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Chattanooga to Convert Harriet Tubman Center into Affordable Housing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. rriet-tubman-center-into-affordable-housing.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 12:40 GMT by Chattanooga Times Free Press
      Locales: Tennessee, UNITED STATES

CHATTANOOGA, TN - February 18, 2026 - A recently released city study proposes a significant repurposing of the vacant Harriet Tubman Center: its transformation into much-needed affordable housing units. The recommendation, unveiled last Friday, comes as Chattanooga grapples with a deepening crisis of housing affordability, and positions the former community center as a potential cornerstone in the city's efforts to address the issue.

The Harriet Tubman Center, closed by the city in 2023, has sat unused, prompting debate over its future. The study, a comprehensive assessment of potential uses, evaluated options ranging from a new community center to facilities geared toward seniors and youth. However, affordable housing consistently emerged as the most viable and impactful solution, aligning with Chattanooga's stated goals for inclusive growth and community wellbeing.

"Affordable housing isn't just a matter of shelter; it's about opportunity, stability, and the overall health of our city," stated Mayor Andre Spake in an official release. "This location presents a unique chance to revitalize a valuable asset and directly address a pressing need facing many Chattanoogans."

The study's findings highlight the building's structural integrity, noting its relatively good condition which minimizes potential renovation costs. Crucially, the location offers excellent accessibility via public transportation routes, connecting future residents to employment centers, healthcare facilities, and essential services. This is a critical factor in ensuring residents aren't simply housed, but are empowered to thrive.

The Scope of Chattanooga's Affordable Housing Crisis

The need for affordable housing in Chattanooga isn't new, but the problem has demonstrably worsened in recent years. Rapid population growth, coupled with rising property values and limited new construction of accessible units, have created a significant gap between available housing and what many residents can afford. According to the Chattanooga Association of Realtors, the median home price has increased by nearly 40% since 2020, while wages have not kept pace. This disparity disproportionately affects low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and essential workers who are vital to the city's functioning.

Data from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) reveals a shortfall of over 6,000 affordable housing units in Hamilton County, where Chattanooga is located. The lack of affordable options forces many families to live in overcrowded conditions, commute long distances, or face the constant threat of eviction. This instability has cascading effects on educational outcomes, health, and overall quality of life.

Project Details and Financial Hurdles The proposed project, estimated to cost $15 million, aims to create approximately 75-100 affordable housing units within the former Harriet Tubman Center's structure. City planner Sarah Miller emphasizes that the city is actively pursuing a multi-faceted funding strategy. "We're exploring a combination of federal and state grants, including those earmarked for affordable housing initiatives, as well as seeking partnerships with private investors and philanthropic organizations," Miller explained. "Public-private partnerships are essential to making projects of this scale a reality."

The city is also considering utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), a federal program that incentivizes developers to build affordable housing. However, competition for these credits is fierce, requiring a strong application and demonstrable community support.

Potential Challenges and Community Engagement

Despite the positive initial reaction to the study, potential challenges remain. Some residents near the proposed site have expressed concerns about increased traffic and potential strains on local resources. Addressing these concerns will require proactive community engagement and transparent communication from city officials.

"We understand that any major development can raise questions and concerns," Miller stated. "We're committed to hosting public forums and workshops to gather feedback from residents and address any anxieties they may have. We want this project to be a collaborative effort, reflecting the needs and priorities of the entire community."

The City Council is scheduled to discuss the study's findings at its next meeting on January 10th, 2026, and a vote on the project's initial funding is expected in early February. If approved, the project could break ground in the summer of 2026, with completion anticipated by late 2027. This proposed repurposing of the Harriet Tubman Center represents not just a construction project, but a commitment to ensuring that Chattanooga remains a city where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.