Several new developments are under construction in the East Hamilton area, and one emerging Little Debbie Parkway apartment complex is already considering expansion.
“There seem to be a lot of reasons people want to be building out here,” said Collegedale Planning Commissioner Jimmy Eller. “I would not have thought the rental market is what it is in the Chattanooga market, but it seems like it is in the 98 percent occupancy.”
Integra Land Company Vice President Robert McDaniel said at this point in construction typically between 2 and 3 percent of a development has already been leased, but as of two weeks ago the Integra Hills development had approximately 7 to 8 percent of the development leased.
He said the increased employment opportunities in the area, specifically Volkswagen, Amazon and the companies’ suppliers, were a driving force behind bringing high-quality housing to the area.
“Chattanooga is one of the Southeast leaders as far as growing employment,” McDaniel said. “When employers come to an area it creates housing needs.”