Alternatives Considered for Chattanooga Downtown TVA Office Complex

Future of Downtown TVA Office Complex on Discussion Table

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced it is assessing potential options for the future of its downtown Chattanooga Office Complex. The decision follows a study that found no substantial environmental influence for a possible revamp, demolition, or sale of the complex, located at 1101 Market St.

List of Alternatives for the Chattanooga Office Complex

According to a released statement, the following alternatives are under consideration:

1. No action, signifying that TVA would continue to own the office facility.
2. Demolition of the buildings, either completely or in phases, with subsequent sale of the land.
3. Directly conveying the buildings and land, selling them “as-is, where-is.”
4. Retention of selected parts of the site, possibly involving revamps and overhaul.

No Decision Date Set

While TVA will embark on the evaluation of these alternatives, no date for a final decision has been set. The authority underlined its commitment to remain in Chattanooga in its statement, affirming its contribution to the town’s lively downtown community.

Should the choice be made to vacate the existing office complex, TVA will consider options for potential alternative locations. An earlier engagement with commercial real estate consultancy firm, CBRE to explore and study alternative areas for a new and different downtown Chattanooga facility is an indicator of this future plan.

Downsizing Office Space

The shift to more remote and hybrid work styles has impacted the TVA’s demand for office space. This shift has created a need for more flexible and co-working spaces, according to Tricia Lynn Roelofs, senior director of facilities transformation at TVA.

Possible New Federal Courthouse Site

TVA has put forward its current downtown campus for consideration as a site for a new federal courthouse in Chattanooga. The General Services Administration (GSA), the federal agency handling the construction and upkeep of federal buildings, is examining three downtown Chattanooga locations for a new $200 million courthouse building. This new facility will replace the aging Joel Solomon building, built in 1932, which currently falls short of modern security and accessibility standards.