TVRM working with Chattanooga Choo Choo

Steve Freer · **Joined:** Tue Nov 09, 2004 1:24 pm **Posts:** 380

PRESS CONTACT:
Penelope Soule Gault, Marketing Director
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Phone: 423-595-2396
Email: pgault@tvrail.com

November 2, 2022

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Preserving History Continues

With over sixty years of participation in the life of Chattanooga’s Terminal Station, first with Southern Railway and later with the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, the Tennessee Valley railroad is pleased to continue that relationship supporting the efforts of Northpond Partners and Trestle Design. Their efforts to bring positive changes to the property will once again make the Choo-Choo a center of activity in Chattanooga.

TVRM has worked with the developers to make the necessary changes in the railcar locations so as to enhance their activities while preserving surplus cars for future use either by the railroad museum or other organizations. Four cars will be relocated to TVRM’s Cromwell Road campus and two cars will be leaving Chattanooga for other organization’s rehabilitation and use. Only one car was in insufficient condition to be reused, however significant parts were removed and retained for future restoration projects at TVRM.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is an educational, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve railroading history for future generations. The museum is the largest not-for-profit operating railroad museum in the United States. For more information, visit online at tvrail.com or call 423-894-8028.

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softwerkslex · **Posted:** Wed Nov 02, 2022 4:15 pm

Great announcement - thanks for the news.

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Tue Oct 24, 2023 3:45 pm

If anyone's still following the saga of this place:

https://www.chattanoogapulse.com/local- ... hoo-choo-/

Quote:

Revitalization Plans For The Historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Property Unveiled

by Laura Graff

October 18, 2023
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The Chattanooga Choo Choo 1.png

Northpond Partners is pleased to announce a revitalization of The Chattanooga Choo Choo, including new tenants, programming and a $1MM common area renovation.

The historic site is a 45,000 square foot mixed-use development in Downtown Chattanooga encompassing The Hotel Chalet, The Signal live music venue, the 114-year-old Terminal Dome building, The Gardens, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

“We are excited to unveil long-term plans for the property that will offer benefits to the entire Chattanooga community, visitors, and tenants,” says Jeff Merriam, Director of Investments and Asset Management. “Our vision for The Chattanooga Choo Choo, including the iconic sign, is to create a space that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Common area improvements will be completed by early November, including the addition of 10,000 square feet of lawn, a stage, and a new landscaping plan in The Gardens–two acres in the center of the campus offering a serene setting to relax and unwind or host an event where the 14 railroad tracks and seven platforms once served millions of passengers for more than 60 years.

Much more at the link, though little of substance to hardcore rail preservationists.

Crescent-Zephyr · **Joined:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:15 pm **Posts:** 1800

Well.. the last owner really didn't get it so maybe this is good news but wow.

This place used to have some really cool stuff. A huge model railroad, dining cars that served food (there was a casual pizza place and then a more gourmet "Dinner in the Diner"), a trolley ride. The place at least had some charm.

I'd love to see it thrive one way or another. Maybe they will at least hire TVRM to fix up the locomotive so it looks good.

co614 · **Posted:** Fri Oct 27, 2023 9:55 am

I wish them well. The Choo-choo was one of our top 5 best sites for the AFT 1.0 tour ( April 1, 1975-Dec. 31, 1976 ) and the hospitality they showered us with was incredible.

Our 4 days there ( June7-10,1976 ) were probably the best days of all the 409 display days at 138 cities & towns.

I hope the new owners do a good job bringing the place back to life.

Ross Rowland