Entrepreneurs in Chattanooga have launched a Kickstarter to raise the funds for the world’s first Living Building Certified treehouse, to be built on the side of Lookout Mountain at the foot of the world famous Rock City Gardens. It’s a smart move in a part of the world where the seven year old glamping trend is only just gaining traction, and in a city that has a thriving outdoors scene and entrepreneurial culture, said officials.
The Treehouse Project is the title of the Kickstarter campaign that aims to raise $33,333 to build the first of what will ultimately be 8-10 treehouses, as well as an event space. The retreat is in one of the few stands of old growth forest in the Tennessee Valley. Once finished, the treehouse will offer luxury amenities, gigabit-speed internet, and unparalleled scenery within 10 minutes of downtown, and within 30 minutes of hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Entrepreneurs from all over the country are moving to downtown Chattanooga, driving demand for urban lofts, craft beer, hip bars, and, yes, glamping retreats. The trendy getaway style allows vacationers to enjoy the great outdoors without compromising comfort. The Treehouse Project aims to meet that need while combining it with a mixture of childhood nostalgia and whimsy that is also popular with Millennials, as well as adventurers of all ages, said officials.
Founders Enoch Elwell and Andrew Alms had even bigger ambitions, however, than creating a unique hospitality destination. They also intend for the Treehouse Project to be the first ever Living Building Certified treehouse in the world. The Living Building Certification is even harder to achieve than the better-known LEED certification for eco-friendly structures. The Treehouse Project structures will be net-positive for electricity and water, putting more back into the grid than they consume.
Several area organizations have partnered with the Treehouse Project to help it meet its goals. The Electric Power Board of Chattanooga, which has garnered national press for building a fiber optic network that provides the fastest internet in the Western hemisphere, is working with Treehouse Project on its electrical and internet infrastructure. GreenSpaces, a local nonprofit that promotes sustainability in the surrounding region, has pledged to help the Treehouse Project meet the Living Building Certification requirements.
For more information, contact Andrew Alms, Treehouse Project co-founder, at Andrew@sleepinatree.co, 300 - 6690, Kickstarter: SleepInATree.co, Facebook: sleepinatree and Twitter: @sleepinatree.