Urban Story Ventures Announces $350M Retail and Residential District Coming to the Bend, Joining $300M Amphitheater

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 24, 2026--

Urban Story Ventures announced today a transformative $350 million retail and residential district coming to the Bend, set to begin development in 2027. The project is being delivered in partnership with Hill Partners, a leading retail and mixed-use development firm, and Perkins&Will, a globally recognized architecture and design firm.

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The open-air district will showcase a dynamic blend of restaurants, retail, Class A office, and residential experiences, creating a vibrant, walkable destination along Chattanooga’s riverfront. A collection of local, regional, and nationally recognized, highly sought‑after concepts - from premier retailers to elevated home‑goods brands, lifestyle uses, entertainment uses and acclaimed dining and cafe groups - are already in active negotiations, reflecting strong demand and deep confidence in the vision for the Bend.

“This type of open-air, experiential development does not exist in the Chattanooga market and will have aspects of The Wharf in Washington, DC and Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC, all right here in Downtown Chattanooga. It’s exactly what we have been missing and will have tremendous economic impact on the city and county,” said Jimmy White, president and managing partner of Urban Story Ventures, the master developer of the Bend’s 120+ acre mixed-use redevelopment. “Think of the stores or restaurants you wish Downtown Chattanooga had - now we will have some of them.”

Urban Story Ventures and Hill Partners will lead the transformation of the site into a premier mixed-use hub, blending retail, residential, and public spaces into a thoughtfully designed robust environment. Perkins&Will will oversee the master planning and architectural vision created by Urban Story Ventures, aimed at delivering a distinctive and elevated experience that complements the natural beauty of the Bend and the Tennessee River. The evolution of the development continues to be guided by the original Dover Kohl plan.

“We’re incredibly excited to help bring a truly exceptional retail and dining experience to Chattanooga,” said Robert H. Spratt, Jr., President of Hill Partners, Inc. “For more than four decades, our team has executed very successful strategic plans, curated best‑in‑class tenants, and created memorable places that resonate with their communities. The Bend represents a rare opportunity to apply that experience at a remarkable riverfront site, and we’re proud to help shape a destination that will elevate how people live, shop, and gather in downtown Chattanooga for generations to come.”

Beyond the initial development cost, the district is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs and over $100 million in gross sales, further amplifying momentum created by previously announced upcoming investments at the Bend, such as the $300 million amphitheater being developed by the award-winning live entertainment and hospitality company Venu Holding Corporation, VENU (NYSE American: VENU). The amphitheater is expected to be complete in late 2028 and deliver an immersive entertainment experience that will redefine live entertainment across the region. Together, these developments heighten Chattanooga’s position as a prime destination for business growth, job creation, relocation, and tourism, while also building new and highly anticipated opportunities for locals and guests alike.

“This is another important piece of the vision for the Bend and the expansion of Chattanooga’s riverfront,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. “Bringing new restaurants, retail and jobs to the Westside will reactivate a corridor that has played a major role in our city’s economic history.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with an anticipated completion timeline of the fall of 2028, subject to the timing of preleasing. Urban Story Ventures will continue to keep the public updated throughout the duration of the project.

About Urban Story Ventures

Urban Story Ventures is a Southeast commercial real estate development group based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Led by Jimmy White, the company’s portfolio focuses on mixed-use, office, industrial, and retail sites, reimagined for their highest and best use. Projects include iconic and historical landmark buildings as well as 100+ acre redevelopments like the Bend. Full-service capabilities include property management, billing, leasing, and maintenance. For more information, visit UrbanStoryVentures.com.

About The Bend

The Bend is a transformative, master-planned, mixed-use riverfront development spanning more than 120 acres along the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. Designed as a vibrant, walkable extension of the city, the project reimagines a historic industrial site into a dynamic district that integrates residential housing, retail, dining, office space, hospitality, entertainment, and public green spaces. With a focus on connectivity, sustainability, and community engagement, The Bend will feature over 1,000 residential units, expansive waterfront access, and a signature large-scale entertainment venue—positioning it as a premier destination for living, working, and gathering while driving long-term economic growth for the region. For more information, visit TheBendChattanooga.com

About Hill Partners Inc.

Hill Partners, Inc. is a strategic, hands on commercial real estate firm specializing in the development, leasing, marketing, and management of retail and mixed-use properties across the United States. With a focus on placemaking, tenant curation, and community driven experiences, the company delivers long term value for ownership and exceptional environments for consumers and tenants.

Founded in 1983, Hill Partners has built its national reputation one success at a time. For more than four decades, the firm has executed clear, achievable strategic plans that enhance asset value, strengthen communities, and connect world class merchants, restaurants, and complementary uses to the lifestyle needs of each trade area. For more information, please visit www.hillpartnersinc.com.

About Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. The firm is committed to creating a better, beautiful, more equitable world through Living Design, an approach that integrates environmental, social, and design considerations to advance ecological health and well-being.

With an international team of more than 2,700 professionals, Perkins&Will has over 30 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. The firm’s retail practice brings decades of combined experience, leading the industry with deep market insight and delivering high-impact retail and mixed-use projects across key international markets. Partners include Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects; McLennan Design; Portland; NelsonNygaard; and Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

Aerial Shot of the Bend

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Not many gave Deshaun Watson a chance of reclaiming the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback spot over the past 22 months.

Since Watson ruptured his right Achilles the first time in a Week 7 game in 2024, owner Jimmy Haslam said during last year’s owners meetings that the Browns “took a big swing and miss” when they sent three first-round picks to Houston for the controversial quarterback in 2022.

After Shedeur Sanders had a solid first half in last Saturday's 31-7 loss to Buffalo, a frustrated Watson said the boos from the crowd were “personal” and showed “disrespect” after he took the field in Cleveland for the first time in 22 months.

Despite the hurdles and a close competition with Sanders, Watson will be the Browns starting quarterback for their Sept. 13 opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coach Todd Monken made the announcement on Monday after informing both Watson and Sanders.

“I took in the full body of work over the course of the offseason to training camp to the games, the joint practice, and ultimately felt like to start the season on the road, Deshaun gave us the best chance to move the ball and score points. I mean, that’s really what it’s about,” Monken said. “I felt that way going into the last game, but wasn’t sure. And after we talked as a staff and we re-looked at everything, we’re going to go that direction.”

Watson, a 10-year veteran, won the competition over Sanders as both split reps with the first unit throughout the offseason, training camp and the preseason.

The decision will not be popular with Browns fans, who have booed Watson repeatedly during his time in Cleveland, and have put a lot of support behind Sanders since he was selected last year after dropping to the fifth round.

Monken reiterated that fan sentiment and Watson’s comments did not play a role in his decision. Watson completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception while on the field with players at the bottom of the roster who likely will be cut in a couple of weeks.

“Ultimately the fans want us to win. That’s our job as coaches, why we’re hired to try and put the best product on the field. And when we don’t, then I understand their frustration. But ultimately they don’t decide who plays. I mean, who would I be if I let someone outside of the building decide who plays?” Monken said.

Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland since being acquired from Houston in 2022 and signing a fully guaranteed, $230 million contract that will perhaps go down as one of the worst trades and contract in NFL history. He is 9-10 with the Browns with 19 touchdown passes, 12 interceptions and an 80.7 passer rating.

In 2022, Watson missed the first 11 games because of a league suspension resulting from his alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He made six starts in 2023 before a season-ending shoulder injury and started seven in 2024 before the first of two Achilles tendon injuries.

After Monken's announcement, Watson took responsibility for his comments by saying his emotions got the better of him.

“I’m not a big talker anyway. I think people that know me and around the organization, I just felt like it was what was on my heart,” he said. “It was never intended to go at a certain person, fan base or a certain crowd. It was just, this is how I feel. And once I got it off my chest, I felt better and now I can move forward from it.”

Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and directed two scoring drives working with other starters and the second team during the first half of the preseason opener at Chicago.

“There’s a lot of things, too, that me and (Monken) talking personally that we haven’t showcased. We haven’t showcased my full talent and ability to run in his offense. Being able to run, getting outside the pocket, being able to do some other QB-driven stuff. So I’m excited to see what we can cook up, getting ready for Week 1,” Watson said.

After facing Jacksonville, the Browns are at Tampa Bay on Sept. 20 to face former quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was released after Cleveland traded for Watson. The Browns' first home game is Sept. 27 against Carolina.

Sanders has shown steady improvement throughout the offseason. He started the final seven games of his rookie season, going 3-4 with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Sanders went 9 of 11 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception during the first half against the Bills. Sanders completed his first eight passes before he was picked off by Damar Hamlin on a pass he threw behind tight end Jermaine Terry.

He was 6 of 11 for 79 yards with an interception in the second half against the Bears.

Sanders' biggest improvement is his ability to stand in the pocket as well as move up when he needs to, along with better footwork and decision making.

Even though Sanders will be on the sideline for the opener, he is likely to start at some point this season.

“I think he has come to understand the long game. What are we really in this for? What am I in it for? To have the Browns be an organization that people aspire to be. The long game. Where do we want to be in the long term? And he understands that as well as a quarterback,” Monken said. “We met this morning for a good long time and all he had was a smile on his face because he understands what really is in front of him. He’s going to work his butt off to get better.”

Watson and Sanders will not play in Thursday's final preseason game against the New England Patriots. Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green will get the snaps as they compete for the third QB spot.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Buffalo Bills defensive lineman DeWayne Carter (90) tips a pass from Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson speaks at a press conference after an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)