Chattanooga, Tennessee is embarking on an exciting initiative to redefine one of its pivotal downtown arteries: Broad Street. Stretching from the renowned Tennessee Aquarium to M.L. King Boulevard, this thoroughfare is set for a comprehensive block-by-block study, aiming to shape its future and bolster its role as a vibrant part of the city. Spearheaded by urban planners, this project, known as “Reimagining Broad Street,” is designed to gather community input and develop a forward-thinking plan slated for presentation in late spring 2023.
Emily Mack, president and chief executive of River City Co., Chattanooga’s downtown nonprofit redevelopment group, emphasized the strategic nature of this endeavor. In an email, Mack stated, “As we move through the process, needs for improvement will be identified that will open opportunities for a variety of funding sources.” This proactive approach underscores the city’s commitment to not only envisioning but also funding the necessary enhancements for Broad Street.
This initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the “One Riverfront plan,” completed the previous year. The One Riverfront plan proposed a significant revitalization of Chattanooga’s riverfront area, including potential modifications to Broad Street. Among the options considered were narrowing Broad Street from four lanes to two, incorporating dedicated turn lanes at major intersections from the Tennessee Aquarium down to Fourth Street, and introducing wider sidewalks, bike paths, and on-street parking up to Fourth Street.
Alt text: Panoramic view of Chattanooga cityscape featuring the iconic Tennessee Aquarium nestled beside the Tennessee River, illustrating the aquarium’s central location within the city.
However, the community feedback during the One Riverfront planning phase indicated a desire for a more expansive and visionary approach for Broad Street, extending beyond just the immediate waterfront vicinity. In response, the “Reimagining Broad Street” initiative was launched to address these broader aspirations.
The new study adopts a holistic perspective, examining potential improvements across public and multimodal transportation options. It also aims to integrate cutting-edge technology and green infrastructure solutions, while simultaneously exploring parking strategies and economic development opportunities along Broad Street. This multifaceted approach recognizes Broad Street’s crucial role in Chattanooga’s urban ecosystem.
Dawn Hjelseth, RiverCity’s vice president of marketing and communications, highlighted the importance of community sentiment in shaping the project. “Earlier feedback indicated people wanted ‘a cohesive feel all the way down Broad Street to M.L. King,'” Hjelseth noted in a telephone interview. She further emphasized, “There definitely can be improvements to Broad Street. We want the community identifying what elements are needed on that corridor.”
To ensure community voices are heard, River City Co. launched a public input phase, active until November 30. Residents are encouraged to participate through an online survey available at broadstreetcha.com. Beyond online engagement, River City Co. and the Chattanooga Design Studio are collaborating to host a series of design gatherings, lunchtime listening sessions, online forums, and input sessions at neighborhood and organizational meetings. This comprehensive engagement strategy aims to capture diverse perspectives and ensure the reimagining of Broad Street truly reflects the community’s needs and desires.
Funding for this ambitious planning endeavor is a collaborative effort, supported by the Lyndhurst Foundation, Benwood Foundation, the City of Chattanooga, and River City Co. While the exact cost remains undisclosed, the diverse funding sources underscore the project’s significance and broad support within the city.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly articulated the city’s vision for growth and sustainability in relation to the Broad Street project. In a statement, Mayor Kelly said that as Chattanooga grows, it is crucial to ensure downtown development is “environmentally sustainable, economically productive, and inclusive.” He further stated that this initiative can create “a visionary plan for (Broad Street’s) redevelopment that supports smart growth for our downtown and meets the needs of our residents.” Mayor Kelly’s statement emphasizes the project’s alignment with Chattanooga’s broader urban development goals.
Alt text: Broad Street Chattanooga traffic scene demonstrating current road conditions and volume, highlighting areas for potential improvement through redesign initiatives.
A key takeaway from the One Riverfront plan was the recognition that the waterfront district’s streets, particularly Riverfront Parkway, Broad Street, and Fourth Street, are not perceived as pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environments. This perception is a significant driver behind the “Reimagining Broad Street” initiative.
The One Riverfront plan further highlighted that Broad Street is “a certain candidate for a road diet.” Currently, Broad Street accommodates approximately 8,000 vehicles per day, despite having the lane capacity to handle upwards of 30,000. This discrepancy indicates an over-engineered roadway that could be better utilized to serve diverse transportation modes and enhance the pedestrian experience.
Moreover, the plan pointed out that 60% of Broad Street between Aquarium Way and Fourth Street is characterized by “non-active frontage.” This description underscores the presence of “overly-wide” roads coupled with “nearly full city blocks of blank facades and surface parking lots,” contributing to a less engaging and pedestrian-oriented streetscape. Addressing this “non-active frontage” is a key opportunity for the Broad Street redesign.
The existing bike lanes on Broad Street, running adjacent to the curb on both sides, were also identified as needing improvement. While intended as protected facilities, their current design has not been universally well-received. The One Riverfront plan specifically noted that “the curbing is a tripping hazard for pedestrians” and concluded that “a better curb-to-curb design solution is required for Broad Street.” Improving bicycle infrastructure is a vital component of the reimagining process.
Beyond transportation and infrastructure, the One Riverfront plan also advocated for increased affordable housing and businesses, enhanced public spaces, and the continued renewal of the Tennessee Riverwalk. These broader urban development themes are interconnected with the Broad Street initiative, highlighting the potential for synergistic improvements across Chattanooga’s downtown core.
The “Reimagining Broad Street” project represents a pivotal moment for Chattanooga. By focusing on community input, innovative design, and sustainable urban planning principles, this initiative has the potential to transform Broad Street into a more vibrant, accessible, and economically robust corridor, seamlessly connecting key destinations like the Tennessee Aquarium and contributing to a more dynamic downtown Chattanooga for residents and visitors alike.
