Early Development and Opening
Hamilton Place opened on August 5, 1987. CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. developed the mall. They aimed to create a premier shopping destination in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The initial anchor stores were Sears, Belk, Loveman’s, Parisian, and Regal Cinemas 9. This diverse mix offered a variety of shopping and entertainment options from the start.
JCPenney and Hess’s joined the lineup later. They moved from their former locations at Eastgate Mall, adding to Hamilton Place’s appeal. This relocation showed the mall’s draw and strategic positioning in the region.
Hamilton Place’s launch marked a new era in Chattanooga’s retail landscape. It quickly became a central hub for shopping and entertainment. The opening day drew large crowds, reflecting the community’s eagerness for a modern retail complex.
The mall’s development involved extensive planning and investment. CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. focused on creating a space that would attract both local shoppers and visitors from neighboring areas. Hamilton Place’s successful opening paved the way for future expansions and enhancements. For those looking for things to do in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Hamilton Place remains a key destination, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
Acquisitions and Changes in Anchors
In 1988, Proffitt’s bought Loveman’s, taking over their space in the mall. Proffitt’s didn’t stop there.
In 1992, they acquired Hess’s, creating a dual store location that offered a wider range of products. This move showed Proffitt’s commitment to expanding its presence in the mall.
The year 1998 brought another change. Belk swapped several mall locations in the southeast with Dillard’s, temporarily exiting the Chattanooga market.
Belk returned in 2005 after purchasing Proffitt’s from Saks Incorporated. This purchase marked Belk’s re-entry into the market with a strong presence.
Belk didn’t just stop at acquiring Proffitt’s. In 2006, they bought Parisian, also from Saks Inc. This purchase led to the closure of the Parisian location at Hamilton Place.
The space later became a Dillard’s Men’s, Children & Home store. These changes highlighted how major retail players maneuvered to strengthen their positions in the market.
Each acquisition and change in anchor stores reflected the dynamic nature of the retail industry.
The mall adapted to these shifts, ensuring it continued to attract shoppers and provide a variety of retail options. This adaptability has been key to Hamilton Place’s enduring appeal.
Major Renovations and Expansions
Hamilton Place has seen its share of renovations and expansions. In 1998, CBL & Associates Properties began a major interior renovation of the mall.
They expanded the food court by 6,000 square feet, making room for more dining options. They also made the mall wheelchair accessible, improving the experience for all visitors.
In 2008, CBL announced a $100 million expansion plan. This ambitious plan included two parking garages, a lifestyle center, and other renovations inside and outside the mall.
To fund this expansion, CBL proposed adding a half-percent to 1 percent fee on purchases made at the mall and nearby CBL centers.
These centers included Gunbarrel Pointe, Hamilton Corner, Hamilton Crossing, The Shoppes at Hamilton Place, and The Terrace.
However, CBL scaled down its original plans. Instead, they focused on a smaller expansion. The Shoppes at Hamilton Place received a 6,000 sq ft expansion.
This expansion added stores like Sweet Peppers Deli, a local restaurant chain, and Bath Junkie, a bath products chain. These additions brought more variety to the mall’s offerings.
Renovations didn’t stop there. In 2011, CBL announced a multimillion-dollar renovation for the mall. Construction started in March and concluded 11 months later in November 2011.
The work happened in phases, mostly during off-hours and at night so that the mall could stay open. These renovations showed CBL’s commitment to keeping Hamilton Place modern and inviting for shoppers.
Unique Store Additions and Features
Hamilton Place has always been more than just a shopping mall. In 2006, P.F. Chang’s opened a unique location with a water theme.
This theme pays homage to the Tennessee River and adds a distinct local flavor to the restaurant.
Richard Federico, the CEO of P.F. Chang’s, has ties to the area, having graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1976.
Barnes & Noble opened in November 2008, taking over the space previously occupied by Regal Cinemas 9. This change brought a major bookstore to the mall, adding to its appeal as a diverse shopping destination.
Regal Cinemas still operates on an outparcel of the mall, showing that entertainment options remain a key component of Hamilton Place.
H&M opened a store on the upper level on November 5, 2017, bringing trendy fashion to the mix of stores.
Sears announced it would close its Hamilton Place location as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on October 15, 2018.
The closure marked the end of an era but also opened the door for new opportunities. The old Sears building didn’t stay empty for long.
Dave & Buster’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods moved in, opened their doors in March 2020, adding new entertainment and retail options to the mall.
Dave & Buster’s took the upper level of the old Sears building. This move introduced a new entertainment venue, drawing in crowds looking for games and dining.
Meanwhile, Dick’s Sporting Goods took the lower level, offering a wide range of sporting equipment and apparel.
These changes showed the mall’s ability to adapt and stay relevant in a changing retail landscape.
Current Layout and Offerings
Hamilton Place today offers a wide array of stores and services. JCPenney remains one of the original anchors, occupying a large space within the mall.
Belk and Dillard’s each have two locations in the mall, catering to different departments like women’s, men’s, children’s, and home goods.
These stores provide a range of shopping options for various needs and preferences.
The food court expanded in 1998 and continues to serve a variety of dining options. From fast food to sit-down restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
The presence of well-known chains and local eateries ensures that visitors have plenty of choices when it comes to food.
Hamilton Place also houses over 190 stores, offering a mix of high-end fashion, everyday essentials, and specialty shops.
This variety makes it a versatile shopping destination. Specialty stores add unique shopping opportunities, keeping the mall diverse and interesting.
Latest Developments and Incidents in 2023-2024
Hamilton Place continues to evolve with new retail and dining options. In June 2023, CBL Properties announced the addition of Crunch Fitness to the complex.
This addition enhances the mall’s appeal to health-conscious shoppers. Crunch Fitness is known for its modern facilities and diverse workout programs.
In April 2024, two new stores (Vintage Stock and Miniso) opened at Hamilton Place, adding to the mall’s retail variety.
Texas Roadhouse, a popular dining chain, also opened a location in the mall. These new additions reflect Hamilton Place’s ongoing efforts to diversify and expand its offerings.
Hamilton Place remains a vibrant community hub. The mall’s management frequently organizes events to engage shoppers.
For example, a back-to-school giveaway event was announced in July 2024, aiming to attract families preparing for the new school year. These events help maintain a positive community atmosphere and encourage local shopping.
Hamilton Place’s continuous adaptation and community focus ensure it remains a key destination in Chattanooga.
The mall’s ability to attract new stores and handle challenges speaks to its resilience and importance in the local economy.