• Preserve Chattanooga believes historic places are more than buildings — they are the places where our community’s stories, memories, and identity come to life. They connect us to our past while helping shape a vibrant and meaningful future.

    Since 1975, our nonprofit organization has worked to protect the architecture, neighborhoods, and cultural landscapes that define Chattanooga’s unique character. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we demonstrate how preservation strengthens neighborhoods, encourages thoughtful growth, supports economic vitality, and enriches civic life.

    Our work includes protecting threatened historic resources, providing preservation guidance, offering educational programs, expanding public awareness, and partnering with residents, property owners, businesses, and community leaders who value Chattanooga’s heritage.

  • Preserve Chattanooga’s work began in 1975 with the founding of Landmarks Chattanooga and a grassroots effort to protect the historic Fort Wood neighborhood. From the beginning, the organization recognized that preserving historic places was essential to maintaining Chattanooga’s identity and quality of life.

    Over the decades, our organization evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. For many years, our predecessor organization, Cornerstones, used a revolving fund model to acquire and stabilize threatened historic properties, including the Central Block (now home to United Way) and the Passenger Freight Depot (now home to HHM). The organization also supported preservation through structural analysis, advocacy, and stabilization efforts at significant landmarks such as Engel Stadium, the Ross Hotel (Tomorrow Building), and Brown’s Ferry Tavern — Hamilton County’s oldest surviving structure.

    Following a rebrand in 2021, Preserve Chattanooga expanded its focus on education, advocacy, and community engagement while growing its historic preservation easement program and strengthening partnerships throughout the region.

    Today, Preserve Chattanooga is leading the effort to update Chattanooga’s first comprehensive preservation plan since 1977 — creating a forward-looking roadmap that connects preservation with responsible growth and the future of our community.

  • Preserve Chattanooga works to ensure that historic places remain active, relevant, and valued parts of our community. We advocate for threatened resources, support preservation solutions, and help property owners and community members understand the importance of protecting our shared heritage.

    Through public programs, workshops, events, partnerships, and preservation initiatives, we connect people with Chattanooga’s history and inspire the next generation of preservation stewards.

    Our work includes:

    Advocacy: Promoting policies and practices that protect historic resources and encourage thoughtful development.

    Education: Providing programs, resources, and opportunities that deepen appreciation for Chattanooga’s architecture and history.

    Preservation Services: Supporting property owners and communities through technical assistance, guidance, and historic preservation easements.

    Community Engagement: Bringing people together to celebrate the places and stories that make Chattanooga unique.

  • Preserve Chattanooga is part of a broader effort to protect historic places locally, statewide, and nationally. We maintain active partnerships and memberships with organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Preservation Partners Network, the Society of Architectural Historians, and the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.

    We also collaborate with the Tennessee Historical Commission and engage with national preservation initiatives through the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. These connections allow us to share knowledge, advocate effectively, and bring best practices to Chattanooga.

  • As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors, Preserve Chattanooga is powered by people who believe that protecting the past helps build a stronger future.

    Through community partnerships, philanthropy, and public involvement, we work every day to ensure Chattanooga’s historic places remain vibrant, meaningful, and preserved for generations to come.

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Places Impacted.

  • Burchay Building (817 Market Street)

    The Burchay Building, long home to Burchay's Furriers, is one of Chattanooga's most distinctive commercial buildings, featuring the city's only hand-carved limestone façade. Although much of the building was demolished despite preservation efforts, Cornerstones (now Preserve Chattanooga) negotiated to save and restore the remaining historic storefront. The organization renovated the surviving structure with a new slate roof, copper gutters, restored limestone, and other improvements while continuing to advocate for redevelopment that would rebuild the historic streetscape along Market Street. The project demonstrated that even when a complete preservation victory isn't possible, saving a significant portion of a historic building can preserve architectural character and encourage future investment.

  • Central Block Building (United Way HQ)

    The Central Block Building, Chattanooga's last remaining commercial building from the city's 1883 economic boom, faced years of uncertainty before Cornerstones (now Preserve Chattanooga) stepped forward to save it. The organization purchased the building, stabilized the structure, and invested approximately $750,000 in its preservation. When a private buyer could not be found, Cornerstones transferred the building to United Way for its headquarters, ensuring both its long-term preservation and continued public use. Today, Central Block remains a landmark example of how strategic preservation partnerships can rescue irreplaceable historic buildings while meeting modern community needs.

  • St. John's/Ellis Hotel (1274 Market Street)

    When the historic St. John's Hotel faced demolition, Cornerstones (now Preserve Chattanooga) stepped in to save one of downtown Chattanooga's architectural treasures. After acquiring the building from the City, the organization invested in stabilizing the structure, replacing the roof, and preparing it for redevelopment while working against a two-year deadline to find a preservation-minded buyer. The building was ultimately purchased by architect Thomas Johnson, who transformed it into a vibrant mixed-use destination with restaurants, retail, offices, and luxury residences. Today, the St. John's Hotel stands as one of Chattanooga's premier examples of how historic preservation can breathe new life into an endangered landmark while strengthening the city's economy and downtown vitality.

