Morning Pointe President and CEO Greg Vital considers Ooltewah an area of major growth and a gateway to both Hamilton and Bradley counties.
That's why even though his business that includes 20 locations in five states continues to expand, he plans to keep the headquarters in the town where it originated. But he is moving the company's corporate headquarters down the road less than a mile from its current Lee Highway location to the Cambridge Square development that's currently under construction.
"We're very excited about being the first corporate development in Cambridge Square," he said. "It's a first-class development and the kind of thing we want to be a part of."
The company is investing in a $1.5 million, 10,000-square-foot building within the development that sits at the corner of Lee Highway and Ooltewah-Georgetown Road. Cambridge Square is slated to become a mixed-use development that includes office space, retail and restaurants in one pedestrian-friendly space that centers around a town square.
According to project spokesperson Jim Cheney, one of the development's goals is to create lively space where people can work, play, shop and relax without driving across town.
"A lot of what we want to do is activate this community during the day, and this is a big step forward for us being able to do that," he said.
The square itself is on track for completion early this fall. That component will include the main infrastructure routes, a fully landscaped square and several kiosks including ATMs, said Cheney. Two other buildings on-site are also under construction. Those buildings will include Lupi's Pizza and Southern Burger Company, two restaurants that are planning to expand in Cambridge Square.
"We would love to see a medical office of some sort take off and we are actively looking for a fitness organization," said Cheney of other businesses he would like to recruit to join the development. "We'd also like to see another corporate relocation, any type of professional services organizations, and there's still room for restaurants and retail. We are entertaining any and all offers."
The ultimate goal with the project is to give people a destination rather than a generic experience, he said.
For more information visit www.cambridgesquaretn.com.