One of Chattanooga’s most visible and iconic hotels of the past half century is getting a new look and use.
The former King’s Lodge, which was built on the side of Missionary Ridge in 1970 only four years after the Ridge cut opened up Interstate 24 through Chattanooga, is being converted to a 138-unit apartment complex, known as the View at Mission Ridge.
The former hotel, which was acquired by Vic Desai of ViaNova Development over the past couple of years, had deteriorated over the years. As an extended care hotel and low-income apartment complex in recent years, police were frequently called to the King’s Lodge.
“This extended stay motel had turned into a makeshift apartment complex that was really run down,” said Heather Everett, property manager for ViaNova Development. “It was basically ready to be condemned. It was sitting on such a terrific location, though.”
The new owners see a new future for the ridgeside facility. So far, 28 of the former hotel rooms have been renovated and turned into one-bedroom apartments. The 625-square-foot units now rent for $800-$850 a month.