Protecting our architectural heritage through preservation, education, and advocacy since 1975!

Planning Commission Votes 8-4 To Recommend Denial Of Patten Square Rezoning

UPDATE: January 12, 2026 - The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission voted 8-4 to recommend denying a rezoning request that threatened to demolish an entire block of National Register-listed buildings on Patten Square for a new 12-story building. The Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul adamantly opposed the project and the impact such construction could have on its historic building.

Hamilton County Mayor Wamp made a strong statement about preserving historically significant buildings. City Councilperson Berz encouraged the developers to reach out to organizations such as Preserve Chattanooga when working with historic structures. The request from Nashville developers that would involve tearing down the historic buildings now goes to the City Council in a month. The council will have the final decision.

Nashville-based developers, Evelyn Capital, requested the rezoning of 19 Patten Parkway (pictured above). The historic block in downtown Chattanooga has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. The rezoning request would have allowed a new 12-story mixed-use structure. Current zoning has a maximum 6-story height restriction. Preserve Chattanooga opposed this rezoning request which threatened to destroy a contributing property to the Market Square/Patten Parkway National Register District.

PRESS

County Mayor Says He’ll Fight ‘At Virtually Any Cost’ To Protect Nearby Historic Church - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Historic Chattanooga Basilica At Risk As High-rise Proposal Sparks Community Outcry - News Channel 9

Commission Votes Against Request To Rezone Patten Parkway - Local 3 News

Mayor Kelly Reacts to Patten Parkway Decision - WDEF

Free Press Opinion: Basilica Wins First Round in Proposal for Patten Parkway Building - Clint Cooper

Historic Building Preservation in Chattanooga

Thank you, CityScope Magazine, for the beautiful feature article about preservation in the 2026 Winter Edition.

Chattanooga Preservation Awards

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS

  • Preservation Easements

    Preservation Easements

    Rest assured that some of Chattanooga’s most iconic places (Dome Building, Terminal Station, Customs House, etc.) are protected with our easements.

    More About Easements
  • Preservation Resource Center

    Preservation Resource Center

    Have questions? Our online resource center will help you find answers to historic preservation questions. You can also ask a question.

    Get Answers Now
  • Architectural Tours

    Architectural Tours

    Explore Chattanooga’s historic architecture and neighborhoods to discover more about our city’s unique history.

    Explore Our City
  • UTC Partnership

    UTC Partnership

    We fund adjunct professors for the minor in preservation and work with interior design students on adaptive reuse proposals for neglected buildings.

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  • Endangered Places

    Endangered Places

    A list is to keep property owners, community leaders, and the public informed about historic places facing an uncertain future. We’re here to help!

    What Needs Some Love
  • Landmarks of Chattanooga

    Landmarks of Chattanooga

    Chattanooga has an ordinance in place that can lead to local landmark designation for our most significant buildings. We want to grow that list.

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  • Events

    Events

    Our events are designed to keep you connected and engaged with the preservation community featuring speakers, workshops, and tours.

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  • R H Hunt Legacy Project

    R H Hunt Legacy Project

    Reuben Harrison Hunt was the principal-in-charge of one of Chattanooga’s most prominent architectural firms. We want to ensure his legacy endures.

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  • Terminal Station

    Terminal Station

    Preserve Chattanooga invested over $230,000 on stabilizing and improving the structure since 2018. The iconic “Choo Choo” is now protected by an easement.

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Did you see us in the news?

  • As a new project as part of its 50th anniversary year, the non-profit historic preservation group, Preserve Chattanooga, presented several awards to area residents on Thursday for work in preserving or restoring historic properties. Chattanooga Bank Building, Second Presbyterian and Park Hotel are among the award winners.

    Read the full article here.

  • Preserve Chattanooga, the city's historical preservation nonprofit, hosted awards to honor projects and people working to save and promote Scenic City history.

    The ceremony Thursday night at the Read House, hosted in partnership with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Interior Architecture and Design program, featured physical awards that were pieces of saved Chattanooga history.

    Read the full article here.

  • Beyond the mountains, river and trees that identify Chattanooga as an outdoor destination, the city's architectural features also contribute to its signature look. Along its grid of streets rise some of the region's most notable structures -- the Tennessee Aquarium's towering peaks, the Chattanooga Choo Choo's grand dome, the neoclassical grandeur of Memorial Auditorium.

    Read the full article here.

  • A television screen above Todd Morgan's head flashed with images of Chattanooga buildings past and present, each one labeled "LOST," THREATENED" or "PROTECTED."

    Now is a critical time for preservation, Morgan, executive director of Preserve Chattanooga, told a group of around 90 people gathered Thursday morning in the basement of Second Presbyterian Church.

    Read the full article here.

PRESERVATION HAS IMPACT

  • Housing + Historic Preservation

  • Preservation is Climate Action

  • Preservation Trades = Good Jobs

  • Challenges in Preservation Equity

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If you have any questions about Preserve Chattanooga and our work in the community, please contact us.