Local attorney buys Frazier Avenue building
Northshore history often overlooked, business owner says
Chattanooga attorney Joe DeGaetano recently purchased a piece of Northshore history—the old International Order of Odd Fellows building at 50 Fraizer Avenue.
“I like the fact that it’s a 100-plus old building,” he said. “It’s a neat, old building. It’s got some interesting features to it.”
This handle had previously been used to dim the lights. The electrical
inspector said it needed to be disconnected, so it doesn't work now, but
owner of 50 Fraizer Avenue Joe DeGaetano said it's an interesting, historic
feature. Contributed photo.
A large, old dimmer switch that had to be deactivated is one such feature, he said.
After he and his wife Heather purchased the building, they contracted with GenTech Construction to perform “extensive” renovation and remodeling of the top floor, which DeGaetano now uses for his office.
In addition to the DeGaetano law firm, the top floor is occupied by Sage Technology Group,
Chattanooga Counseling and Mediation Center, and two out-of-town law firms with satellite offices in Chattanooga.
DeGaetano said there aren’t as many people in the building as it might seem. He is a sole practitioner, and the other offices are made up of small staffs, he said.
There is retail, such as Bridge Salon, on the ground floor.
DeGaetano said he preferred not to discuss the cost of the building or renovations.
According to records on file in the County Register's office, the Oddfellows purchased the property on which the building sits in 1903, DeGaetano said in a news release.
David Smotherman, president Northshore Merchant’s Collective and owner of Fraizer’s Winder Binder Gallery and Bookstore, said that most of the buildings on the block of Fraizer near DeGaetano’s law firm date back to the 1920s through ‘50s.
It gives the area extra character, he said.
And there’s not much written about the history of the Northshore, he said.
“Most of the old pictures are of the downtown,” he said.
In the 1950s, the area was as vibrant or more so than it is now, Smotherman said.
Veteran Upholstering & Gifts is also in the 50 Fraizer Avenue building. Ruth L. Smith and the late Mr. James T. Smith opened the store in 1947, and Ruth still operates the store.
Smotherman and DeGaetano both said the Northshore is a great place to work.
“I wouldn’t have my shop anywhere else,” he said. “It’s such a great combo of local and tourism. The Southside has so much promise, but it’s still at the point where it’s a destination."
