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Area 3 Survey: Commercial Centers

CHC RPA Home » Area 3 Survey: Commercial Centers
  • rpa_CommunityChoicesSurvey-Area_3_Commercial-BANNER (1280x500)-1b(FG)

WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID

Area 3 residents often express a strong desire for new retail in general, and grocery stores, in particular. In the Kick-Off Survey, residents also indicated a desire for “walkable, mixed-use” commercial centers. Centers come in many shapes and sizes, but usually have certain elements in common (see the list below). Where are the best locations for commercial centers in Area 3?

Belmar plaza with diningWalkable Commercial Centers

While many of us may not be used to seeing walkable commercial centers, cities have been built that way for hundreds of years. It is only within the last few decades that we have been building the strip commercial corridors and regional malls that everyone must drive to. Today more consumers are shopping online. Buyers are seeking a unique experience when visiting a store in person. Walkable commercial centers can provide this.

Many historic neighborhoods still have the basic structure needed for these walkable commercial centers, and communities across the country are returning to this type of pedestrian-friendly, clustered layout for new commercial development.

Walkable Commercial Centers are:

  • The most densely developed parts of a community
  • Located on major corridors
  • Often clustered around a public park or civic building
  • Community focal points
  • Community gathering spaces

Centers can include:

  • Retail, office, civic, housing, light industrial uses
  • Public art and landscaping
  • Sidewalks
  • Buildings close to the sidewalk
  • Shared parking
  • Transit stops

Explore Existing Commercial Areas

Click the image to navigate to the Area 3 Story Map, then click the "Commercial Centers" tab. Use the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons to zoom in and out.

Retail and Grocery Stores

The lack of healthy food choices – food deserts – has been expressed by Area 3 residents. However, getting new retail or just one new full-service grocery store in an area can be challenging. (See Economic Factors below) Even if a full service grocery store is not feasible right now, it could be accommodated at a later date in a commercial center as that center grows or redevelops over time to accommodate new uses.

For areas where a full-service grocery store is not feasible, other types of grocery stores could be a good fit.

Examples, such as those seen in the images below, can each serve some of a community’s grocery needs until the market is strong enough to support a full-service grocery.

What do Retailers Consider?

Community Choices Survey for Area 3: What do Retailers Consider (red)-GRAPHIC

Example Images

  • St. Elmo Commercial Center
  • Glass Street Commercial Center
  • Portland Market_bright
    Farmers markets can be located in commercial centers.
  • Neighborhood deli
    Historically, delicatessens and corner stores were common.
  • Local farmers and community gardens provide seasonal goods.
  • Bakeries and other small shops can fill some grocery needs.
  • Mixed Use building Woodstock GA
    Restaurants can highlight local culture and healthy food options.

COMMERCIAL CENTERS: CONCLUSION

Changes in the retail market, local population, income, and other factors all affect the viability of new commercial businesses. Over time, walkable Commercial Centers can provide a variety of community needs (shopping, dining, housing, jobs) and serve as the focal point and community gathering space for neighborhoods.

SGP-3_web-Asset 84-a (circular_nav-GRAPHIC-commercial)-1

Survey Time!


Click the button below to begin the survey.

YES, I've read the background information and I'm ready to take the survey!
BACK to Area 3: Community Choices Survey Home

Questions?

Please contact Pam Glaser, Principal Planner, at pglaser@chattanooga.gov or call 423-643-5911.

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