Drury Hotels Plans New Downtown Chattanooga Location

News Summary

Drury Hotels has submitted plans for an 8-story Drury Plaza Hotel in downtown Chattanooga at the site of the former Sportsbarn fitness club. The new hotel will feature 196 rooms, catering to leisure and business travelers. As the company prepares for a crucial zoning meeting, excitement builds over the potential to enhance Chattanooga’s skyline and attract more visitors to the area.

Exciting Developments on the Horizon for Chattanooga!

Chattanooga is buzzing with anticipation as Drury Hotels has submitted plans to create a brand-new 8-story Drury Plaza Hotel right in the heart of downtown. This will take root at the former site of the Sportsbarn fitness club, located at the intersection of Third and Market Streets.

A New Hotel on the Block

With a proposed total of 196 rooms, the upcoming hotel will cater to both leisure travelers and business visitors. Interestingly, it will have 12 more rooms than the nearby Embassy Suites, which is currently making its own waves as it prepares to welcome guests at the Broad and Fourth streets area. Notably, the Drury Plaza Hotel will soar one story higher than its nearby counterpart, giving it a distinct presence in the downtown skyline.

As excitement builds, representatives from Drury Hotels are gearing up for a critical meeting with the Chattanooga zoning panel. They’re set to request several variances, essential for bringing this vision to life. Meanwhile, details about the hotel remain closely guarded, with officials refraining from comments ahead of this important moment.

Building on Previous Success

Drury Hotels launched its first location in Chattanooga late last year, just off Shallowford Road near Hamilton Place mall. This existing hotel, also standing eight stories tall, features 210 rooms and reflects the company’s keen interest in Chattanooga’s evolving landscape. General managers have their sights set on capturing leisure travelers from the bustling Interstate 75 and inviting business crowds coming in from Chattanooga Airport.

In 2023, Drury Hotels purchased the new site at 301 Market St., which cleverly includes a parking garage—always a plus in busy downtown areas. With the acquisition, the company has been evaluating the best future developments to enhance this vibrant location.

A Strategic Location

According to the company’s director of development, the location is seen as a magnet for visitors due to its proximity to attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium and other notable local landmarks. The surge in activity and interest along Market Street, bolstered by the new Steam Logistics headquarters, has contributed to renewed enthusiasm for expanding in the area. The shifting dynamics of the downtown community are evident as business interest continues to grow.

A Rich Community Legacy

Formerly home to the Sportsbarn, which had been serving the community since 1979, the site is filled with its own history. Founded by local business figure Alex Guerry and his team, Sportsbarn has played a significant role in Chattanooga’s community and development. While it may be saying goodbye, it seems that this transformation is heralding new potential for the area.

With the rising tourist activity around the riverfront district, the downtown area is undergoing an exciting transformation, shifting its character to match the needs and desires of modern-day visitors. This proposed hotel is expected to contribute to this evolution, offering amenities that cater to new generations of travelers and locals alike.

Looking Ahead

As Drury Hotels celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, this new venture marks another milestone in a long history of hospitality. Known for operating over 150 hotels across 26 states, the company is continually adapting to meet the needs of its customers while also investing in the communities it calls home.

As Chattanooga gears up for this potential new addition to its bustling downtown, the prospect of welcoming more visitors, expanding business opportunities, and enriching the local culture seems brighter than ever.