Historic Building Preservation in Chattanooga

A Rich Architectural History

Chattanooga boasts a broad range of architectural styles, thanks to its many historically significant buildings and neighborhoods. This storied architecture contributes to the city’s unique character and helps create its recognizable skyline.

Among the most prominent architects in Chattanooga’s history is Reuben Harrison (R. H.) Hunt, who arrived in the city in 1882, and in 1886, established an architectural firm. During his five-decade career, Hunt designed up to 500 structures across the South, including houses, churches, and commercial and government buildings.

 

Krystal Building, circa 1950s (Photo Courtesy of Cassie Cline)

 

Considered by many to be the “master architect of Chattanooga,” Hunt is responsible for designing every major public building constructed in Chattanooga between 1895 and 1935. These include the Carnegie Library (1905), James Building (1907), Hamilton County Courthouse (1912), St. John’s Hotel (1915), Tivoli Theatre (1921), Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium (1924), Maclellan Building (1924), and Chattanooga Bank Building (1927).

Hunt’s most notable project on a national level was the Joel W. Solomon Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse (1933), a white marble structure designed in the Art Moderne style typical of government buildings at the time. In 1938, the building was recognized by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 150 best-designed buildings constructed in the previous 20 years in the U.S.

 

Krystal Building, 2022 (Photo Courtesy of Cassie Cline)

 

“Chattanooga has an impressive range of architectural styles. The Richardsonian Romanesque style can be seen in the Customs House, the Beaux-Arts style evidenced by Terminal Station, the Neoclassical style in the Hamilton County Courthouse, and the Georgian influence on the Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences. Drive through our historic neighborhoods and you will see Greek, Colonial, Spanish, and Tudor Revival styles alongside Queen Anne, Georgian, Federal, and Italianate structures. The many bungalows with their Arts and Crafts influence have beautiful details. We need only to slow down and look closely to gain an appreciation for true craftsmanship, good proportions, and individual creativity.” – Todd Morgan

Chattanooga’s Oldest Buildings

One of the oldest buildings still standing in downtown Chattanooga was built in 1870 and originally served as a baggage depot for the Alabama & Chattanooga Railway. Today, the historic building is home to local burger restaurant Urban Stack and features original elements including the cobblestone out front.

 

Hunter-Faxon Mansion – Hunter Museum of American Art (Photo Courtesy of the Hunter Museum of American Art)

 

Many of Chattanooga’s most iconic buildings are also among its oldest and are now home to top tourist attractions. Overnight visitors can stay in the 1889 Maclellan House at the Bluff View Inn; popular shopping center Warehouse Row’s oldest building was constructed in 1904; and the 1905 Hunter-Faxon mansion houses artwork as part of the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Read on to learn more about two top attractions that are also successful preservation projects.

The Tivoli Foundation

Photos Courtesy of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation

 

The Tivoli Theatre first opened in 1921, followed by the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium in 1924. Today, both venues draw crowds to concerts, plays, and performances year-round. Here, Nick Wilkinson, CEO of the Tivoli Theatre Foundation, discusses these preservation projects.

What are some advantages of operating out of a historic building?

There’s no substitute for authenticity. A new theater might have some advantages, but it could never replicate the feeling you get when you walk beneath that glowing Tivoli chandelier or see and honor the history of the brave men and women who gave so much for our freedom like when you enter the Memorial Auditorium. The character, the charm, the sense of connection – those things simply can’t be manufactured. It’s an enormous privilege to operate in a space that already has so much soul.

 

 

Are there any fun facts about the buildings you can share?

When the Tivoli first opened in 1921, it opened as a moving picture palace and was one of the very first air-conditioned public buildings in the South. Chattanooga folks used to buy movie tickets in the summer just to cool off!

What are some ways that your organization honors your buildings’ historic past?

We take the stewardship of these buildings very seriously. Every decision we make – from how we restore the paint colors to how we light the marquee – is rooted in respect for their original design and craftsmanship. We work with preservationists, architects, and local historians to ensure we’re keeping the spirit of 1921 and 1924 alive, while also sharing that story with new audiences.

 

 

Has the building undergone any notable renovations or restorations?

Yes – several over the decades, most recently our current ongoing $75 million major restoration of the Tivoli Theatre and the renovation of the adjacent Trigg-Smartt building to ensure that both buildings remain structurally sound and artistically stunning.

 

 

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Only that none of this would be possible without the people of Chattanooga. This community saved the Tivoli and Memorial Auditorium before, and their continued love and support are what keep them thriving today. My job is really just to make sure that 50 years from now, another generation gets to feel what we feel every time we walk through those doors – that sense of awe, pride, and belonging. And witness some great shows!

Chattanooga Choo Choo

Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Choo Choo

 

When the Terminal Station first opened in 1909, it served as a hub for passenger train travel. Now known as the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the site honors its rich railroad heritage while serving as a top tourist destination in Chattanooga’s Southside district. Here, Zac Dupwe, commercial property manager with Second Story Real Estate Management, shares more about this local landmark.

How would you describe the distinct character of your organization’s building?

The Chattanooga Choo Choo terminal building embodies the spirit of a bygone era while continuing to anchor the heartbeat of downtown Chatta-nooga. Train travel for the area once symbolized connection. We try to embody that same sense of connection by welcoming visitors, locals, and entrepreneurs to plan and participate in modern activities within its historic charm, creating a living landmark.

