24-Story Tower Approaches Final Planning Stages In Downtown Nashville.

D.C. based Douglas Development is nearing the final planning stages of its 4th & Lea mixed-use development. The new 24-story tower will create 496 residential units, an activated retail storefront, and a comprehensive list of amenities and public spaces.   CityNowNext reported on the development and August of 2022 which was then in the design development phase.  The updated plans include changes to the unit counts, retail square footage, and offers more detail into the building’s design. The project is located at 712 4th Avenue South.

Although the tower maintains the same number of floors, there was a reduction in the number of residential units from 525 to 496 units.  There was also a reduction in retail space from 18,587 SF to 14,136 SF.  The reduction of retail and residential units is primarily attributed to the design evolution of the project.  The project still has a highly activated pedestrian zone that was shown in the previous plan.  Notable changes to both the unit counts and retail include:

• Refinements to back-of-house spaces such as utility access, loading dock, and new bike room.
• The previous double height retail along Lea Avenue is now single story.  The additional height is now occupied and will be used as a large co-working space. 
• The co-working space also eliminated two residential units.
• Studio and 1-bedroom units facing the public alley were absorbed to create 2-bedroom units.
• 1-bedroom units near Almond Street were absorbed to create 2 Bedrooms and 3-bedroom units.

The plans also show a new 6,729 SF fitness center which used the double height space above the retail on 4th Avenue South.

A request for final site plan approval has been submitted for the property which is zoned DTC and within the Rutledge Hill Redevelopment District.  Once approved, the request will permit the new 24-story mixed-use development on the 0.78 acres site.  The request was made by Barge Design Solutions on behalf of the property owner.  Here’s the quick rundown:

Overall, the project includes a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. The building has 4 levels of below grade parking which is capped by the building lobby and activated pedestrian zone.  The retail activation zones front 4th Avenue South, Lea Avenue, and Almond Street.   Slide the images below for greater context.

The project also includes two outdoor amenity decks on level 2 and the Penthouse.  The Level 2 amenity terrace proposes both pickleball and bocce ball courts as well as added green space and outdoor seating.  The new co-working space also opens to the amenity terrace.  The Penthouse level includes the rooftop pool with sundeck, clubroom, and more green roof space. The protect also features a dog run along Almond Street.

4th & Lea is scheduled for the 5/25/3023 Metro Planning Agenda.

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