On the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga lie restaurants and cafe-lined streets, a pedestrian bridge, and riverfront walkways and parks that together create the vibrant and accessible Northshore district. In recent years, the city has received $120M in investment in riverfront development initiatives, and has pursued a waterfront master plan aimed at building upon the strides made in the ‘80s and ‘90s to reconnect the city to the river.

Coolidge and Renaissance Parks each provide ample space for daily exploration and relaxation, and host a variety of events that bring the community together year round. The historic Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge creates a linkage from one side of the river to the other, connecting the Riverwalk to the parks, public art, and shopping district on the opposite bank. The bridge hosts activations year round, like the Wine over Water wine-tasting festival and the Riverbend Music Festival, and is an iconic landmark that embodies the spirit of Chattanooga.

In addition to its pedestrian-prioritized streets and linkages, Northshore also has bikeshare stations, a free shuttle service between the neighborhoods and downtown, and accessible parking for cars. The close proximity of the shopping district to the public amenities creates a density of activities for users to explore.

Chattanooga’s progressive attitude towards placemaking and urban evolution will continue to change the landscape of Northshore’s streets and other public spaces, capitalizing on the many opportunities that already exist there. Curious to learn more about placemaking efforts underway in Chattanooga? Join us at the 3rd International Placemaking Week, happening in—you guessed it—Chattanooga, Tennessee!

All images courtesy of Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau.

To learn more about Northshore, visit River City Company. For more on Chattanooga's history of placemaking, read more here.