Linear Park Planned As Extension Of Walnut Street Bridge In Front Of Planned Boutique Hotel

  • Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Boutique hotel is to replace former dentists' office building on Walnut Street near the bridge
Boutique hotel is to replace former dentists' office building on Walnut Street near the bridge

A linear park that will be an extension of the Walnut Street Bridge public space is planned in front of a new boutique hotel at Walnut Street and Aquarium Way (Second Street).

Mitch Patel of Vision Hospitality on Tuesday night told nearby residents that "the city pushed this idea of a linear park, and we agree that it is a great idea."

He said the current situation in which there is a vehicle turnaround at the end of Walnut Street by two bridges is a safety hazard.

In the new arrangement, he said there will be a roundabout along Walnut Street by the hotel about halfway to Aquarium Way. He said uniformed hotel valets will be able to remove bollards to allow delivery and mail trucks to go further on Walnut Street as well as those setting up on the bridge for special events.

The linear park will include a bicycle lane and heavy landscaping.

Mr. Patel said the two curb cuts along Walnut Street will be eliminated. He said hotel deliveries will be to the rear off Riverfront Parkway.

The hotel will be five stories with 90 rooms. It will include two stories of parking at the rear. One story will be below ground and the other above. There will be 115 parking spaces.

Mr. Patel said a rooftop swimming pool is planned. He said it would be screened along Walnut Street and Aquarium Way.

The hotel is to include a "small, intimate" restaurant with a bar, a market offering coffee, bagels, fruit and other items and a high-end spa.

Mr. Patel said room rates will be "north of $200."

He said Gettys Group, described as a world-renowned, award-winning hospitality design firm, will provide guidance for the project. He stated, "We know that Chattanooga's first high-end boutique hotel has to offer the best amenities and design in the industry as well as reflect the uniqueness of Chattanooga."

A hotel handout says, "Our entire project and our plans are 'art driven.' This means being surrounded by art and exceptional design from the moment a guest enters our hotel. It also means the highest attention to detail. From the preference of pillow to the type of music each guest will enjoy in his or her room, no detail is left to chance.

"Our intimate dining experience will showcase sophisticated offerings with more than a nod to our traditional Southern heritage. Our spa will have a separate entrance that will entice local guests as well as travelers into our hotel. We're also providing dining on our patio that will encourage guests to enjoy all the season our city has to offer."  

Mr. Patel said a 100-year-old oak by Aquarium Way will stay.

Construction is set to begin next summer or early fall with a 13-month construction period.

The hotel will create 50 full and part-time positions.

Architect Craig Peavy said steps are planned down a hill for a new connection to Riverfront Parkway.

Mr. Patel said the group is seeking a fitting name with a Chattanooga connection for the new hotel.

The project, which requires C-3 zoning, goes before the Planning Commission in October and the City Council on Nov. 11 and 18.

 

 

Linear park is planned along Walnut Street by new hotel
Linear park is planned along Walnut Street by new hotel
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