Denis Pellerin	- Download MP3-

Parallel parking on Market Street in front of Warehouse Row could return this summer as developers work to revive the downtown landmark center.

“We all know we need more parking,” said Denis Pellerin of the Atlanta firm Pellerin & Salomon, whose company is managing the work for Jamestown Properties, an Atlanta-based real estate investment firm that bought Warehouse Row in 2006.

Mr. Pellerin said the company’s goal is to find room for about 70 more spaces around the center, including about 10 on the east side of Market.

More parking and better accessibility to Warehouse Row shops will help position the retail and office center, which has lost a number of stores over the years as its outlet-mall concept faded.

Pellerin & Salomon, which is in talks with the city about the added parking, has started on what could be one of the biggest building makeovers in Chattanooga’s downtown in years if the project unfolds as planned. The entire project could end up as a $30 million to $33 million investment, Mr. Pellerin said.

Adding angled parking on Lindsay Street near Warehouse Row is under consideration. Reworking an outdoor fountain area could add more spaces as well, he said.

John Van Winkle, the city’s traffic engineer, said other streetscape features will change the appearance of Lindsay.

“There will be more of an urban streetscape-type look to it,” he said.

No parallel parking is planned for the TVA Office Complex side of Market Street.

Fred Gault, manager at the Bass store in Warehouse Row, said spaces on Market Street would allow for better access to the building.

“It definitely makes sense,” he said.

If the parking plans move forward, the new spaces could go in this summer, Mr. Pellerin said. He said the cost of the parking changes and how those would be paid for is under discussion.

Mr. Van Winkle said Warehouse Row officials also are looking at building a vehicle entrance from Market to Lindsay through what is now a breezeway between the north and south buildings to help with access.

Workers have begun remodeling areas on the top floors on the south end of the Market and Houston streets center. New paint, carpet, wall coverings and restroom work are under way, Mr. Pellerin said.

One of the biggest potential changes discussed — adding a hotel and a new restaurant — still is under consideration, Mr. Pellerin said. He said a hotel could feature 140 to 180 rooms.