Retail, residential district planned for 'The Bend' development in Tennessee
A riverside mixed-use retail and entertainment project is taking shape in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Urban Story Ventures has detailed plans for a $350 million retail and residential district coming to The Bend, a 120-acre project set to begin development in 2027. In partnership with development firm Hill Partners and design firm Perkins&Will, the development district along the Tennessee River will feature restaurants, retail, Class A office space and over 1,000 residential units, in addition to the previously-announced $300 million amphitheater, which will hold approximately 12,500 seats.
Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2027, with an anticipated completion timeline of the fall of 2028. Developers added that the district is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs and over $100 million in gross sales.
[READ MORE: Major redevelopment set to begin at Arlington's Lincoln Square shopping center]
Urban Story Ventures and Hill Partners will lead the development of the site, while Perkins&Will will oversee the master planning and architectural vision.
“We’re incredibly excited to help bring a truly exceptional retail and dining experience to Chattanooga,” said Robert H. Spratt, Jr., president of Hill Partners. “For more than four decades, our team has executed very successful strategic plans, curated best‑in‑class tenants, and created memorable places that resonate with their communities. The Bend represents a rare opportunity to apply that experience at a remarkable riverfront site, and we’re proud to help shape a destination that will elevate how people live, shop, and gather in downtown Chattanooga for generations to come.”
A recent study from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga found that the Chattanooga metropolitan area (including north Georgia near the state line) increased from a population of 563,291 in April 2020 to 594,530 on July 1, 2025. The region is expected to exceed 600,000 later this year, the report estimates.
“This is another important piece of the vision for the Bend and the expansion of Chattanooga’s riverfront,” said Weston Wamp, mayor of Hamilton County. “Bringing new restaurants, retail and jobs to the west side will reactivate a corridor that has played a major role in our city’s economic history.”
