Phase one of Cambridge Square nears completion

Phase one of Cambridge Square, Ooltewah’s new mixed-use development, is almost complete, and developers have recently gotten letters of intent from new businesses.

And leaders with Barrier Properties, the project’s developer, will host an open house that is free and open to the public on May 17 and 18.

“This has been a long time coming,” Barrier Property principal and Lupton Company CEO David Belitz said in a prepared statement. “We have spent a lot of energy planning Cambridge Square, and to have reached a point where we are announcing tenants and hosting the extended Ooltewah community is very rewarding for our entire development team.”

The new development is located on 130 acres at the corner of Ooltewah/Georgetown Road and Lee Highway.

Developers plan to eventually have numerous retailers, restaurants and office tenants.

Current tenants at Cambridge Square include Independent Healthcare Properties, corporate headquarters, Southern Burger Company, Lupi’s and Tedford Family Dentistry.

The development team also has letters of intent for a 6,000-square-foot locally owned Chattanooga restaurant concept, a 2,500-square-foot locally owned yoga concept and more than 25,000 square feet in medical and professional offices.

Officials with Independent Healthcare Properties opened the headquarter facility earlier this year. Lupi’s and Southern Burger will open doors this spring.

Tedford Family Dentistry is slated to begin construction in late 2013.
Work on the development started in fall 2011.

Phase one also includes the addition of signage, staging for outdoor performances, open space and handcrafted fountains.

“We have reached a visual crossroads, where people no longer have to imagine the concept for the community,” Michael McGowan, a partner with River Street Architecture, said in a prepared statement “As buildings go vertical and landscape architecture takes shape, we think people will really begin to appreciate the level of detail and planning that went into this development. Most of all, we want our tenants to feel at home and be successful.”

If you go
What: Cambridge Square open house event
Where: Ooltewah/Georgetown Road and Lee Highway
When: May 17, 5:30 p.m. for bluegrass music and May 18, all day for kids’ activities and more music
How much: Free

See Original Article Here:

http://www.nooga.com/161516/phase-one-of-cambridge-square-nears-completion/

Any Plans for the Weekend? Saturday, May 18: Brewers unite for Beer Over Dirt

For almost two decades, Scenic City vino lovers have looked forward to fall in anticipation of Wine Over Water and an evening of sampling wines from all over the world.

As the name suggests, Beer Over Dirt offers suds aficionados a similar experience, though one that’s a little less highbrow and a lot more local.

Beer Over Dirt debuted as a public event last year, attracting about 500 people to North Chattanooga’s Renaissance Park. Before that, it was a private party at the Harrison home of then-amateur homebrewer Mark Marcum.

“My yard was half grass, half dirt, and the party was on the deck over the yard,” explains Marcum, who co-founded Chattanooga Brewing Co. in 2010. “Someone … decided to call it Beer Over Dirt. The name stuck, so we started calling it that every year.”

Despite remaining primarily underground, Beer Over Dirt has grown steadily ever since. From 2004 until 2011, Marcum moved Beer Over Dirt from his home to nearby Island Cove Marina, where it remained an invitation-only affair. At its height, more than 200 showed up, and any proceeds left after covering the event’s costs were donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.

When Beer Over Dirt went public last year, those proceeds shifted to the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy. At this year’s festival, which will take place Saturday, May 18, the conservancy has taken over organization of the event in what Marcum describes as a win-win move.

“They’re aiming to protect the local watershed, and we saw a common interest with the local breweries since we’re using the local water to make our product,” he says.

Last year, Marcum reached out to Chattanooga’s four other local microbreweries for liquid contributions to the event. He expected some degree of interest, but every brewery donated at least a barrel — 31 gallons — to the cause.

Under the stewardship of the conservancy, Beer Over Dirt has grown significantly this year, with 50 percent more all-you-can-drink armbands up for sale and sponsorship from a number of area businesses. Every local brewery once again will have beers on tap, about 12 varieties and 300 gallons in all, Marcum says. In addition, four local rock bands will provide entertainment throughout the day, and local restaurants such as Lupi’s Pizza and Good Dog will be selling food.

Thanks to the Southern Brewers Festival and this year’s inaugural Chattanooga Craft Beer Festival, local beer lovers have had plenty of opportunities to celebrate, but Beer Over Dirt offers a chance to shine a light exclusively on the city’s growing microbrew community, Marcum says.

“It’s a trendy thing for people to support local, and we’re happy that they do,” he says. “Beer Over Dirt gives us a chance to … show people what’s happening on the local beer scene.”

IF YOU GO
What: Beer Over Dirt.

When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

Where: Renaissance Park, River Street.

Admission: Free for music; $30 all-you-can-drink wristband.

Phone: 423-842-1163.

