Masonry Magazine March 2006 Page. 26
REDEVELOPMENT
The plan honors the history and beauty of the area as it primes the pump of the metropolitan economy.
The Tennessee Riverpark is a complex set of green spaces, including a walking path that extends 12 miles from downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam. The Walnut Street Bridge, a vehicle bridge that had been slated for demolition, was converted into the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, connecting the Riverpark on the south side of the river with Coolidge Park, a recreational area featuring an antique carousel and a fountain pool, on the north side of the river.
Naturally, masonry plays an important part in the development of the area. Preservation would obviously require renovation of the many existing masonry buildings after all, the city and state are well known for the extensive masonry work in its history. But masonry was also chosen for the new buildings, both to keep them in harmony with the older, renovated structures and because the architects and builders knew they were creating for the ages. As Ted Jenkins of Jenkins Masonry in Chattanooga explained, "Brick is a traditional building material in this part of the country. We've done many buildings in Chattanooga's downtown using masonry and are working on an up-scale condo now that uses brick veneer, stone and cast rock"
One of the most conspicuous signs of Chattanooga's efforts at revitalization was the construction of the largest freshwater aquarium in the world on the southern bank of the Tennessee River. Completed in 1992, the Tennessee Aquarium became an anchor for downtown business investments and regional tourism as well as a symbol of Chattanooga's rebirth and reconnection to the river. The red and tan brick "River Journey" structure has one glass wall facing toward a park area and a neighboring brick structure that houses the second aquarium building, "Ocean Journey." The use of green areas throughout Chattanooga's redevelopment is improving the usability of space that was once considered blighted and wasted.
Fells Point, Maryland
In Maryland, Baltimore's Harbor East area is being developed with new residential projects such as Spinnaker Bay, a $90 million effort spanning a city block. Spinnaker Bay will offer 316 luxury apartments and 32 condominium residences with floor-to-ceiling windows and on-level parking. The development will include more than 43,000 square feet of high-quality retail/restaurant space. The classically styled building is, of course, masonry construction.
Nearby is Fells Point, a harborside community that encompasses approximately 75 acres. Founded in 1730, Fells Point was a thriving seaport by 1796. Through the first half of the 19th century, the rapid development continued. The second half of the century brought an influx of immigrants into the US. and, at one time, Fells Point was the second most popular point of entry next to Ellis Island.
Featuring predominately 18th- and 19th-century residential, commercial and light industrial buildings, Fells Point also includes antebellum warehouses and some Victorian architecture as well. The district was home to seaman and sailmakers who lived in the small, two-story houses, as well as prosperous merchants and sea captains who occupied the larger three-story homes. Now a middle-class neighborhood, the residents continue to support the waterfront open market that dates to the 18th century.