$65 Million Investment Brings 160 Homes to South Chattanooga
Somerville Cottages To Fill Market Gap for Single-Family Homes and Low-Maintenance Living in Chattanooga
Somerville Cottages will deliver 160 homes in a cottage-court-style development across 10 acres, reflecting a $65 million investment by local investors committed to filling a housing gap in the community.
Located at West 35th Street in South Chattanooga, Somerville Cottages brings a new community of single-family homes to South Chattanooga, near the planned Chattanooga Riverwalk extension, St. Elmo, Erlanger Park, and just three miles from Chattanooga’s city center.
"Somerville is built around the idea that your home should reflect who you are, not just what was cheapest to build,” said Adam Kinsey, president of The Kinsey Company and developer of Somerville. “The goal of Somerville is to help fill the void of missing-middle housing in Chattanooga. We wanted to create a community that was well located and at a price point that was not being offered.”
Somerville features single-family homes, elevated finishes, and efficient floor plans.
“We wanted to build something close to downtown that first-time buyers could actually afford, and be proud to own. That's what Somerville is,” Kinsey added. “We focus on quality at every stage, including hand-picked designs that would be upgrades anywhere else but come standard here,” Kinsey added. “That’s what our buyers are looking for in a home.”
The project is the region’s largest cottage court development, taking inspiration from historic cottage communities and the vibrant colors of New Orleans. Homes are oriented around shared green spaces, with front porches designed to encourage the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor connection that is increasingly rare in new construction.
The development was designed by Kronberg Urbanists + Architects, with interiors by C&C Studios, and constructed by Collier Construction.
“A big part of why we are building this community is to create a pathway to home ownership for first-time homebuyers,” said Ethan Collier, president of Collier Construction. “So few developments are focused on this market, especially close to downtown, so being sure our homes were attractive to renters was essential. We started by focusing on efficient floor plans that made great use of the space, elevated the finishes, and then found a financial partner who shared our goals. You won’t find value like this anywhere else on the market.”
Somerville Cottages is designed to create pathways to homeownership through several financing options, including a zero-down-payment option and another program that provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance, for qualifying buyers in Hamilton and Bradley counties through preferred lender Shannon McDaniel of Pinnacle Financial Partners. Traditional and FHA loans are also available. Homes start at $219,000.
The announcement coincides with a broader wave of investment along the South Broad corridor.
Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley, who represents District 7, has purchased a home at Somerville Cottages. She is also opening Cocoa Cafe nearby, which will serve as a hub for culinary entrepreneurs, a space for innovation, and a platform for economic growth. Cocoa Cafe is a community-driven initiative and a project of the Net Resource Foundation.
“I believe South Chattanooga is just getting started and on its way to becoming the next walkable, thriving hotspot in our city,” Dotley said. “Somerville is more than a new development. It represents a return home and a pathway forward. For me, this is about building generational wealth and creating stability, while bringing my family back to a community that helped shape us. This is the kind of intentional, equitable growth Chattanooga needs to build stronger communities.”
Thirteen homes are completed, with three already sold and three additional units under contract. The full build-out is expected to take three to four years. Buyers who act in phase one will benefit from the development’s introductory pricing.
Somerville Cottages is just two blocks from the planned Chattanooga Riverwalk extension and a half-mile from Ben Miller Park, which includes a dog park, pickleball, basketball, and tennis courts, and is next to the Chattanooga Southside Community Center.
Every home is prewired for EPB fiber-optic internet and backed by a comprehensive builder warranty. A limited number of two and four-unit townhomes are available. A limited number of homes offer additional customization options. The community is maintained by a $100/month HOA fee that covers all lawn care and shared spaces.
