History
Refined Living
Revitalized Legacy
At 13 stories high, The Maclellan is a majestic building that has been revitalized into an exclusive collection of studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments that encompass stellar views of the Scenic City. Built in 1924, this architectural gem not only honors downtown Chattanooga’s historic integrity, this story-filled address has written a new chapter of one-of-a-kind urban living — a lifestyle-rich environment redefined for an upscale residential experience.
Nestled between the James Building and the Tivoli Theatre, The Maclellan was originally called the Provident Building to house Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company founded in 1887, which was later headed by Thomas Maclellan.1
“It all started in 1892 when Thomas Maclellan, then age 55, joined his business partner John McMaster in taking over the management and partial ownership of a struggling insurance company in Chattanooga named Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company (now Unum). Maclellan was drawn to Chattanooga for its burgeoning industrial economy. His vision was for Provident to play a significant role in the city’s growth by covering workers facing injuries and accidents — a concept that made it very unlike other insurance firms at the time.”2
The architectural design of The Maclellan building is known as the Beaux Arts style, which is similar to the construction of the Wrigley Building in Chicago. The late Dr. Gavin Townsend, who was an art and architecture professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, described The Maclellan as a standout building “worthy of architectural praise” in reference to the unique construction that draws on classical elements of a “Roman-style entrance flanked by large Ionic columns, with French Renaissance treatment at the top and a green-tiled mansard roof.”3
According to Dr. Townsend, “The Beaux Arts style gave the Maclellan Building the look of an enduring temple of financial stability,” he said. “The appearance of solidity and timelessness has a foundation to match, the footings of which dive 35 feet below ground to firmly anchor the structure to bedrock.”4
The Maclellan now operates as a luxurious apartment community in downtown Chattanooga that offers a unique opportunity to experience next-level living that marries historic architecture; a supreme walkability factor to shopping, dining, and entertainment; and impeccable customer service from an outstanding staff committed to a standard of residential excellence.
Sources:
1) Butler, n.d., para. 2
a. https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/maclellan-building/
2) O’Dea, n.d., para. 2
a. https://www.cityscopemag.com/city-scope/founding-fathers-thomas-maclellan/
3) Shearer, 2008, para. 19
a. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2008/9/19/135481/History-of-the-Maclellan-Building.aspx
4) Shearer, 2008, para. 9
a. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2008/9/19/135481/History-of-the-Maclellan-Building.aspx