The US General Services Administration (GSA) has selected the site of the new Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga.
The new building will encompass around 190,701 square feet, seven courtrooms, nine chambers, and 40 parking spaces.
But Unum, which has property involved, expressed their surprise in a statement:
The site of the GSA-proposed location for the new federal courthouse in Chattanooga.
“We are surprised and deeply disappointed by today’s announcement from the General Services Administration. Unum has clearly and consistently informed the GSA that its Vine Street properties are not for sale. Additionally, local civic and business leaders have identified a viable alternative site for the new federal courthouse. For decades, Unum has invested in real estate near our headquarters to meet the long-term needs of our business and support the growth of the Riverfront and Downtown neighborhoods. The GSA’s selected location for this project does not align with or support that vision or the expressed interests of our community.”
Emily Mack, President and CEO of River City Company also issued a statement of disapproval:
“River City Company is extremely disappointed that the GSA has ignored clear and consistent local input by selecting the Vine Street Site rather than the TVA Office Complex Site for a future federal courthouse. Local leaders – including the city mayor, the county mayor, a retired U.S. Senator and Chattanooga mayor, Unum, River City Company, the Chamber of Commerce, and the UC Foundation – explained to the federal agency why the TVA Site is ideal for a courthouse and why the Vine Street Site shouldn’t even be considered. This decision hurts our collective work to build a vibrant city center and create synergy between UTC and downtown employers. We urge GSA to reconsider its decision.”
The (GSA) has made available the Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that were prepared in April 2024. The SEA was done by assessing and analyzing the impacts of designing and building a courthouse at the Vine Street location, which GSA says is the most “advantageous” site for the courthouse.
“We look forward to building a new Federal courthouse in Chattanooga that will meet the needs of the U.S. Courts and the citizens of Chattanooga,” said Jeff Smith, GSA Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner. “Thank you to everyone at GSA, the U.S. District Court, and the citizens of Chattanooga for your support and engagement with this comprehensive, multi-year effort.”
GSA decided that there are no significant impacts on human or natural environmental factors by the proposed courthouse.
Design of the new courthouse is expected to begin in the spring of 2025, with construction expected to start in the spring of 2027.
The Final SEA and FONSI are available online through GSA’s website.
