A rendering provided by Hutton, a Chattanooga-based commercial real estate, development and construction company, shows the proposed design of the new gymnasium at 1802 Vance Ave.A local real estate and development company has raised more than $350,000 to renovate the old Tennessee Temple High School gym for the students and faculty of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and is asking other businesses to pitch in to help reach a fundraising goal of a half million dollars.
The Hutton firm is spearheading the project and partnering closely with Rice Williams, an architect from the local design firm Artech, who is donating his time. The remodel is scheduled to be complete by August, said Donna Coleman, Hutton’s philanthropic liaison.
“The entire Hutton team toured the school, witnessed the excitement in the hallways, heard the success stories of the girls and observed the immediate physical needs of the school. This firsthand experience sealed the deal,” said Karen J. Hutton, the company’s CEO and owner.
In addition to helping with the gym, Hutton said she is so committed to the school and its mission that she has involved her company in its mentoring program and is working alongside others to launch an endowment campaign.
CGLA bought the gymnasium on Vance Avenue in Highland Park three years ago to add to the CGLA campus. But it is out of compliance with state code and is underused, officials said. The renovation will include bleachers, an HVAC system, a roof and additional restrooms that meet federal requirements.