Public and Private Collaboration Brings Chattanooga's LEED Certified Fairmount Avenue Townhomes to Reality

HUD Knoxville Field Office Director Ed Ellis congratulating residents and public and private partners

Farimount Avenue Townhomes

The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) recently hosted a grand opening celebration for Fairmount Avenue Townhomes. Mr. Ed Ellis, HUD's Knoxville Field Office Director (FOD), along with Mayor Ron Littlefield, City Council members, residents of the new townhomes, and CHA's development partners participated in the ribbon-cutting. CHA was awarded a $3.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2009 to demolish the former Fairmount Avenue Apartments and build 18 townhomes on the property. In addition to these federal funds, CHA and the City of Chattanooga provided funding. The 23,000 square-feet development is at 1311 Fairmount Ave. in North Chattanooga.

Ellis stated, "Although it took some time to complete this project, and many obstacles had to overcome, Fairmount Ave. Townhomes is an example of a partnership, both private and public, to accomplish one of the most outstanding developments in the country. This project is an example of sustainability; the use of U.S. made products; the incorporation of "Green Building" technology; and tenant accountability. Everyone involved in this project needs to be congratulated for their commitment and dedication."

Fairmount was designed by a local firm, Hefferlin + Kronenberg Architects, and features nine three-bedroom units and nine two-bedroom units. The development is LEED-certified, and includes solar panels on the roof that will generate about 10 percent of the site's energy needs. Other development highlights for Fairmount: energy efficient windows and doors; kynar-coated standing seam metal roofs; white lap board siding; "Green" permeable pavers; stained concrete floors; environmentally friendly linoleum flooring; wood veneer cabinetry; all units will be non-smoking; three all-weather pathways leading down from the housing site and connecting to Dallas Road, and to Mississippi Avenue and Forest Avenue. Another highlight, tenants selected to live in the new units are required to participate in the "Family Self-Sufficiency" program.

Tenants must make a commitment to be at work, school (or both) a minimum of 30 hours per week. Eddie Holmes, CHA's Board Chairman said, "with the new guidelines we have, prospective tenants need to say, they have a job, or willing to go back to school." A fully-furnished, three-bedroom model unit was available for guests to tour. CHA staff members were available to answer any questions.

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