A Chattanooga Icon, Reimagined
The Chattanooga Choo Choo is more than a hotel—it's a piece of American history. The 1909 Terminal Station served as the southern terminus of the first passenger train to travel from the North.
When we acquired the property in 2015, we saw an opportunity to honor that history while creating something new: a 24-acre entertainment district that would anchor Chattanooga's growing Southside.
The Transformation
Over seven years, we led a comprehensive transformation of the historic site:
- Nearly 500 residential units added to the property
- Hotel modernized while preserving historic character
- Multiple restaurants and entertainment venues created
- Pedestrian-friendly spaces and courtyards developed
- Integration with surrounding Southside neighborhood
Strategic Exit
Between 2020 and 2022, we divided the property into 10 parcels, maximizing returns for investors while ensuring the residential component—and its residents—remained protected.
The Choo Choo remains a cornerstone of Chattanooga's identity, now with hundreds of families calling it home.
Impact
The Chattanooga Choo Choo transformation helped catalyze the broader revival of the Southside district, demonstrating that historic preservation and modern development can work together to create vibrant, livable places.