The midTown central complex that will house the Family Justice Center, the Children’s Advocacy Center and other organizations serving victims of abuse was approved Tuesday night for $3.7 million in funding by the Chattanooga City Council.
The center will be on Eastgate Loop and replace the temporary structure now there. The center has been years in the making, said Councilwoman Carol B. Berz of District 6, where the complex will be.
“Chattanooga is developing a one-stop shop for the nation,” Berz said after the meeting, saying she wants to build something the rest of the country will emulate. “It’s a one-stop shop for folks in trouble.”
The budget isn’t new money, Berz said. It’s been approved before and this was the final approval process. The budget includes a contingency of $179,000, and J&J Contractors was given the contract.
Chattanooga City Council Chairman Carol Berz listens during a July council meeting.Architects presented plans for the building and some sketches of what the outside will look like. The center will have space for the Chattanooga Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, Legal Aid Services and even the McKamey Animal Center, whose personnel will look after a victim’s pet while they talk with people.