A Traditional Reunion

The 1920s is being brought to life in 2005 through the neighborhood called Reunion. The community evokes the nostalgia of a vintage 1920s-era neighborhood with its neo-traditional architecture, green spaces and streetscapes, said Jim Gallagher of Chattanooga Development Group. Mr. Gallagher and Pratt & Associates comprise the development company.
   "Reunion, when it’s completed, will be the most dynamic and aesthetically beautiful planned residential community in East Brainerd," Mr. Gallagher said.
   The 42-acre community will have a swimming pool and 3,000-square-foot clubhouse. It’s located on Morris Lane off East Brainerd Road behind Winn-Dixie.
   Reunion is a traditional neighborhood development, meaning the homes have neo-traditional architectural styles such as front porches, balconies, columns, shutters and gables, he said.
   Front porches largely disappeared from homes being built in the post-World War II era, he said.
   Traditional neighborhood developments like Reunion also have a lot of green space and community parks, Mr. Gallagher said. Reunion’s streets have 6-foot-wide grass strips between the road and yards for old-fashion street lights and mailboxes and trees, which are part of the traditional feel as well. On-street parking is provided in places as well. "For the first time, the ideas of contemporary land planning and traditional architecture are coming together to create a community with the look and feel of the family-oriented neighborhoods of the ’20s and ’30s," said James Pratt of Pratt & Associates. Mr. Pratt’s son, Win, also is a developer of Reunion.
   The traditional neighborhood development concept originated in the later 19th and early 20th centuries, Mr. Pratt and Mr. Gallagher said. The concept was reintroduced in Florida in the 1980s by the Seaside and Celebration communities.
   "The concept has absolutely exploded," Mr. Gallagher said. "It’s the strongest emerging new trend in upscale housing in the United States."
   Mr. Gallagher said Mr. Pratt also built The Traditions neighborhood in the Mountain Creek Road area, Chattanooga’s first traditional neighborhood development. Reunion takes those ideas and enhances the concept with more porches, more parks and other features, he said.
   There are 20 house designs, exclusive to Pratt & Associates, in Reunion, Mr. Gallagher said. The homes resemble cottages in St. Elmo and North Chattanooga. There will be 125 houses, including 17 townhouses. Six estate homes will be built later in the development stage. The homes are being marketed to emptynesters and young professionals, both with and without children.
   Houses will range in size from 1,575 square feet to 3,335 square feet, he said. Prices will vary from about $240,000 to about $400,000. Townhouses will sell from $205,000 to $250,000. E-mail