Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Preserve Chattanooga: The Historic River-to-Ridge Area Plan

WUTC

Published December 8, 2022 at 3:41 PM EST

Part of a map from the Historic River-to-Ridge Area Plan.

Our guests: Todd Morgan, director of Preserve Chattanooga – and Dan Reuter, City Planning Administrator and Executive Director of the Regional Plan Association, funded by the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County with additional funding from other jurisdictions.

Here in Chattanooga, the historic River-to-Ridge Area – generally bounded by Missionary Ridge and the Tennessee River – represents 17 diverse urban neighborhoods with a distinct history.

These were the first streetcar neighborhoods in Chattanooga – and many served as the birthplace for early African-American settlements in this city.

Today, some of these neighborhoods are experiencing a resurgence – as new residents and families from all walks of life “move back to the city” to enjoy the unique historic character and conveniences of this area.

Two years ago, the Historic River-to-Ridge Area Plan was officially adopted – meant as a guide and a resource for the many stakeholders whose decisions ultimately set the direction for this area.

We focus on the plan for our final conversation in our series with Preserve Chattanooga, the historic preservation nonprofit in this city.