The Walker County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning request from Rock City Enterprises Thursday night. The Board voted to change a parcel of land on the side of Lookout Mountain from residential to commercial. The move serves as the first of two local governmental hurdles Rock City needs to clear in order to move forward with a new tourism development.

Rock City wants to construct a $30-million gondola system that would carry visitors from their property in Chattanooga Valley up to the main attraction on Lookout Mountain. “We want to uncover and preserve the beautiful things about Lookout Mountain and Walker County and that’s what our long-term plans are all about,” said Doug Chapin, President and CEO of Rock City Enterprises.

Chapin said the gondola project will redirect visitors who currently drive through Chattanooga into Walker County, positively impacting economic development. “This project on peak days would divert about 3,000 cars off Ochs Highway, which is a small mountain road.”  A traffic study found about 40% of drivers would approach the attraction via north Georgia roads, in order to park at the old Blowing Springs Farm location and ride the gondola up to the main attraction.

The gondola project is the first phase of a long-term master plan for Rock City to provide safer access, showcase the scenery and improve the guest experience. “What makes Rock City special is there is only one Rock City,” said Chapin. “There are a lot of people in the attractions world that can do cool things, but you can’t make another Fat Man’s Squeeze or Lover’s Leap. It only exists right there and is what makes it so special.”

The second governmental hurdle will be discussed at a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on February 24 at the Lookout Mountain City Hall, 1214 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain. The city is being asked to amend its Tourist Oriented Commercial District to permit gondolas.