Holladay Ventures announced it has closed on funding for The Opaline at Artist Hill, a 251-unit affordable housing mixed-use development. The nationally recognized affordable housing developer is focusing on opportunities within the creative community and has enlisted the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville (ABC) to assist with the efforts.
The 251 affordable units are for residents that make 60% Area Median Income (AMI) – adding to its mix of deeply affordable projects throughout Nashville. The project is located walking distance from grocery and health care options along the major transit corridor at 3533 Dickerson Pike.
“We’re striving to establish a model community that serves the creatives who make Nashville special while also tying it to Nashville’s need for transit-orientated development, on-site childcare, walking trails, as well as spaces and amenities for artists of all disciplines to work on their craft.” Added Holladay, “We’re thankful for our tremendous partners and the public, private and community support we’ve received to be able to start construction on this legacy project.”
Shown for context only.
The Opaline is the first of an expected three phases for Artist Hill. The 38.76-acre master plan is projected to include rental and first-time homeownership opportunities, green spaces, walking trails and other community amenities. Additionally, mission-related amenities within the project includes Nonprofit services, studios, and maker spaces for creatives.
The site is currently home to Lotus learning center which will be replaced with an expanded, new 4,000 sf childcare facility on site. The project will also activate Dickerson Pike with 7,000 sf of retail; and a future WeGo transit center.
“Route 23 Dickerson Pike is one of our busiest routes and a strategic location for expanded bus service in the future,” said WeGo CEO Steve Bland. “It’s exciting to be able to combine that expansion of service with a new affordable housing development. Public transit is a big part of the effort to make Nashville more affordable for residents.”
The project received preliminary SP Approval in December of 2023 and submitted for final site plan for phase 1(The Opaline) in November of 2024 with construction slated to begin in November 2025. Here’s the quick rundown:
The Opaline at Artist Hill
3533 Dickerson Pike
| What’s Now | Wooded Lot |
| What’s Next | Mixed-use |
| Developer | Holladay Ventures |
| Architect | David Baker Architects |
| MZA | |
| Landscape | Hawkins Partners |
| Civil | Barge Civil Associates |
| Residences: | 251-Units Ph 1 |
| Retail | 7,000 SF |
| Contractor | RC Matthews |
To ensure the development meets the unique needs of Nashville’s creative community, Holladay Ventures is partnering with ABC — a nonprofit celebrating its landmark 20th anniversary. ABC has provided expert consultation on the design of The Opaline’s creative spaces and will facilitate its nationally recognized programming on site once the development opens in early 2028.
The organization will offer education workshops, legal clinics, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration amongst the art and business communities. This partnership with Holladay Ventures represents another step in ABC’s broader effort to expand access to affordable creative resources and strengthen Nashville’s creative economy.
“We are proud to bring our expertise to this project and to partner with Holladay Ventures in setting a national example for what affordable, artist-centered development can be,” said Jill McMillan Palm, Executive Director of ABC. “Our research shows more than 25% of local artists are considering leaving the area due to rising housing costs and lack of space to create. The Opaline is telling artists: you belong here, and your creativity matters to the future of this city.”
The original Lotus Learning Center will remain open until the new facility is ready for move-in, allowing a seamless transition from the old center to the new without any loss of child care service.
“The Opaline will be an important affordable, mixed-use development to foster Nashville’s thriving community of artists and creatives,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “What’s more, the development sits on a key transit line, and with an on-site child care center, ensuring that getting around and finding great care for your kids is one less thing for a busy artist, creator, or maker to worry about.”
A collective of public and private funding partners worked together to provide the financing needed to bring The Opaline to life. This includes support from Amazon, Barnes Housing Trust Fund, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, and Metro Nashville Office of Housing as well as the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, U.S. Bank, Citibank, Stifel Public Finance and Truist Bank.
“By combining affordable housing with dedicated artist spaces, transit access, and on-site child care, this development addresses multiple community needs in one thoughtful project,” said Michelle Brown, Senior Manager, Public Policy at Amazon. “We’re grateful to collaborate with Holladay Ventures and the Arts & Business Council on creating these 251 affordable homes that will help Nashville’s creative community thrive where they live and work.”
For all and inquiries regarding The Opaline, visit the property website by clicking the link (here).
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