UPDATE: A nearly century-old Chattanooga landmark is set to come down this fall, despite calls from residents and preservationists to save it.

The Medical Arts Building, which opened in the early 1920s as a hub for doctors and dentists, was once considered a model for centralized medical care.

“You wanted to move all your doctors and medical specialists into one big building,” said Chattanooga local, Robert Glover. “That was a trend in America.”

After 49 years in operation, the building was purchased by First Presbyterian Church, located just steps away.

For decades, the church used the space for its ministry. But leaders now say the building is beyond repair and plan to replace it with a smaller, more modern facility.

“We started this process five years ago,” said Mitch Everhart, a

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