Website: http://www.beeroverdirt.com

MUSIC
Endelouz: http://www.Myspace.com/Endelouz

Dark Horse Ten: http://www.DarkHorseTen.com

The Bohannons: http://www.TheBohannons.org

Strung Like a Horse: http://www.StrungLikeAHorse.com

THE BREWERIES
Chattanooga Brewing Co.: 423-702-9958, http://www.ChattaBrew.com

The Terminal Brewhouse: 423-752-8090, http://www.TerminalBrewhouse.com

Big River Grille & Brewing Works: 423-267-2739, http://www.BigRiverGrille.com

Moccasin Bend Brewing Co.: 423-821-6392, http://www.BendBrewingBeer.com

McHale’s Brewhouse and Pub: 423-877-2124, http://www.McHalesBrewhouse.com

Contact staff writer Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205. Follow him on Twitter at @PhillipsCTFP.

See Original Article Here:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/may/16/brewers-unite-for-beer-over-dirt/

EPB Strawberry Festival at Chattanooga Market

Several vendors will have fresh-picked strawberries for sale at Chattanooga Market’s Strawberry Festival.
Photo by Associated Press /Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Local strawberries are usually available at Chattanooga Market in the weeks between opening day and the annual Strawberry Festival, but this year’s crop is just now coming in.

“The late cold and rainy weather has made it difficult for us this year,” says Flat Top Mountain Farm’s Terry Hughes. “Many of our crops will be planted late, and the strawberries have come in several weeks later than usual.”

Hughes is among several vendors that will have fresh-picked strawberries for sale at the Strawberry Festival, one of the Market’s most popular events.

In addition to the fresh strawberries, marketgoers will be able to enjoy other favorites such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry salsa and strawberry cake.

Also this Sunday, a special tribute will be paid to EPB. The longtime Chattanooga Market sponsor has set up free Wi-Fi at First Tennessee Pavilion so that patrons can experience its high-speed fiber optics, Market officials say.

Live music on the EPB stage will be provided by Jeff Miller at noon and Jennifer Daniels at 2 p.m.

IF YOU GO
What: EPB Strawberry Festival at Chattanooga Market

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Reggie White Blvd.

Admission: Free

Phone: 423-648-2496

Website: http://www.chattanoogamarket.com

See Original Article Here:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/may/16/epb-strawberry-festival-at-chattanooga/?entertainment

Bike Chattanooga adds a new station on the Riverwalk

The Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System was at the top of the Walnut Street Bridge’s 20th anniversary parade and now has its own reason to celebrate.

The organization will cut the ribbon on its 31st station at the Hubert Fry Center on the Tennessee Riverpark campus this Friday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m.

“We always knew we wanted to extend along the Riverwalk,” said Phil Pugliese, bicycle coordinator for Outdoor Chattanooga. “This station provides a recreational opportunity to explore the Riverwalk, and it’s an added transportation connector.”

Pugliese explained that Chattanoogans who live in areas outside of downtown and are interested in commuting by bike—but can’t easily ride directly from their homes—can use the new station as a halfway point for a more doable daily or weekly ride.

Located 5.2 miles from the High Street station in the Bluff View Art District, the Hubert Fry Center station is located across from the boat ramp at the Tennessee Riverpark’s main pavilion and playground.

The most accessible entrance will be from Amnicola Highway, just before DuPont Parkway and the Chattanooga State Community College entrance.
The station will have 25 docking points.

There are three ways to rent bikes: an annual membership ($75), a UTC student annual membership ($30) and a 24-hour access pass ($6). For the speed demons, all membership or pass options allow access to unlimited station-to-station bike rides lasting less than 60 minutes.

For those who prefer a more leisurely bike ride and take more than 60 minutes for each station-to-station trip, a $5 per half-hour usage fee is applied on top of the membership or pass price.

Pugliese said Bike Chattanooga has plans to continue expanding the fleet of rental city bikes with stations along the Riverwalk as it extends westward to St. Elmo.

See Original Article Here:

http://www.nooga.com/161538/bike-chattanooga-adds-a-new-station-on-the-riverwalk/

Business Bits: New Ooltewah development in the works, new program encourages carpooling

Developer Jay Bell recently broke ground on a new housing development in Ooltewah. (Photo: Contributed)

Ground broken on development in Ooltewah

Local developer Jay Bell is working on a new subdivision in Ooltewah called McKenzie Meadows.

“Housing starts and sales continue to grow and rebound in all Bell neighborhoods, and having the newest Hamilton County school will help to enhance your home’s value,” Bell said in a prepared statement.

The subdivision is near Ooltewah Elementary, and Bell said that helps make the subdivision family-friendly.
Homes range from 2,400 to 3,100 square feet and cost between $300,000 and $400,000.

The homes will feature granite countertops, hardwood floors, tile and private decks with screened-in porches. They also come with a two-year builder warranty.

Chattanooga’s Speech and Hearing Center celebrates 60 years, free screenings available this month
The Speech and Hearing Center, Chattanooga’s only nonprofit speech and hearing organization, is celebrating its 60th year in business.

“We are very excited to be celebrating our 60th anniversary as a vital resource for the region,” Connie Fernández, president and CEO of the center, said in a prepared statement. “The level of devotion by our staff is outstanding, and the impact of our services is evidenced when children whom we serve are succeeding in school and interacting socially with peers and when adults with hearing loss are communicating and engaged in the community.”

The organization provides services to people of all ages and income levels.

The staff helps parents identify speech and hearing impairments at an early age so that children can get the necessary treatment to be successful in school and beyond. The center also helps adults by treating hearing loss, according to a news release.

