CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT
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hattanooga has a rich history due to its location as a nexus/transition city between the ridge and valley of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Over half the country lives within a day’s drive. Despite that, the city was unable to attract significant convention business until they built the CCC in 1986. Initially called a trade center, it cost $46 million and did about $23 million in business each year, but that went up to $38 million in 2003 when a $45 million expansion was completed. Today, it contributes more than $1 billion to the tourism industry and approximately 8,500+ jobs in the region, so the investment seems to have been wise. The expansion was designed by architects Derthick, Henley & Wilkerson with additional daylight design by Innovative Design. Parks Beers was the construction contractor. Currently, the CCC has 100,000 sq.ft. of column-free exhibit space, 21 meeting rooms and 19,000 sq.ft. of divisible ballroom space on a single level. After expansion, it boasts a large number of green initiatives, including extensive use of natural light, and a fresh air ventilation and cooling system that lowers HVAC costs when the weather permits. The roof was built using TPO, a white rubber membrane that reduces radiant heat while reflecting more natural light into the building. The design also uses architectural shading to keep more heat out of the building. The exterior 40 May/June 2021 Exhibit City News
By F. Andrew Taylor
windows are glazed for solar reflection, resulting in smaller HVAC equipment and lowering the initial capital costs, operating costs and upkeep. Additional shade is provided by streetscaping, which incorporates trees for additional solar control and natural cooling. More than 5 million gallons of rain water per year are harvested from the roof to irrigate the adjacent streetscape and landscaping, and increase the energy efficiency and aesthetics. A free electric shuttle bus stops at the CCC every 15 minutes connecting it to more than 50 restaurants and 2,000 hotel rooms. An additional 8,000 hotel rooms and 150 restaurants are within 15 miles of the CCC. The CCC is owned and operated by the Carter Street Corporation, an urban community economic development in Chattanooga with a mission to encourage economic development. Chattanooga is one of the most tech forward cities in the country and was the first U.S. city to have a citywide gigabit network earning it the nickname “Gig City” alongside “Scenic City.” Conventions and major annual events include The Environments for Aging Expo & Conference, the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels, the Chattanooga Annual Tri-State Home Show, the Chattanooga International Boat and Sport Show, Guitarnooga Guitar Show, Tennessee Society for Human Resource Management Conference & Expo, and Model Con.
SLEEP Rest your head at the Chattanooga Marriott, the only hotel connected to the CCC in the heart of downtown. Nearby, the newly renovated Chattanoogan Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a full-service option that offers luxury accommodations, day spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants and rooftop bar High Rail Chattanooga. A home base for adventures great and small, Kinley Chattanooga, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is the city’s newest hotel.
PLAY Explore the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a thriving entertainment destination around the historic hotel in the Southside. Restaurants, shopping and entertainment include Nic & Norman’s, Frothy Monkey, STIR, American Draft (in a streetcar!), Regan’s Place, Westbound Bar, Gate 11 Distillery, Echelon Fitness, Sweetly Southern, Back Stage Bar and The Comedy Catch. Stretching under string lights, the district’s open-container Station Street doubles as patio and event space. Across from the Choo Choo, there’s more fun to be had at Terminal Brewhouse, Chattanooga Whiskey, the Hot Chocolatier, Wildflower Tea, Clumpies Ice Cream, Blue Orleans and much more. Several blocks away, the vibrant West Village packs in European charm with its cobblestone streets, public art and cutesy alleys. Anchored by the Westin Chattanooga, the West Village features a variety of restaurants, boutiques and popup events. – Marissa Bell, PR manager, Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Photo courtesy of Chattanooga CVB
Chattanooga CC
The food and atmosphere at Urban Stack reflect the city’s urban and hip food scene. The upscale burger and bourbon bar is in the cool Southern Railway Baggage Building circa 1867. Nearby at Warehouse Row, options abound including Public House, where they use the best seafood, premium steaks and farm-fresh produce to create a fresh, refined approach to the Southern meat-and-three menu.
