The Enclave At East Hamilton Announces Open House And Final Plan

  • Thursday, September 18, 2014

Developers of The Enclave at East Hamilton and members of the East Brainerd Community Committee met Wednesday to finalize plans for the proposed project. Together, they are announcing a community Open House on Tuesday, at West View Elementary from 6-7:30 p.m.

The Enclave at East Hamilton began as a proposed mixed use development at the corner of East Brainerd and Ooltewah-Ringgold Roads. Because of concerns about the proposed apartments and increase in traffic, the project had little community support. The project also required rezoning for a portion of the site and there were concerns about the phasing of development at the site. 

The development team listened to the concerns and turned to a strategy that was successfully employed by the Hillocks Farm project in Hixson. The result for Hixson was a project equally embraced by the community and the developer, and one the Enclave team wanted to replicate.

The process dubbed “Community Vision” encourages the appointment of community members to form a committee to serve as a liaison between the development team and the community. Working closely together, questions and concerns are documented with the development team working with the committee to develop the best possible plan for the proposed project. The goal is to provide a project that is supported by the community and the developer as it is considered by the Regional Planning Commission. The process was initially implemented by Chattanooga City Councilmen Chip Henderson, Jerry Mitchell and Ken Smith.

The East Brainerd community selected 10 members to form a committee to work with developer Sam Issa on the project. Between the two groups, there have been a total of 16 meetings as plans progressed for the project.

What began as a mixed-use development with commercial and retail businesses complimenting 200 apartment homes, has now become a commercial and retail project that will be developed over four separate phases. The plans developed by the combined team provide for thoughtful development that includes a welcoming tree-lined boulevard into the site as well as signage that reflects the feel of a sophisticated village with shops, professional offices, and restaurants.

Committee member Mark West said, “Our initial concerns were over the impact of an additional 200 apartment homes on our schools and our roads. But more than that, we heard from the community that they wanted a development that would make a lasting positive impact on the area. They wanted a project that would complement our community.  We believe the plans developed with Sam Issa will do just that.”

The design of The Enclave will feature a village theme that reduces the proportions of the buildings and breaks up facades of large retailers through implementation of architecturally established features such as columns, ribs, pilaster, piers and changes in wall planes. The development on the 54-acre tract will not exceed 350,000 square feet, and the height of the building will not exceed two stories. Buildings will feature colors and materials that reflect a natural color palette.

The Enclave at East Hamilton is Commissioner Sabrena Smedley’s first major project since taking office earlier this month. Even before her election, Smedley was very involved in the process.  She said, “The Enclave at East Hamilton is a great example of a developer and community working together as a team.  Developing consensus is never easy; however, the result is a project that we believe is befitting of the East Brainerd community. I’m looking forward to the Open House so the community can receive the results of the hard work done by their friends and neighbors.”

The final plans made to the project also include restricted uses as well as community enhancements. Sidewalks will be placed along the site’s interior that will connect to the buildings. Green spaces, public gathering areas, and open areas with water features, a signature clock tower, and public art are also elements that are part of the final site plan. Buffers that provide protection from light and noise pollution as well as designated times for dumpster pickup are also among the many details that were incorporated into the plan.

Developer Sam Issa of The Issa Group said, “This process has taken longer than we anticipated. However, the final plan developed is one that is so much stronger than our initial one. As a developer, this is the type of project that is enticing to potential businesses and retailers. As a neighbor living in Frost Creek, I’m excited about the positive impact The Enclave at East Hamilton will have on our entire community. I appreciate the willingness of the community to work with our team and look forward to next week’s open house.”

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