City of Chattanooga looking to buy hotel to be repurposed for Low-Income housing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – The city of Chattanooga is looking at the possibility of buying a hotel near Bonny Oaks. 

Officials say the Airport Inn hotel could potentially be turned into apartments for low-income residents. The Airport inn is located on Lee Highway and would be purchased for $2.8 million. 

Money from the American Rescue Plan Act would help finance the purchase.

It’s still undecided whether the site would be used for transitional housing or some sort of residential use. 

“At the end of the day, we think housing is one of the most important topics and focus areas for our administration. Affordable housing is something we will always pay attention to and work on. This is just an additional tool in our toolbox to make sure every one of our residents has access to affordable housing,” says Joda Thongnopnua, Chief of Staff for Mayor Kelly. 

The mayor’s team plans to present this plan to the city council next Tuesday.