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The RiverCity Company was chartered in February 1986 following a lengthy community planning process led by the Moccasin Bend Task Force to define the best use of properties along the 22-mile river corridor stretching from the Chickamauga Dam to the adjoining Marion County line. The Tennessee Riverpark Master Plan outlined long-term potential development opportunities including new parks and trails, residential developments, attractions and industry. Realizing the need for staff to assist local governments in implementing this vision, a private, non-profit company was formed.
The RiverCity Company was initially capitalized with $12 million in donations from eight local foundations and seven local financial institutions. The funding was provided to jump start critical projects in downtown and along the riverfront through acquisition of property, hiring consultants and developing key improvements. The initial project undertaken by RiverCity was the development of the Fishing Park and three miles of riverwalk between the C. B. Robinson Bridge and the Chickamauga Dam. Simultaneously, land was assembled and design started for the Tennessee Aquarium and Ross's Landing Plaza at the original birthplace of Chattanooga.
In 2000, the RiverCity Board adopted a five-year strategic plan to focus on the central business district, the riverfront districts of Ross's Landing and the Northshore, and on downtown housing. This strategy is resulting in such exciting projects as two new downtown elementary schools, a redesign of Riverfront Parkway, and the redevelopment of a number of buildings on Market Street. |
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