Preserve Chattanooga withdrew its local landmark application for Wyatt Hall at 865 East 3rd Street, and the City Council accepted that withdrawal in a Dec. 2 resolution.

Cassie Klein, the city's historic preservation planner, explained that the application (case HLM 231) had been recommended for approval by the Historic Zoning Commission in 2023 but that legal staff for Hamilton County Schools and city attorneys had raised an attorney general opinion indicating city ordinances cannot regulate county government buildings, including schools. Klein said that while a local landmark designation could technically be added, it would be ineffective while Hamilton County Schools owns the property.

Todd Morgan, executive director of Preserve Chattanooga and the applicant, told the council the application had been supported by alumni and community signatures but that Preserve Chattanooga decided to withdraw rather than set a precedent of applying a designation the owner would not be required to follow.

Several councilmembers expressed concern about preservation tools and noted they would pursue other avenues, such as asking the county or school board to consider internal preservation measures or donation of an easement. Councilman Clark stated on the record he would vote against accepting the withdrawal as a statement in favor of preservation; the withdrawal resolution passed with one 'no.'

What happens next: Staff said the withdrawal clears the outstanding application from the system. Councilmembers indicated they may pursue separate correspondence or resolutions to the Hamilton County School Board about preservation options or to explore preservation easements that would provide enforceable protections if the school system were willing to accept them.