Tenants are starting to occupy former Wheland Foundry warehouse. Click to enlarge.
photo by John Wilson
The Wheland Foundry site on South Broad Street has been cleared and is starting to get its first tenants, according to Mike Mallen, one of the partners in its development.
Mr. Mallen said two Chattanooga Lookout coaches are putting a batting facility in the former Wheland stockroom that is up next to Broad Street.
He said they will be occupying about half of the 300 x 100 foot building.
Mr. Mallen said the remainder may be used for a Shops At Foundry Center retail development.
He said, "Some retailers are starting to look to move their operations to South Broad and that is exciting. Five years ago, nobody would have bet a dollar on that happening."
Mr. Mallen noted that the former Southern Saddlery Building being renovated by Bill Glascock and John Clark has picked up quite a few tenants.
Mr. Mallen said, at the request of Ann Weeks, head of the South Broad Street Improvement group, the siding was taken off the old stockroom building. He said it revealed the original handsome brick exterior of the building.
Mr. Mallen also said the former CE Tubes Building, located behind the old Wheland stockroom, has been put back into use.
He and his partners had it completely repainted, they repaired the roof and they did some interior work.
Mr. Mallen said that building is almost completely occupied now as a workhouse for several tenants.
He said, "There apparently was a lot of pent-up demand for warehouse space in this part of town."
Mr. Mallen said regarding the remainder of the old Wheland property, the group is still determining how it can best be developed. He said one possibility is to bring in a planner with experience in such a large site. Another option is to find a developer who will make use of much of the property.
The section where the stockroom and old CE Tubes Building are located has about 11 acres.
There is an additional 28 cleared acres at the main Wheland site, plus 12 more cleared acres at the former Middle Street site just to the south.
Mr. Mallen said he and partner Gary Chazen met recently with Paul Brock, RiverCity Company president, to get his input on possible development there.
He said landscapers are currently removing overgrowth and beautifying the site.
For those interested in the Shops at Foundry Center, Mr. Mallen can be reached at 400-7733.
Former CE Tube building
photo by John Wilson