We loved our 8 1/2 years in the Southside district of downtown Chattanooga. The energy of the neighborhood’s revitalization starting in 2007 (starting for us in 2008 during space buildout, grand opening in 2009) was contagious and thrilling. The re-emergence of the Southside by rebuilding a huge part of the city’s past was truly sparked by the influence of artists that lived in the neighborhood and several generous Chattanooga legacy foundations. The area continued to evolve into a wonderful residential, dining & entertainment district. But, the Main St. corridor proved to be a tough area for retail to thrive (and unfortunately, many didn’t survive).
Area 61 represents and hosts the work of local artists & craftsmen from Chattanooga and the immediate surrounding area. Eighty percent (80%) of our buyers over the years in the Southside district, were out-of-towners - our city guests - who appreciate art and love to support local when they travel. Many of our best repeat clients are weekenders from Atlanta and Nashville.
When daytime pedestrian traffic slowed over the past few years, we realized we were still doing something right when out-of-town guests to the city found us - just around the corner from the Chattanooga Choo Choo - and they were genuinely enthusiastic and impressed by the diverse collection and talent of our local artists…AND purchased. We knew we had a great mix of local artists and we needed to move to a location more centered among the downtown hotels, specifically conference/convention hotels. We made this decision as the Defoors Family began their remarkable transformation of the downtown City-Center area now called the West Village.
A few start-stops, three lease reviews, 2 letters of intent, 23 months later, and our latest build out, we are excited to be a part of The Maclellan building’s community of downtown residents, a wonderful landlord / investors group, in a prime location within the City-Center district footprint, along the CARTA Free Electric Shuttle route, neighboring the historic Tivoli Theatre AND the dynamic, vibrant West Village. (Reading that run-on sentence may invoke a little anxiety and give you insight into the journey we’ve taken.)
Our artists have been in studio creating so many new works. We cannot wait to re-open and share their passion with our loyal local collectors and everyone who visits our scenic city, gig city and most recently tagged as a “City of Creators. Chattanooga Creates or #CHA Creates”. We hope you’ll be around for the GRAND Re-opening Weekend (TBA via social media, Instagram & Facebook)…Stay tuned.