The Rise of Single-Level Living
By Ali Lemmons
As Chattanooga continues to grow, new townhomes and multi-story builds are rising to meet the demand, offering modern design and close proximity to downtown life. But many buyers are finding that what works today doesn’t always work tomorrow.
Collier Construction is addressing that challenge with a different approach to building.
Since its founding in 2001, the Chattanooga-based company has taken a deliberate approach to development – one that prioritizes both where people live, and more importantly, how those homes function over time. As the Scenic City evolves, Collier Construction is helping lead a shift from simply “build more” to “build smarter and more intentionally.”
When the Market and Reality Don’t Align
“When my dad was diagnosed with ALS while living in a two-story home, I became really aware of how quickly a home can stop working for you,” shares Ethan Collier, founder of Collier Construction. “As we looked around, there just weren’t many single-level options nearby. It made me realize how many other families are in that same position and how much impact the right home can have on someone’s life.”
That experience prompted the team at Collier Construction to reexamine what long-term livability means and how easily it can be overlooked in the building process. While buyers tend to prioritize location, style, and price, it’s often not until an injury, illness, or life transition occurs that everyday features – like stairs, segmented layouts, and multi-level living – become real obstacles.
“We’ve seen firsthand that people don’t think about how their home functions long-term until something in life changes,” continues Collier. “And when it does, the options can feel incredibly limited. That’s what pushed us to start thinking differently about how we design and build our communities.”
At the same time, much of Chattanooga’s recent housing growth has leaned into vertical living. Townhomes and multi-story residences offer a solution to density, particularly near downtown, but they don’t always align with long-term livability.
“There’s a real gap in the market right now,” says Chris Todd, owner of Rogue Real Estate Company. “We have a lot of inventory geared toward vertical living, but when buyers start looking for single-level options near downtown, there just isn’t much available. It’s something people are actively searching for.”
For Collier Construction, this disconnect between how people live and what’s being built presented an opportunity to rethink the approach entirely.
Building With Intention
Collier Construction has made single-level living a central part of its building philosophy. By prioritizing one-story layouts, the company is designing homes that support a wide range of needs, evolving alongside the people living in them
“Single-level living isn’t just about accessibility,” Collier explains. “It’s about giving people the ability to stay in their home through every season of life, whether that’s raising kids, recovering from an injury, or simply wanting a space that’s easier to live in day to day.”
That mindset carries through every detail of Collier Construction’s work. Across its communities, the company emphasizes thoughtful layouts, open and efficient floor plans, and design elements that make everyday living more seamless.
“When you walk through one of these homes, you immediately feel the difference,” says Ernie Friestat, vice president at Collier Construction. “The layout just works. Everything flows naturally, and there’s a level of thoughtfulness in how the space is designed that you don’t always see in new construction.”
Equally important is where these homes are built. Collier Construction focuses on locations that keep residents connected to downtown Chattanooga, healthcare facilities, and family-centered communities, ensuring that accessibility extends beyond the home itself.
“As a builder, I take pride in the final product, but these are different,” Friestat adds. “These homes solve real problems for people, and you can feel that when you’re inside them. It’s not just about how they look, it’s how they function every single day.”
A Smarter Way Forward
As Chattanooga continues to evolve, Collier Construction is helping shape what comes next. By focusing on single-level living and thoughtful design, the company is contributing to a broader shift in how Chattanooga is building – one that values longevity, accessibility, and the realities of everyday life.
To learn more about Collier Construction and the communities they offer, visit their website at collierbuild.com, call their office at 423.719.4374, or email connect@collierbuild.com.
