This project leveraged other redevelopment in the neighborhood. Due to the cleanup, developers were encouraged to develop a Faternity Row for Faternities associated with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. An internet based service industry located nearby and other private sector investments are beginning to take place.
Former Use: The Site was the oldest continuously used manufacturing site in Chattanooga. Manufacturing operations began in 1865 as a sawmill, and furniture was the main product produced. Circa 1905 production of wooden refrigerators became the primary product. In 1923 "Cavalier" was chosen as the product name for the company's refrigerators. Production of electric coolers circa 1934, and the production of soft drink vending machines began in the 1940s. Furniture production ceased in 1960 however, production of refrigeration equipment continued through the 1970s. During the 1980s, the aged Cavalier facility was unable to compete against more modern facilities. Old unusable buildings and equipment coupled with a general perception of environmental risks resulted in an imminent risk of abandonment. In the late 1990s, several local organizations joined to secure financing and restore the property to a more productive layout. SLDC purchased the land and buildings for restoration and leased them back to Cavalier. The Cavalier Acquisition Corporation entered into the Tennessee Voluntary Cleanup Oversight and Assistance Program VOAP by executing a Consent Order and Agreement on July 25, 1997. The 5.8 million dollar restoration project included the demolition of 18 buildings that were in poor condition, improvement of production processes, and conversion of facility processes and chemicals to more environmentally friendly alternatives. Unfortunately, even with all the property restoration, the plant ceased operation. SLDC explored other uses for the property, but the long term utilization was unsuccessful. The property has recently been purchased by the Electric Power Board EPB of the City of Chattanooga.
