Workforce and affordable housing developer The Clear Blue Company, alongside project supporters, celebrated the grand opening of Highland East; a 238-unit, seven-building affordable housing development in East Nashville. The trail-oriented affordable housing community is designed to connect residents with recreation, wellness, and mobility opportunities through direct access to the Metro Greenway and the eventual broader trail system in the area. The community is located at 301 Ben Allen Road.
“With a pressing need for affordable housing nationwide, we’re proud to help meet that need here in Nashville through Highland East. As with all our communities, we approached Highland East with a relentless focus on residents – investing in thoughtful design, amenities, and public art to ensure families have a place they’re proud to call home. Being in our own backyard made this work even more meaningful, and we’re grateful to the many organizations who helped bring it to life – including Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, Mayor O’Connell’s housing team, Metro Planning and Codes, Metro Parks, Amazon, the Barnes Fund, Regions Bank, JP Morgan Chase, and Fannie Mae.”
Nick Ogden, CEO of The Clear Blue Company
Designed by EOA, Highland East delivers 238 residences to the community – a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units available to individuals earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Ten units will be reserved for those earning up to 30% of the AMI, and five units will be dedicated as permanent supportive housing to serve individuals who formerly experienced homelessness. The community includes a state-of-the-art clubhouse, business center, playground, multiple family-friendly spaces, indoor fitness center, outdoor fitness circuit, dog park, art installations, and a direct greenway connection.
“There’s so much to celebrate here at Highland East – affordability, sustainability, access to trails and skills-building resources. Most of all, we’re celebrating the partnerships that made it happen and the opportunities for its residents.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
Our collaboration with The Clear Blue Company and the many dedicated partners demonstrates what’s possible when we combine resources and vision to address Nashville’s housing needs with creativity and intention.”
Senthil Sankaran, Managing Principal of Amazon’s housing fund.
Highland East offers a variety of outdoor spaces, including private patios at each unit, decks with fire pits, and grilling areas nestled among mature trees, all just minutes from downtown. Through a partnership with Metro Parks, the property connects directly to Nashville’s expanding trail and greenway network – promoting healthier lifestyles, strengthening neighborhood connectivity, and offering alternative routes that complement traditional transportation. This approach represents a first-of-its-kind model for affordable housing in the region, tying affordability to long-term quality of life.
“Regions Affordable Housing provides necessary financing that expands the supply of high-quality affordable housing across the Southeast and beyond. We are proud to join the Clear Blue Company in celebrating the opening of Highland East.”
David Payne, Head of Originations for Regions Affordable Housing.
“Projects like Highland East are helping change the narrative of affordable housing. With modern updated facilities and utilities, Highland East will be a vision of a high-end housing complex with attainable prices for low-to-moderate income families.”
Ralph Perrey, Executive Director of Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Supplemental on-site resources, including career training and financial literacy courses, will also be available to all residents, providing education and skill-building opportunities that reinforce housing stability and upward mobility. Highland East also exemplifies The Clear Blue Company’s commitment to sustainability, with features such as energy-efficient appliances and solar panels, reducing long-term utility costs for residents while promoting environmental responsibility.
“Part of the mission of MDHA is to create affordable housing opportunities, and Highland East fits perfectly with that goal. With beautiful apartments featuring modern design and amenities, this development gives Nashvillians a strong foundation for building their future. MDHA is proud to be a partner in this endeavor.”
Jamie Berry, Chief of Staff – Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency
The development represents a milestone in Nashville’s broader housing strategy, aligning with citywide efforts to expand affordable housing supply while building connected, livable neighborhoods. Highland East is also part of The Clear Blue Company’s growing portfolio, which now includes over 6,400 units throughout the Southeast. Together, these developments demonstrate how CBC is scaling innovative housing models to address the crisis at both the local and national level.
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