CityNowNext
Aug 7, 2023
Essex Development and GBX Group have introduced a transformative, master-planned project in Downtown Nashville's historic Rutledge Hill district, designed to seamlessly integrate three new skyline-defining high-rise towers with six preserved and restored Victorian-era homes to create a new culinary destination.
Key Features of the Development:
Development Vision:
The planned Rutledge Hill Historic & Culinary Arts District proposes three skyline-defining high-rise towers that enhance the prominence of the neighborhood's historic Victorian-era homes. Interconnected by paseos and landscaped spaces, the homes will be preserved and repurposed as culinary destinations, complementing the three new high-rise structures. These towers will rise from one of downtown's highest points of elevation, measuring 37, 21, and 17 stories, respectively.
Key Components:
Six historic homes being restored and repurposed into unique culinary destinations
37-story Tower: 200-key five-star luxury Fairmont hotel with 100 branded residences
21-story Tower: 125-key luxury lifestyle hotel with 50 branded residences
17-story Tower: 120 luxury multi-family/timeshare units and 10,000 SF of office space
Unified development with a 64,000 SF retail village, highlighted by a central marketplace and a 777-space underground parking garage
Design Philosophy: Snohetta emphasized creating a pedestrian-friendly environment with interconnected paseos, reducing shading impacts, and respecting the prominence of historic structures while introducing sculptural, tapered towers.
Community Commitments: Essex consulted extensively with neighbors and stakeholders, incorporating feedback on public safety, healthcare access, historic preservation, and local arts incubation. Letters of support came from groups including Nashville Children's Theater and Historic Nashville Inc.
Neighborhood Impact: The project is part of the South Bank redevelopment wave, joining at least 9 other towers planned nearby, bringing the area's future tower count to 12.
Quote Highlights:
Nathan McRae (Snohetta): "Stressed balancing historic preservation with innovation, while ensuring the project serves both locals and visitors."
Matt Williams (Essex Development): "Emphasized community needs, safety, healthcare, and cultural opportunities as guiding priorities."
Jai B. Patel (Spark HVA & Essex Development): "Reinforced that the design respects the dignity of the preserved Victorian homes while creating a vibrant culinary district."
Overall Significance:
The Rutledge Hill Culinary Arts District is positioned as one of Nashville's most unique infill opportunities melding historic charm with ambitious high-rise development, and aiming to establish a landmark culinary and cultural hub in the South Bank.