15-Acre Riverfront Development Proposed In East Nashville Near The East Bank.

Local developer CA South looks to redevelop several former industrial and commercial properties along the Cumberland River in East Nashville.  The developer is looking to create a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that creates an extension of the existing East Nashville community and Shelby Park.  The plan will create viewsheds to the river from the surrounding neighborhood, offer neighborhood focused amenities, public spaces, and access to the riverfront.  This master planned community would also continue the redevelopment efforts of the nearby East Bank which includes the recently approved Titan’s stadium.  The current overall project address 1400 Davidson Street.

The proposed Specific Plan (SP) falls within the existing T5-MU & IWD zoning which allows for intensive mixed-use development.  This zoning permits high- rise and mid-rise mixed-use buildings with heights exceeding 20 stories.   The submitted plan proposes 5 development zones which range in height from 7 to 20 stories.  The policy area also allows for MUI-A zoning and other design-based rezoning requests. This MU policy area is designed to maintain, enhance, and create high intensity urban mixed- use neighborhoods that contain a diverse mix of residential and non-residential land uses and that are envisioned to remain or develop in a mixed -use pattern.

A request has been submitted to rezone the collection of properties along Davidson Street from MUG-A and IWD to SP zoning.  Once approved, it will permit the mixed-use development on the 15.55 acres site.  The request was made by Gresham Smith on behalf of the property owners.  Here’s the quick rundown.

The project consists of 5 development Zones (A through E) which are separated by an existing parcel not included in the development plan.  Although the overall site area is +/- 15 acres, the development zone sits at approximately 8 acres.  Starting from the river, the project includes setbacks for areas of no disturbance which includes the FEMA Floodway zone and the 50-foot Buffer Zone 1.  It also includes the 75-feet Stormwater Buffer Zone 2 which prohibits impervious surfaces.  The plans include a 14-foot-wide Greenways easement within the Zone 2 Buffer.

The proposed Greenways easement spans all 5 development zones.  The plan also notes that the trail can divert around the existing building (not included in the plan) that splits the collection of parcels if needed.  The proposed trail spans easements by Metro Water, TVA, and Metro Parks which will need approval before it becomes a reality.

Zones A, B, and C are located between 6th Street and South 12 Street. Zones D&E are located between South 12th street and Shelby Park. The plans note that 65% of the Davidson Street frontage along zones A, B, D, and E will be occupied by active uses. Active uses include retail, restaurant, residential amenity, hotel, live/work units, office or other Metro Approved active uses. There is no minimum frontage requirement in Zone C.

The project also includes open zones between the buildings which contribute to the site’s porosity.  Landscape porosity incorporates design elements that adapt to the natural flow of water and wind.  In layman’s terms, it means that instead of prioritizing height density and buildings surrounded by hard surfaces, it emphasizes a design that creates natural mechanisms and controls that allow for a more natural flow of water and wind.  Some of the requirements in the open zones include:

• They should be a minimum of 26 feet wide and shall extend from Davidson Street to the river.
• Open Zones shall include seating and plantings.
• Open Zones shall be open at the ground level to the sky; however, one Open Zone may have a structure overhead connecting two buildings as long as the structure does not exceed 30 feet in width and is to accommodate a garage connection.

Overall public space improvements include upgrades to Davidson Street with protected bike lanes and pedestrian friendly crossings, a new tree buffer, the addition of a new greenway along the river, and varied architecture of the buildings which provides several open zones and other green spaces within the project. 

The project is slated for the 6/8/2023 Metro Planning Agenda. 

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