Gayle Balaban/E. Tn Waterfront Real Estate

O.K. A while back I wrote about some of my new inspirations for my business and I alluded to a far out new concept that I was trying to formulate. Here goes the rough draft. The pieces aren't filled in yet.

What would anyone think of a 50's era commercial building, I envision an old roller skating rink, movie theater or bowling alley, configured to be a consortium of zones 50's style with a modern twist. A small town, Mayberry feel. An old fashioned malt shop with counter and few tables, a juke box, maybe a barber's chair in one corner, arcade games; just a few. A desk with a small informal work area. Maybe some local art work or craafts placed and hung about. A small boutique type section with unusual items. An old phone booth or two. All of this would be open, accessible and be configured to provide wi-fi and would be free except for merchandise and refreshments. I would give someone else the right to operate all of the revenue generating centers except of course, the real estae part. That would be the desk in the corner. People could come and hang out. read. Play checkers, get a cold drink or a cup of coffee. Of course it would be my primary real estate location and would lend itself to small toen meeting type seminars or larger classes. I am certain discussions would take place and it would give old timers a place to hang. I would decorate the place in 50's decor with local memorabilia and maps, photos etc. I think that it would be a warm, friendly and inviting plce for people to come and to of course discuss real estae. I am still formulating this one, but, I like it nd I definitely believe that it has promise. What do you think of this concept?

This is just the home page of The Walden Club Chattanooga, Tn. For more detailed info please go to www.WaldenClub.org There are so many great things about this private club in downtown Chattanooga, but, the view and the food have got to be at the top of the list! By the way, it is located in the Rebublic Building, a downtown Chattanooga highrise and also soon to be the home of my new real estate office. I am looking forward to joining and dining there often. I could jut sit and relax with a nice drink and the world open to my gaze. It is situated so that the Tennessee River can be viewed from the Riverview Room. Please check it out and if you are in the area give me a call and you may go as my guest. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Snow, oh snow falling from the sky full of freshness and light. I cannot believe it; I heard it. I really did. I rushed out to my front door and see a beautiful white haze swirling down from the sky and I feel encouraged and hopeful. I have always loved snow and I miss seeing it here in Tennessee. Tonight I have my wish if only for a little while. Yes, I know all of you in REAL snow country will laugh, but, hey, you take what you can get and we don't get much to take here. I plan to stay up all night and just watch it and enjoy the peace. Hey snow; COME ON DOWN!!!!

We have had snow on and off all day today and I am ecstatic! We don't get snow often here and so I anxiously await some each uear. The last significant snow was in 1993 the Blizzard of '93. Oh what I would give for a nice big one like that. Mostly what we get are teases. I grew up in snow country and I miss an occassional storn during winter about as much as I miss my ocean. The forecast is for snow and freezing precipitation through mid morning tomorrow. I won't get my hopes up though. It is sounding more like sleet and ice than snow and no one likes that!

I remember the first time that I knew that I was coming to Chattanooga, Tn. for an extended time period. I thought "Deliverance" then I came; with reservations, and never left! This is a remarkable microcosm of larger cities, but, with the friendliness and familiarity of a nice town. Chattanooga caters to so many areas of interest that it becomes mind boggling!

I would have to write a 200 page travel guide to cover things fully, but, just to start things off, here are some of the broad reaching activities that the area offers.

• Outdoor Activities - Hiking, boating, kayaking, swimming, camping
• Crafts- Numerous craft festivals and a cluster f crafts businesses in ST. Elmo, North Chattanooga and Southside just to name a few
• Health Care- Large hospitals such as Erlanger and Memorial as well as specialized clinics for heart, physical therapy, acupuncture as well as holistic and alternative medicine practitioners.
• Shopping- Hamilton Mall, Downtown and all types of mom and pop independent businesses that provide everything from canvas awnings to trophies.
• Pet Care - Many veterinary establishments as well as pet boutiques whether it be the exotic or a dog or cat.
• Cultural-Tivoli Theatre, Chattanooga Symphony or dinner theatre as well as the Hunter Museum and Battlefield Park.
• Community Events - Riverbend, and any number of picnics, street festivals and fund raisers.
• Golf- There are at least 6 courses locally that I can think of as well as a few driving ranges.
• Schools-Many excellent school districts as well as specialized magnet schools. Two renowned private schools are also located here; Girls Preparatory and McCallie. There are also several community colleges as well as University of Tennessee Chattanooga and several parochial and public private universities and colleges.
• Housing - From apartments to condos to single family to downtown lofts. There is a wide choice of affordable housing of any shape and size including even houseboats.
• Industry TVA, Volkswagon, McKees and the list goes on.
• Airport - Chattanooga has a great airport for easy travel in and out and also a smaller affiliate for private aircraft.
• HistoryIt abounds here from Native American culture to the civil war legacy.

So, as you can see, there are many things of interest worth coming to Chattanooga to investigate. It is an excellent place to raise children or to retire. If you would like a more detailed list of events or activities with dates, please contact me to inquire and I will be sure to send you a packet.