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Developer withdrew request for 12-Story building behind the Basilica
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POSITIVE UPDATE
We are happy to announce that our civic engagement regarding the rezoning request for Patten Parkway behind the Basilica has borne the fruit of the developer, Evelyn Capital, voluntarily withdrawing their petition. This comes partly as a result of our parish efforts to highlight our concerns about the proposed rezoning, but also as the fruit of positive dialogue with Evelyn Capital, who met with us recently.
We have begun a process of discernment that hopefully will result in a mutually beneficial solution. We ask you to continue your prayers for God to provide us with a positive outcome that will allow our parish and the broader Chattanooga community to continue to flourish. We want to thank all who participated in this process by supporting the petition, and especially those who showed up in person at the County Commission meetings. We are grateful for the support of our local civic leaders, especially Mayor Wamp, and for the attention to these important issues given to us by our local news media.
Read about the rezoning request and why we opposed it:A developer is proposing to build a 12-story building on Patten Parkway, directly behind the Basilica and the St. Dominic building and adjacent to our property, demolishing the historic structure that was the home of The Honest Pint. This building would completely overshadow our campus and block the light coming in through our Tiffany stained glass windows, and the deep underground foundation work that would be required presents a grave risk of permanent damage and settling of our historic brick church building. Our Facilities Committee has looked at the proposal, and we are opposing the requested zoning change that would allow this tall building.Our Concerns
- The proposed building destroys the historic fabric of the surrounding neighborhood.
- It will obstruct the natural light from coming through the beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows of the Basilica.
- There is inadequate parking already in the area. No additional parking is included in the request.
- We are deeply concerned about the structural integrity of our 136-year-old church that can be caused during the digging of a foundation for a 12 story building - and over time. See engineering reports below:
- Report #1:Construction Considerations for Planned Development near the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, James Poston, PE (12/7/2025)
- Report #2: Study of the Effects of Foundation Pile Installation due to the Planned Development near the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chattanooga TN, Patten Parkway, James Poston, PE (1/9/2026 - includes unique site considerations, history, and case studies)
- Report #3: Shadow Study for Planned Development near the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, James Poston, PE (1/9/2026)
Executive Summaries of James Poston's 3 reports:
Conclusions from James Poston's first report:It is my professional opinion that there is a SIGNIFICANT possibility of serious, irreparable, permanent damage to the structure and surrounds of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 214 E 8th St Chattanooga TN 37402. I therefore urge, in the strongest terms, that the Hamilton Co and City of Chattanooga to immediately halt construction plans and to NOT grant re-zoning as currently planned. If there is construction at the proposed development site in the future, it must be no higher than can be supported by the existing soil structure and foundation capability. Any major disturbance of the soil and underlayment risks irreparable harm to a sacred space with deep historical ties to the City of Chattanooga (including the Civil War), and under the purview of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII and the Roman Catholic Church.- There are over 600 original pipes from the Basilica's 1890’s organ, believed to be the oldest pipe organ in Chattanooga that is still in use. Many of the pipes are wooden. Just as vibrations could cause damage to a violin or piano, severe, prolonged vibrations at best would cause tuning difficulties, and at worst cause pipe damage. Vibrations could also damage the supporting structures of the organ.
- We have over 3,000 parishioners who will oppose the scope of this project.
- Sts. Peter & Paul has been elevated by the Pope and the universal Church to the status of a Minor Basilica, in acknowledgment of its historic architectural beauty, and specifically for its Tiffany windows. This is a worldwide honor that puts us on the world map as a destination. The church and its windows are a treasure that draws people to our community. A building that overshadows the Basilica would minimize that asset and disappoint visitors and regular attendees.
Voice Your Concerns
- SIGN THE PETITION opposing a 12-story building at 19 Patten Parkway:
- Contact the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency to voice your concerns at [email protected] or 423-643-5902.
- Provide written comments to the Regional Planning Commission at https://chcrpa.org/public-input and click on "Jump to Public Input Form Below" to fill out the form. Enter Address: 19 Patten Parkway and Case No: 2025-0185. Click "Done" to submit your comments.
- Also contact the Chattanooga City Council to express your input to the rezoning request.
- Also contact your local city/county council representative(s).
- Attend the public hearings. The next hearing is Feb. 10, 2026 at 3:30pm at the City Council, 1000 Lindsay St.
Previous Status Updates
Developer's request for a 12-story building behind the Basilica moves to City Council as Hamilton County Planning Commission recommended to deny the rezoning - Maria Rist, Jan. 12, 2026News Stories
- Historic Patten Parkway Buildings Saved as 12-Story Development Withdrawn - WDEF Channel 12 1/22/2026
- Patten Parkway developers withdraw rezoning application after pushback from nearby church, county mayor - Chattanooga Times-Free Press 1/22/2026
- Zoning board rejects Patten Parkway development, Chattanooga Times-Free Press 1/12/2026
- Historic Chattanooga basilica at risk as high-rise proposal sparks community outcry
WTVC Channel 9, Alex Gajovich-Protich 1/12/2026 - Wamp to Oppose 12-Story Building, Chattanoogan.com 1/12/2026
- Threatened Sts. Peter And Paul Church Full Of Architectural History - John Shearer, chattanoogan.com 12/9/2026
- Church leaders oppose proposed 12-story building near historic basilica, Local 3 News Leah Bolling 12/8/2025
- Zoning request deferred as church, community voice concerns over Patten Parkway project, WTVC Channel 9, Alex Gajovich-Protich 12/8/2025
- Historic Catholic Church Would Be Endangered, Overshadowed By Patten Parkway Tower, Planners Told, Chattanoogan.com 12/8/2025
More Information
Full Case Info for the Proposed 12-Story Building (Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency)
News Article: Rezoning Request Opposed by Non-Profit (Chattanooga Times-Free Press}
A 12-story building immediately behind this beautiful, historic structure would erase the sky from view and obstruct the natural light coming in through the stained glass windows.