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Central Block Building Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions United Way's New Home

The Central Block Building, located at 7^th and Market Streets, is a keystone in the continued revitalization of downtown Chattanooga, especially the Central Business District. The building, constructed in 1883, is the new home of United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
Knowing that the measure of a community's progress is related to pride in its heritage, United Way is rededicating this historic building back to the community which built it. United Way is proud to play a part in the revitalization of the historic Central Business District. The organization's unique position as a community convener makes it most appropriate that it be located in the heart of the city.
No donations to United Way's general campaign fund were used to fund the Central Block Building project. The cost of restoring the Central Block Building was met primarily through private, one-time donations, historic tax credits and sale of United Way's Frazier Avenue building. Additional funding came from United Way's operating budget, which is covered entirely by an endowment fund.
Private, one-time donations toward the cost of renovation were given specifically to help fund the Central Block Building project and otherwise would not have been contributed to United Way.
Cornerstones, Inc., Chattanooga's historic preservation group, donated the Central Block Building to United Way with the understanding that it would be completely restored. Before renovation, the value of the Central Block Property was appraised at $750,000.
United Way's volunteer Building Oversight Committee oversaw planning, contract negotiations and the bid process for the project. Members of the committee are Charles Arant, Tom Glenn, Ken Hays, Jon Kinsey, Hilda Murray, Paul Neely, Glenn Stophel, John Straussberger, and Grady Williams.
Renovation on the Central Block Building began in June, 2002, under the supervision of Raines Brothers, Inc. Construction was completed in May 2003, on schedule and within budget.
The restored Central Block Building affords United Way more than 24,000 square feet of space and, for the first time, allows other United Way services - Invest In Children, Center for Nonprofits, 2-1-1, Gifts in Kind and The Volunteer Center - to locate under the same roof.
The Central Block Building was renovated for the community and will therefore be community-accessible. The building includes a 2,140 square foot, 140 person conference room that will be available for use by community corporate, civic and nonprofit organizations. The Central Block has other conference facilities that will also be available for public use.
Central Block Renovation Funding Partners

Thanks to the generosity of these individuals and organizations, no donations to United Way's general campaign were used to fund the renovation of the Central Block Building: