88 Hermitage
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County recently acquired 2.6 acres of property located at the corners of Hermitage and Lindsley Avenues, referred to as 88 Hermitage. The site includes a masonry building constructed in 1944 as part of the Tennessee School for the Blind (TSB) campus. The building served as the segregated African American department of the TSB from 1952 - 1965. In more recent years, the building served as the offices for the State’s Department of Human Services’ vocational rehab division, but it is currently vacant. In 2017, the Tennessee Historical Commission deemed the building to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic places. Due to its significance, Metro intends for the building to be preserved and rehabilitated.
About the Study
The 88 Hermitage Feasibility Study will assess the adaptive reuse of the existing building. In collaboration with Metro Planning’s Housing Division and the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA), the project will also study the site for the potential to develop multi-family housing on the property, particularly addressing affordability needs in the Downtown area. The study will also work with Metro Parks to ensure compatibility and seamless connectivity with Wharf Park. This project will last about four months and include two opportunities for public engagement.
Upcoming Events
Notification of upcoming engagement opportunities will be posted to this page and shared with partners and stakeholders including a large public meeting in Summer 2023. Additional engagement includes meetings with stakeholders and social media posts.
Community Meeting 1
Joint meeting with Metro Parks Wharf Park Master Plan
Held on January 10, 2023, at the Metro Nashville’s Howard Office Building, the project team introduced the study and included exercises to learn how the site could serve the needs of community members.
Send us your comments and questions!
Community Drop-Ins
August 17 and August 22 Community Meetings
The 88 Hermitage Feasibility Study held community drop-ins on two dates in locations in the neighborhood – Rolling Mill Hill tabling and at Youth Encouragement Services on Lindsley Avenue. Community members reviewed informational boards, asked questions of Metro Planning staff, and commented on the results of the feasibility study and potential reuse options for the former Tennessee School for the Blind and the surrounding campus.
Community Drop-In Informational Boards
Related Projects
Contact
- General Questions: Anna Grider, 615-862-7194, [email protected]
- General Questions: Katie Kemezis, 615-862-7205, [email protected]
- Media Inquiries: Richel Albright, 615-862-7192, [email protected]
- ADA Accommodations: Randi Semrick, 615-862-7230, [email protected]