Urban Story Ventures Announces $350M Retail and Residential District Coming to the Bend, Joining $300M Amphitheater

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Urban Story Ventures announced today a transformative $350 million retail and residential district coming to the Bend, set to begin development in 2027. The project is being delivered in partnership with Hill Partners, a leading retail and mixed-use development firm, and Perkins&Will, a globally recognized architecture and design firm.

Aerial Shot of the Bend

The open-air district will showcase a dynamic blend of restaurants, retail, Class A office, and residential experiences, creating a vibrant, walkable destination along Chattanooga’s riverfront. A collection of local, regional, and nationally recognized, highly sought‑after concepts - from premier retailers to elevated home‑goods brands, lifestyle uses, entertainment uses and acclaimed dining and cafe groups - are already in active negotiations, reflecting strong demand and deep confidence in the vision for the Bend.

“This type of open-air, experiential development does not exist in the Chattanooga market and will have aspects of The Wharf in Washington, DC and Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC, all right here in Downtown Chattanooga. It’s exactly what we have been missing and will have tremendous economic impact on the city and county,” said Jimmy White, president and managing partner of Urban Story Ventures, the master developer of the Bend’s 120+ acre mixed-use redevelopment. “Think of the stores or restaurants you wish Downtown Chattanooga had - now we will have some of them.”

Urban Story Ventures and Hill Partners will lead the transformation of the site into a premier mixed-use hub, blending retail, residential, and public spaces into a thoughtfully designed robust environment. Perkins&Will will oversee the master planning and architectural vision created by Urban Story Ventures, aimed at delivering a distinctive and elevated experience that complements the natural beauty of the Bend and the Tennessee River. The evolution of the development continues to be guided by the original Dover Kohl plan.

“We’re incredibly excited to help bring a truly exceptional retail and dining experience to Chattanooga,” said Robert H. Spratt, Jr., President of Hill Partners, Inc. “For more than four decades, our team has executed very successful strategic plans, curated best‑in‑class tenants, and created memorable places that resonate with their communities. The Bend represents a rare opportunity to apply that experience at a remarkable riverfront site, and we’re proud to help shape a destination that will elevate how people live, shop, and gather in downtown Chattanooga for generations to come.”

Beyond the initial development cost, the district is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs and over $100 million in gross sales, further amplifying momentum created by previously announced upcoming investments at the Bend, such as the $300 million amphitheater being developed by the award-winning live entertainment and hospitality company Venu Holding Corporation, VENU (NYSE American: VENU). The amphitheater is expected to be complete in late 2028 and deliver an immersive entertainment experience that will redefine live entertainment across the region. Together, these developments heighten Chattanooga’s position as a prime destination for business growth, job creation, relocation, and tourism, while also building new and highly anticipated opportunities for locals and guests alike.

“This is another important piece of the vision for the Bend and the expansion of Chattanooga’s riverfront,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “Bringing new restaurants, retail and jobs to the Westside will reactivate a corridor that has played a major role in our city’s economic history.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with an anticipated completion timeline of the fall of 2028, subject to the timing of preleasing. Urban Story Ventures will continue to keep the public updated throughout the duration of the project.

About Urban Story Ventures

Urban Story Ventures is a Southeast commercial real estate development group based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Led by Jimmy White, the company’s portfolio focuses on mixed-use, office, industrial, and retail sites, reimagined for their highest and best use. Projects include iconic and historical landmark buildings as well as 100+ acre redevelopments like the Bend. Full-service capabilities include property management, billing, leasing, and maintenance. For more information, visit UrbanStoryVentures.com.

About The Bend

The Bend is a transformative, master-planned, mixed-use riverfront development spanning more than 120 acres along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. Designed as a vibrant, walkable extension of the city, the project reimagines a historic industrial site into a dynamic district that integrates residential housing, retail, dining, office space, hospitality, entertainment, and public green spaces. With a focus on connectivity, sustainability, and community engagement, The Bend will feature over 1,000 residential units, expansive waterfront access, and a signature large-scale entertainment venue—positioning it as a premier destination for living, working, and gathering while driving long-term economic growth for the region. For more information, visit TheBendChattanooga.com

About Hill Partners Inc.

Hill Partners, Inc. is a strategic, hands on commercial real estate firm specializing in the development, leasing, marketing, and management of retail and mixed-use properties across the United States. With a focus on placemaking, tenant curation, and community driven experiences, the company delivers long term value for ownership and exceptional environments for consumers and tenants.

Founded in 1983, Hill Partners has built its national reputation one success at a time. For more than four decades, the firm has executed clear, achievable strategic plans that enhance asset value, strengthen communities, and connect world class merchants, restaurants, and complementary uses to the lifestyle needs of each trade area. For more information, please visit www.hillpartnersinc.com.

About Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. The firm is committed to creating a better, beautiful, more equitable world through Living Design, an approach that integrates environmental, social, and design considerations to advance ecological health and well-being.

With an international team of more than 2,700 professionals, Perkins&Will has over 30 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. The firm’s retail practice brings decades of combined experience, leading the industry with deep market insight and delivering high-impact retail and mixed-use projects across key international markets. Partners include Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects; McLennan Design; Portland; Nelson\Nygaard; and Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260824336103/en/

MEDIA CONTACT: Megan Bissonette
megan.bissonette@urbanstoryventures.com | (423) 541-3912

Albert Waterhouse
albert@waterhousepr.com | (423) 309-1250

Source: Urban Story Ventures