06/18/2026
Happy Throwback Thursday! Have you ever walked along 1st Street and wondered about the stone sculptures beside the stairs? You're looking at The Scramble, which was completed by Michael Singer Studio in 2021!
Part public art and part urban infrastructure, The Scramble creates a connection between Walnut Plaza and the Tennessee Aquarium. Its design reflects both the natural geology of our region and the architectural forms of the surrounding urban landscape. As a tribute to Chattanooga’s rich climbing culture, the locally sourced stone and concrete structures are designed to be explored and climbed.
Beneath the artwork lies an innovative stormwater management system that repurposes the foundation vault of the site’s former funicular. This system captures and diverts urban stormwater, filters and aerates it before it reaches the Tennessee River, and recirculates it for irrigation and other site amenities. By blending sustainability with design, The Scramble transforms essential infrastructure into a visible and engaging part of the public space.
If you stop by after dark, you’ll find The Scramble illuminated, bringing the stone forms to life. Many locals say the glowing structures resemble a tiny village tucked into the hillside.
