Kathryn Foster displays the new green roof and patio at the recently renovated Chattanooga/Hamilton County Business Development Center.
Photo by Emily CrismanRenovations are now complete at the Chattanooga/Hamilton County Business Development Center, which for the past nine months has undergone a $6 million transformation in building updates and improvements.
“Small businesses create jobs and personal wealth, and they give our community life,” said Kathryn Foster, director of small business and entrepreneurship for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. “I know they are what are going to sustain our economy for years to come.”
The 80-plus-year-old BDC building was always cold in the winter and hot in the summer and typically had around 12 leaks, said Foster.
She said the BDC now features energy-efficient, insulated windows as well as a new green roof system. The building also has upgraded common areas, and a state-of-the art conference center with five new big-screen TVs.
“Tenants can now bring clients into a beautiful facility and make it look like they’re established,” said Foster.