 

 

Are there any fun facts about the building you can share?

At the time of its construction, the Terminal Station’s main entrance featured the largest arched window system in the world.

 

 

What are some challenges of operating out of a historic building, versus one recently built?

The Chattanooga Choo Choo was constructed more than a century ago, so maintaining its architectural integrity while meeting modern building codes, accessibility standards, and energy needs requires continual care and creativity. Every improvement must be approached with respect for original materials and craftsmanship, which often means more time, specialized expertise, and investment than new construction would demand. But those challenges are also what make the work meaningful. Preserving a space with this much history connects us to the generations who came before and ensures that the building continues to inspire those who experience it today.

 

 

Has the building undergone any notable renovations or restorations?

Yes, the Chattanooga Choo Choo has undergone several significant renovations over the decades, each aimed at preserving its architectural integrity while re-imagining the space for new generations. The original 1909 terminal was meticulously restored when it was converted into a hotel in the 1970s, ensuring that its grand dome, marble finishes, and Beaux-Arts detailing were preserved. More recently, extensive work has focused on revitalizing both the interior and the surrounding campus – transforming former rail platforms into vibrant dining, entertainment, and event spaces while maintaining the historic framework that defines the property. Every phase of renovation has balanced preservation with innovation, allowing the building to remain both historically authentic and dynamically relevant to Chattanooga’s modern urban life.

Preservation Efforts

While not all of Chattanooga’s historic structures have been salvaged, there are plenty still standing, with local efforts to ensure they are preserved. At the forefront of these efforts is Preserve Chattanooga  – formerly Cornerstones, Inc. – a nonprofit founded in 1975 to promote historic building preservation in the city.

As the executive director of Preserve Chattanooga, Todd Morgan says his role is to be “the primary preservation resource for our community.”

 

Maclellan Building, 1925 (Photo Courtesy of the Chattanooga Public Library)

 

“We approach educational programming from different angles. For example, we speak with neighborhood associations and civic clubs, teach real estate professionals about how to work with historic properties, lead guided walking tours of historic neighborhoods, and host workshops and lectures,” says Morgan.

This year, Preserve Chattanooga celebrates 50 years of fulfilling its mission “to protect the architectural heritage of Chatta-nooga through preservation, education, and advocacy.” Morgan shares that the organization is updating its original plan to better preserve Chattanooga’s distinct history while helping the city continue to grow and prosper.

“Sound preservation policies are not anti-development. They aren’t about freezing places in time, but about making wise decisions that maintain their value and contribution to the community,” explains Morgan.

 

Carnegie Library, 1905 (Photo Courtesy of the Chattanooga Public Library)

 

Also working to protect Chattanooga properties is Cassie Cline, historic preservation planner for the City of Chattanooga. In her role, Cline enforces the city’s historic zoning ordinance by reviewing project proposals, visiting sites, and educating residents about local historic districts and regulations.

“I want citizens to be aware that I am a resource for them whether they live in a historic district or not! I am always happy to set aside time to discuss potential historic districts or general questions about historic preservation and how it relates to Chattanooga,” says Cline.

Why is preservation important?

“Preservation is important because it both protects and activates valuable places in our community that are culturally, architecturally, and historically significant. These historic assets create a tangible link to the past for future generations and foster a strong sense of place for residents and visitors. Decades of professional studies have proven that preservation leads to significant economic benefits through tourism, job creation, and increased property values. Preservation also provides environmental advantages by reducing waste and promoting the sustainable reuse of existing buildings. However, it’s ultimately about saving what is beautiful and irreplaceable.” – Todd Morgan

“A few reasons preservation is important for Chattanooga is ensuring we protect our built environment, which gives Chattanooga its own unique character and tells the story of the city’s past with buildings we interact with each day. This means you don’t have to go to a history book or look at old photographs to see the built environment all around you. Second, preservation is an important economic development tool not only for tourism but for locals. When we think about areas in our city that are bustling and vibrant, we can see they are usually (if not always) located in historic areas with historic buildings and streetscapes. Also, our historic neighborhoods are far more likely to have a variety of commercial properties and housing types. Additionally, historic preservation strengthens community identity, encourages sustainability and sustainable building practices, supports local jobs, protects architectural diversity and heritage, and so much more!” – Cassie Cline

 

Customs House, built in 1892 (Photo Courtesy of Todd Morgan)

 

Promoting Historic Protections

Currently, 99 Chattanooga sites appear on the National Register of Historic Places. “Those buildings have been vetted at the local, state, and national levels and have been proven to have architectural and historic value,” notes Morgan.

However, Cline explains, being listed on the National Register doesn’t mean these buildings are protected: “I think a common misconception is that the National Register of Historic Places protects properties from demolition or inappropriate alterations, but it does not. Only local historic zoning regulations can provide that type of protection.”

Buildings that have façade easements, are located in a historic district, or are designated a local historic landmark, are protected from demolition and changes that disrupt their historic character, and both Morgan and Cline hope to see the number of buildings that fall under these protections grow.

“These are gifts worthy of care, and we learn so much from them,” finishes Morgan. “Trends will change, but good design is timeless.”