Local developer GBT, along with Monarch Alternative Capital, has submitted a proposed Urban Design Overlay (UDO) for the Beaman site in Midtown Nashville. The proposed Overlay outlines the framework for bonus height, interiors streets, open space, and other building and site characteristics. NashvilleNowNext reached out to the developer for additional context and received the following,
“GBT Realty and Monarch Alternative Capital have filed an Urban Design Overlay (UDO) that reflects the generational potential of the former Beaman site. In advancing this UDO, our team will work closely with Metro Planning, council members and area stakeholders to establish an overlay that will allow for a redevelopment that is enhancing to the city and greatly increases connectivity throughout Nashville.”
The 8 acre site is located between McGavock Street & Broadway to the North & South and between 14th & 16th Avenues to the East & West. The site is currently zone MUI-A which which is intended for a high intensity mixture of residential, retail, and office uses. Here’s the quick rundown:
Development Rundown

Beaman Site Mixed-Use
- What’s Now: Car Dealership
- What’s Next: Mixed-Use Development
- Developers: GBT / Monarch Alternative Capital
- Zoning & Land Use Rep: Bradley
Future Streets
The area is intended to see significant growth over the next few years. This not only includes the Beaman site but also the planned 2.7 Million SF Reed District between Broadway & Church Street; as well as a planned development between McGavock & Demonbreun streets. The streets highlighted in blue show the conceptual layout which can be changed or realigned as the development progresses. The plan does graphically account for a potential crosswalk on Broadway, however, it wasn’t clear if it would be signalized or part of the plan. Slide the image below which shows context using the conceptual diagram from the plan.


Open Space
The design of the site accommodates a variety of open spaces and focal points. It also includes a comprehensive plan for sidewalks, landscaping, and tree canopy. The conceptual open space plan below depicts proposed open space. All of the open spaces will be linked by a network of sidewalks, multipurpose paths, walkable lanes and bikeways to allow for non-motorized movement. Like the street plan, the open space plan may be adjusted as the development progresses.


Bonus Height
The plan area serves as a gateway to the Gulch, Midtown, Music Row, & Downtown. It is intended to promote growth with high-rise development containing a mixture of uses in a vibrant cohesive campus like development. The development also intends to activate and engage the area with ground-floor retail and an overall layout that continues the high-energy environment of surrounding neighborhoods. The development is divided into two major subdistricts:
- Subdistrict 1 proposes permitting buildings up to 20 Stories or 315 feet.
- Subdistrict 2 proposes permitting buildings up to 25 stories or 400 feet.
The illustrative plan below is included in the submitted UDO and is shown for context only. The plan is subject to change.


The project is scheduled for the 9/8/2022 Metro Planning Agenda.
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