EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF)-  An old shopping center could soon become a hub in East Ridge.
Urban Story Ventures, who is behind several other projects in Chattanooga including The Bend on the Westside, is planning to rebuild the former Food City shopping center along Ringgold Road known as the Osborne Shopping Center.

It’s nicknamed “The First Shopping Center in Tennessee”.

They look to bring new retail and residential options to the space.

The East Ridge City Council approved a plan to close a portion of Old Ringgold Road behind the center to convert it into a promenade for special events.

This received the support of some residents including Tanner Eaton.

Eaton said, “Historically this is a degraded area behind this building. Closing this roadway presents an opportunity to enhance safety for the neighborhood and its families, fostering much needed economic growth and stability.”

Urban Story Ventures will have to negotiate with nearby residents to get full access to Old Ringgold Road.