  • Southern Railway Baggage Building

    Believed to be Chattanooga's oldest surviving commercial building, the Southern Railway Passenger Baggage Building dates to 1870 and had sat vacant for years following the decline of passenger rail service. Cornerstones (now Preserve Chattanooga) acquired and preserved the structure before selling it to a developer committed to restoring its historic character, including reopening its original arched windows and exposing the Belgian block paving surrounding the building. Today, the restored landmark houses commercial tenants and serves as an anchor for Chattanooga's revitalized Southside, demonstrating the lasting economic value of historic preservation.

  • Fourth & Market Building (334 Market Street)

    When Fourth Street was widened, a modest nineteenth-century commercial building faced complete demolition. Instead, City Engineer Phil Lynn worked with Cornerstones (now Preserve Chattanooga) to preserve the surviving portion of the structure, recognizing that even a small historic building contributes to the vitality and character of downtown. Cornerstones accepted ownership, facilitated the selective demolition, and returned the building to productive use without cost to the organization. The project illustrates an important preservation principle: historic buildings, regardless of size, strengthen the urban fabric in ways parking lots never can.

  • Todd Morgan

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Nich Youngblood

    DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

  • Delton Chen

    BOARD PRESIDENT

Get To Know Us

  • To protect the architectural heritage of Chattanooga through preservation, education, and advocacy.

  • To ensure that Chattanooga’s historic resources are identified, protected, and celebrated for their beauty, history, and the valuable role they bring to the city’s economy, environment, and quality of life.

  • Collaboration and Partnership: Our mission is advanced when we can successfully communicate complex issues to large audiences, engage supporters in the cause, and foster inclusive relationships throughout the community.

    Stewardship: We seek to influence behavior and practice by promoting the means and incentives to preserve historic properties for their economic value, their role in preserving community identity, and as a tangible link to the past for current and future generations.

    Respect for History: We believe Chattanooga can continue to grow and prosper without losing sight of its past, a past that makes this city distinct from all other places.

    Informed Decisions: We believe government leaders, property owners, design professionals, and all preservationists will save more historic places when they make informed decisions regarding the use and treatment of historical resources.

  • Our local preservation advocacy efforts prioritize the following:

    • Local Historic District assets and Local Historic Landmarks.

    • Individually listed National Register properties and districts.

    • Places and neighborhoods eligible or potentially eligible for official historic designation (local or national).

  • Delton Chen - President
    Dr. Dana Moody - Past President
    Rachel Shannon - Vice President
    Amber Mueller - Treasurer
    Emily Mack- Secretary

    Dan Brewer
    Cody McGee
    Clecia Joi Mason
    Maury Nicely
    Kelly O’Mara
    Natalie Phillips


    Cassie Cline, Advisory Member, Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission

    Nicole Osborne Watson, Gov. Relations Advisor

    Miller & Martin - General Counsel

    If you are interested in becoming a board member, please fill out a Nomination Form and email it to Todd@preservechattanooga.com.

  • Todd Morgan has served as Executive Director of Preserve Chattanooga since November 2021, where he leads efforts to protect and celebrate Chattanooga’s historic places while advancing preservation as a tool for community vitality and economic development.

    Before joining Preserve Chattanooga, Todd was Executive Director of Knox Heritage, where he helped guide preservation initiatives and advocacy efforts in Knoxville. Earlier in his career, he served as Tennessee Main Street Director, leading statewide downtown revitalization programs that supported local economies and strengthened historic commercial districts.

    Todd’s professional background bridges preservation, economic development, urban planning, and architecture—allowing him to approach historic places not only as cultural assets but as catalysts for vibrant communities.

    In 2022, Mayor Tim Kelly appointed Todd to the Chattanooga Historic Zoning Commission. He is a 2024 graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and was honored as Adjunct Professor of the Year for teaching historic preservation at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.

    Todd received the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2021. He is certified in historic real estate finance by the National Community Development Council and remains actively engaged in the preservation field through service on the board of the National Preservation Partners Network and the East Tennessee Historical Society. He is also a member of the Chattanooga Rotary Club.

    todd@preservechattanooga.com

    Office: 423.265.2825

  • Nich Youngblood leads fundraising initiatives, cultivates donor relationships, and helps expand philanthropic support for Preserve Chattanooga’s mission.

    He brings nearly two decades of nonprofit experience to this role, including a deep background in development, donor stewardship, and international fundraising. Throughout his career, Nich has helped numerous organizations expand their impact through strategic fundraising, authentic storytelling, and meaningful community partnerships.

    Nich previously served as Director of Operations for a historic polo ranch and event venue, where he oversaw programming, events, and stewardship of the 400-acre estate. Earlier in his career, he spent years living in Haiti, where he founded a youth tennis mentorship program dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through sport, mentorship, and education.

    Nich has called Chattanooga home for several years and is passionate about preserving the places that give the city its unique character.

    He and his husband own MDRN MUSE Dental Aesthetics in Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood. Nich also enjoys staying active, exploring the city’s restaurants and historic neighborhoods, and rooting on his alma mater, the University of Texas Longhorns.

    nich@preservechattanooga.com

    Office: 423.265.2825

Get in touch.

If you have questions about Preserve Chattanooga and our work in the community, please contact us.