SVN | Second Story Real Estate Management is continuing its strategic growth with the opening of a new office in Atlanta, marking a significant expansion beyond its Chattanooga headquarters. This move enables the firm to better tap into the rapidly growing Southeast commercial real estate market, providing its renowned advisory services to a broader regional client base.
The new office, which will serve as the firm’s second location, is bolstered by the addition of experienced Atlanta-based professionals Bob Johnson, Michael Nolen and Peter Cullen. With decades of combined experience in the industry, this trio is known for their market insight, strong client relationships and a proven track record in commercial real estate throughout Georgia and the broader Southeast.
“We’re excited to announce the expansion into Atlanta,” says Tiffanie Robinson, CEO of SVN | Second Story. “Bob, Michael and Peter bring a wealth of knowledge and industry expertise, which will help us strengthen our position in one of the nation’s most dynamic real estate markets.”
Alongside the new hires, several team members from the Chattanooga headquarters will relocate to Atlanta to support the growth, including Hunter Myers, who has been with SVN | Second Story since 2019. Myers, a senior brokerage director, will lead a retail-focused team in the new office. Also joining the Atlanta team is Cage Gary, who brings two years of specialized experience in retail.
The Atlanta expansion is part of the firm’s broader growth strategy. SVN | Second Story has experienced substantial growth since joining the SVN network, doubling its total sales volume in 2024. The company is now ranked 25th out of more than 220 SVN offices nationwide.
The Atlanta office will offer a range of commercial brokerage services, with a focus on middle-market office, retail and industrial properties across the Southeast. The day-to-day operations will be overseen by Tanya Jesunas, director of brokerage operations, a real estate professional with over 15 years of management experience.
Located at 10400 Old Alabama Road Connector in Alpharetta, the new office is already open and can be reached at (404) 445-2176.
Siskin Hospital launches solar initiative
Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation has become the first hospital in Tennessee to harness solar energy for its facility operations, marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The hospital recently installed over 1,200 solar panels on the roof of its downtown Chattanooga campus, a move that will help offset 20-30% of its energy consumption at peak operation.
This initiative is part of Siskin Hospital’s broader sustainability efforts, which aim to reduce operational costs and promote eco-friendly practices. The solar energy savings will allow the hospital to reinvest funds into other vital areas, enhancing its services while also reducing its environmental impact.
“We’ve been a cornerstone of the Chattanooga community for over 35 years,” says Matthew Gibson, president and CEO of Siskin Hospital. “We want to ensure we’re living out our motto – ‘Caring People. Changing Lives.’ – in every aspect of our organization. This includes our efforts to be a more sustainable and environmentally responsible institution.”
The hospital’s solar initiative is the latest step in its ongoing journey toward sustainability. Over the past several years, Siskin Hospital has implemented several green practices, including switching to energy-efficient LED and motion sensor lights throughout the facility, composting food waste to reduce landfill contributions, using compostable, single-use food containers in the hospital cafeteria, and adding recycling bins in every area of the hospital to encourage waste reduction.
Erlanger Outpatient Therapy moving
Erlanger Outpatient Therapy has relocated to a larger facility at the Erlanger Volkswagen location. The new location, situated at 7380 Volkswagen Dr., will offer the same therapy services with the added benefit of a larger space to accommodate more patients and services.
“We’re excited to move into a larger space at the Erlanger Volkswagen building,” says Lindsey Sharpe, manager of outpatient therapy services at Erlanger. “This move gives us room to grow while continuing to provide quality care.”
Erlanger Outpatient Therapy offers a broad range of specialties at seven locations throughout the region.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at the new location, patients can call 423 778-8989 or fax referrals to 423 778-9875.
Additional details
Lawmakers approve transportation funding
State Representative Greg Vital, R-Harrison, has passed legislation aimed at securing long-term funding solutions for Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure. House Bill 736, which passed last week, mandates the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study the state’s transportation funding needs and recommend new revenue sources as traditional funding methods, such as the gasoline tax, decline.
“With Tennessee’s population growing and the cost of road and bridge maintenance increasing, transportation remains a top priority for the state,” says Vital. “But with declining revenue from traditional sources like gasoline taxes – due to the rise in fuel-efficient and electric vehicles – Tennessee must find innovative ways to generate the necessary funds to maintain and improve our roads and bridges.”
The bill directs TACIR to conduct a comprehensive study that will assess how much funding Tennessee requires to keep its roads and bridges in good condition. The commission will also explore alternative funding options, including potential fees for road usage, rental cars, delivery services and large commercial vehicles. Additionally, the study will consider allocating a portion of state sales tax revenue from vehicles and tires to help fund transportation projects.
The study will also evaluate the potential impact of these new funding mechanisms on industries and residents, as well as review successful funding strategies from at least three other states to determine what might work best for Tennessee.
The results of the study are expected by Sept. 30, 2026, and the final report will be submitted to the chairs of the House and Senate transportation committees, as well as the state’s legislative library.
House Bill 736 now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Greg Vital was elected in 2021 and represents District 29, which includes part of Hamilton County. He serves on the Transportation Committee.
Chattanooga Motorcar Festival postponed to 2026
The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival has been postponed until 2026. Organizers made the announcement last week, citing ongoing restructuring and the continued expansion of the Chattanooga community.
The festival, which held its inaugural event in 2019, attracts car collectors, enthusiasts and visitors from around the country. Its blend of competitive racing, stunning car displays and community events has made it a popular annual event.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in six short years,” says Byron DeFoor, founder of the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. “Through the event, we’ve been able to raise significant funds for local charities, including the NeuroScience Innovation Foundation, and raise awareness about the diversity, beauty and style of Chattanooga. However, as the city continues to grow and evolve, we believe it’s important to take time to regroup and ensure that the festival continues to be a dynamic and exciting event for all.”
DeFoor emphasized that the postponement is a strategic decision to ensure that the festival can offer a better experience when it returns in 2026, incorporating more family-friendly activities.
“As we work with the city of Chattanooga and its expansion efforts, we’re excited about the future of the festival and what’s to come,” DeFoor adds. “We appreciate all the support we’ve received and look forward to returning in 2026 with a bigger and better event.”