12 South/Waverly Belmont Area:

The commercial district of 12South is undergoing another significant transformation. It's been roughly ten years since Metro Public Works began a multi-year, multi-million dollar streetscape improvements project designed to improve pedestrian access and reduce traffic speeds. Since then, the district has added new retailers and restaurants mainly in the existing structures that have been a staple of its charm and uniqueness. The latest round of news includes two new major development projects that will represent a significant investment to the area and will further diversify the area's already eclectic feel.

First to take shape will be 12 South Station, a 30,000 square foot office/retail development, to be built by Baker, Story McDonald Properties. The project will be on the property currently occupied by the Middle Tennessee Roofing Company and this writer's favorite neighborhood merchant, 12 South Taproom. The first floor of 12 South Station will be dedicated to retail which the developer has indicated will likely be filled by local merchants while the developer and the project's general contractor, the Carter Group, will occupy space in the top two floors, which are dedicated for office users. The project will feature a handsome exterior and will include nearly 100 parking spaces. Parking will be located behind the building and the building will be constructed in close proximity to the sidewalk to engage the building with the street front much like many of the existing buildings in the district. What will be the most significant change to the streetscape will be the building's height — over 40 feet along some sections of the building's elevations — and how well the building incorporates itself with those it neighbors will prove to be a challenge.

The project will add more parking to the area — a scarce commodity and something that is desperately needed. While the thought of losing the Taproom to another neighborhood or all together is disappointing, I am hopeful that the project will deliver to the neighborhood better parking alternatives as well as other great merchants that help to improve the livability of the area and the commercial vitality for other area merchants. If pre-leasing progresses as planned, construction should begin by this summer.
Soon to follow is Core Development's mixed-use project to be located on the southwest corner of 12th & Paris. The developer plans to introduce the project to the neighborhood on Saturday, March 15th at 3:30 p.m. at the Frothy Monkey at 2509 12th Avenue. Renderings and plans will be made available for the neighborhood to see.

Inevitably, more projects are coming and the best way to stay involved is to attend events such as the one scheduled with Core Development. With neighborhood involvement early, the developer can incorporate the knowledge of local residents who have seen what works and what does not. In the interim, I plan to enjoy the days that remain listening to great music and enjoying good draft beer at the Taproom and wonder what is to come and remember what I liked most about what will no longer be.

Green Hills:

Green Hills is an area of Nashville that is centrally located along Hillsboro Road.  It has the closest mall to downtown Nashville, The Mall at Greeen Hills which is the most upscale and smaller than most shopping destinations. You'll find Express, Gap and Banana Republic alongside higher-end clothing boutiques such as bebe, Betsey Johnson and Cache.  Green Hills also has a new shopping area The Hill Center that includes a new Whole Foods grocery.

Hillsboro Village:  coming soon.....