University Motors will stay put on Lee Highway for now, even after the Chattanooga Airport bought the property for $2.2 million. CEO April Cameron shared that the airport has no immediate plans for the land but is always looking to acquire nearby properties as they become available. This purchase, at 5725 and 5729 Lee Highway, offers Lovell Field some much-needed space for future growth. Cameron noted that the airport is relatively landlocked, so these acquisitions are crucial.
Recently, the airport bought a residential property on Cedar Lane next to the airfield. Cameron explained, “Any time we can get property close to the airport for future development, we try to buy it.” Thanks to steady traffic growth in recent years, Lovell Field is expanding its parking garage to keep up.
Expectations are high for the airport to break its passenger boarding record in 2025, following an all-time high of nearly 557,000 boardings in 2024. Cameron expressed excitement about the upcoming growth but acknowledged uncertainty about how significant it will be.
Kevin Blum, University Motors’ general manager, mentioned they’ve been in talks with the airport for several months. “They’ve been easy to work with,” Blum said. He reflected on the dealership’s 10-year presence on Lee Highway, where they’ve put significant effort into renovating their building.
Interestingly, the airport also purchased adjacent properties, including a piece of land for $6.6 million in 2024 and the Sky Zoo nightclub for $950,000 in 2022. The nightclub was known for a series of police calls and a tragic incident outside, marking a significant shift in the area’s landscape.
With the airport’s acquisitions and expansions, it’s clear that Chattanooga is looking toward a more connected and robust future. As the airport continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how these developments affect the local business landscape.
For more detailed insights on airport growth trends, see the Federal Aviation Administration report on passenger trends and future projections.
