More than a decade after it was first proposed, site work began last week on a luxury mountaintop hotel retreat that its backers believe will draw tourists and business groups from around the country to Northwest Georgia.
More than $188 million of tax-exempt bonds were sold on Aug. 19 to finance the development of a 245-room lodge, conference center and spa along the eastern edge of Lookout Mountain next to the McLemore golf course. The project, which is scheduled to open by December 2023, is the largest single investment ever in Walker County, Georgia and should give a major boost to the adjacent 18-hole McLemore golf course and residential development.
“McLemore is and will be a landmark destination,” said Roland Abert, a master planner for Hart Howerton who has helped design the resort and residential complex formerly known as Canyon Ridge. “Every venue within the hotel is designed in response to the unique nuances of Lookout Mountain’s rugged terrain – from its dining options, indoor and outdoor bar options, to the conference center and variety of guest accommodations. The lodge will offer stunning views of McLemore Cove, Pigeon Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
Duane Horton, the Chattanooga developer and president of McLemore, said the new hotel and conference center will be on par with major business resorts such as Greenbrier in West Virginia and the Reynolds Plantation in Georgia.
“We want to attract people and conventions from across the county and create a place where people want to come for generations,” he said.