The center will provide free hearing and speech screenings for the month of May to honor Better Hearing and Speech Month, as well as the organization’s 60th anniversary. Screenings are free and available to individuals of all ages by appointment only. Call 423-622-6900 to schedule a visit.

Green Trips offers area employers ride matching service, commuter benefits
Leaders of Green Trips—a regionwide program that rewards residents and commuters for reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips—are now setting up customized commute programs with employers in the area.

The program’s website will let people connect with carpool or bicycle partners and earn rewards for biking, walking and carpooling, among other options, such as telecommuting or compressed workweeks.

EPB is the first company to join the program.

“EPB is proud to be a partner in the Green Trips program,” John Pless, EPB public relations coordinator, said in a prepared statement. “This is a great opportunity for the community to work together promoting sustainable living, less pollution and a healthier lifestyle while strengthening our local businesses.”

Green Trips is a program of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County/North Georgia Transportation Planning Organization.
Green Trips will phase in other employers at the first of June. Staff members are now able to meet with employers who want to join the program.

Green Trips is open to organizations in Hamilton County, as well as the northern portions of Dade, Walker and Catoosa counties.

See Original Article for more Info:

http://www.nooga.com/161514/business-bits-new-ooltewah-development-in-the-works-new-program-encourages-carpooling/

10 cheapest places to live in the U.S.

Which U.S. cities have the lowest costs of living?

The Council for Community and Economic Research recently measured the after-tax prices of common purchases in 307 urban areas. The council crunched more than 50,000 prices for everything from grocery items to transportation to housing to come up with their Cost of Living Index. The national average is 100.

Following is a look at each of the 10 most affordable cities in the United States.

See Original Article for the list: http://www.cbsnews.com/8334-505144_162-57574158/10-cheapest-places-to-live-in-the-u.s/

Tips for homebuyers

Indicators continue to point toward recovery in the local housing market, but the topic is complex, and not everyone agrees on what’s happening.

Though area Realtors say that inventories are shrinking—which is a good sign—some people remain skeptical and suspect that banks are hoarding foreclosed inventory, making it appear that inventory is decreasing.

Some people have stories about recently getting multiple offers on a house, while others have stories about a home that was hard to sell.

Less inventory might mean a seller has a better chance to get multiple options, but it also could mean that it’s harder for buyers to find what they want.

And inventory is just one indicator that experts use to gauge market conditions. Time on the market, closed sales and home prices are other numbers industry insiders look at.

And situations vary in different areas. So what is happening nationwide or in larger cities isn’t necessarily what’s happening locally.

Dr. Chris Brockman, UTC finance professor, said that it’s premature to say the local market is great but that both buyers and sellers are feeling more comfortable.

“Overall, buyers and sellers are more optimistic and confident in the housing market,” Brockman said via email. “Luckily, Chattanooga wasn’t hit as hard as many areas when the real estate market crashed.”

For anyone who doesn’t know what to make of the industry lingo and differing opinions, here are tips and background information for current homebuyers.

History
One of the outcomes of the 2007 mortgage crisis was that it became harder to get a loan. At that time, home prices were on the rise, it was easier to get a loan and people began borrowing more than they could afford.

Before the economic crisis, some lenders provided 97 to 100 percent financing for a home.

Lenders made it easy for those searching for the American dream, a home of their own. But soon, the dream turned into a nightmare.

The economy began to struggle and unemployment rates increased; and some who had gotten loans easily couldn’t afford to continue to pay, leaving the lenders to shoulder the property.

Lenders who provided 100 percent financing found that it didn’t give customers much incentive to stay in the deal.

The recession deepened, and lenders who were stuck with excess property stopped lending money for new home construction.

Lending advice: Shop around
Lending will likely never go back to the way it was, but the process might be getting a little easier for people with solid credit.

Hamilton Brock, chief operating officer for Collier Construction, said banks are a little quicker to lend money and that it hasn’t taken the company as long to close on contracts recently.

And Keith Sanford, Chattanooga market president for First Tennessee, said if he were trying to get a loan now, he would make calls and evaluate different rates.

“There is more demand and competition,” Sanford said. “Sometimes, it can mean a little better rate if you get two banks competing.”

Buy for less than you think you can afford
First-time homebuyers should make a purchase for less than they think they can afford, Brockman said.

“In the past, buyers felt that they could stretch themselves financially because their home would increase in value forever and they would get nice big raises and after five or so years they could actually afford the house,” he said.

Don’t look at a home as the same kind of investment as stocks, bonds
The mortgage crisis created a switch in perspective, Brockman also said.

Homebuyers had been looking at their homes as investments. And yes, it’s an investment, but not in the same way that stocks or bonds are, he said.

“You should view your home as a way of not ‘throwing away money’ on rent; and if you’re lucky, when you’re old and retired, you will have paid off your mortgage and have a valuable asset,” he said. “It might still only be worth what you paid for it, but you can now sell it and move to Florida and live comfortably.”

Click here for 13 more tips for first-time homebuyers.

See Original Article Here:

http://www.nooga.com/161517/tips-for-homebuyers/