Award for excellence in affordable and workforce housing. “This type of affordable housing lets people stay in the neighborhoods they love,” Guilfoil said, visibly thrilled.
For CNE, “affordable housing” doesn’t just mean any generic unit. In Chattanooga, the area median income for a two-person household hovers around $70,000. The golden guideline is that “affordable” housing should cost no more than 30% of a household’s income before taxes. Most of CNE’s projects target those making up to 80% of the median income, which rounds out to about $56,000. Even better, around 20% of these apartments are priced for folks earning between 50% and 60% of the median income.
Navigating Zoning Challenges
Building these middle-of-the-road units isn’t easy, though. The properties—many snagged from Tennessee Temple University—required rezoning before any hammer or nail could be touched. Thankfully, the city council made recent strides toward easing these challenges with an updated zoning map, which allows for denser housing developments. Tirsun added that with the new zoning rules, getting approval for these vital projects will soon be a walk in the park.
Neighborhood Transformations
The transformation is tangible! Starting with the Mai Bell apartments, which opened in 2017, CNE has watched Highland Park evolve. Even since acquiring the Tennessee Temple properties in 2013, the improvements are staggering. Tirsun shared that “neighborhoods are always either getting better or getting worse—there’s no in between.” Sadly, with progress often comes a price increase, which raises the question: how can areas maintain their charm while becoming more expensive to live in?
Variety and Character in Housing
In addition to affordability, CNE is all about maintaining the character of the neighborhood. Tirsun pointed out that they aim for diversity in homes, avoiding those cookie-cutter designs that stifle a neighborhood’s uniqueness. From cozy houses on Kirby Avenue to chic six-plexes on Bailey Avenue, you can see the love and thoughtfulness put into crafting spaces that feel like home.
The buzz around these affordable units continues to grow as many residents from diverse backgrounds—from single-parent families to retirees—are making the leap into these well-designed spaces. As for what’s next, Tirsun affirms, “We’re taking notes on what works, what’s needed, and where we can go next.”
With these heartening developments unfolding, it’s fair to say Chattanooga is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive housing future. Who knew that affordable housing could be so full of charm and promise?
