If you go
› What: Grand Opening of the Collegedale Commons› Where: 4950 Swinyar Drive› When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5› Admission: Free› For more information: 423-664-3022
East Hamilton County residents have watched progress being made on the new Collegedale Commons with anticipation of its additions of a shade market, pavilion/event venue and sound stage.
The project is so massive it has been divided into three phases of work, and Phase 1 will hold its grand opening on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 5, in Collegedale. It's being made even more of a celebration with the addition of the lighting of the Collegedale Christmas tree.
According to David Barto, director of the Collegedale Foundation, there will be music by Southern Adventist University's orchestra, conducted by Laurie Minner, with vocal music by Jordan Otis. Officials will hold a ribbon cutting followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Even Santa Claus is making an early trip to town to be on hand for this celebration. The jolly old elf will ride in on a fire engine while throwing candy to kids.
"There will be food trucks on-site and vendors from Chattanooga Market," adds Barto.
Phase 1 contains a 30,000-square-foot area planted with 32 Dawn Redwood trees - 2,000 square feet of that area under the shade market/entry pavilion. The pavilion's design is inspired by lodges such as you'd see at Yellowstone or Glacier national parks, says Barto. He terms the design aesthetic "park-itecture."
Restrooms flank the pavilion on both sides. A Japanese cedar will be planted at the back of the shade pavilion to serve as a permanent Christmas tree.
Barto says Phase 1 carries a price tag of $4.4 million for its buildings, clock tower and four acres of infrastructure work.
"Immediately following the grand opening, construction will start on the 11,000-square-foot covered pavilion, which will be done by the end of March," says Barto.
While the entry pavilion will serve small gatherings, this second pavilion will be large enough to serve as an event venue.
"It's made to house vendors for the farmer's market," says Barto. "But we've already got people wanting to rent it for weddings and dinner parties."
Also part of Phase 2 will be completion of the remaining infrastructure work at the site.
Phase 3 will be the addition of a sound stage, where concerts will be held. Barto estimates its completion date at the end of 2019.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.