Edgehill is a significant, historically African American urban neighborhood, just south of Downtown Nashville. The neighborhood experienced substantial change during urban renewal and has seen unprecedented redevelopment in recent years. The community is a time capsule of priorities and choices made across several generations. Nearby neighborhoods, including the Gulch and Music Row, and higher education institutions, Belmont University and Vanderbilt University, have also shaped growth and development in the neighborhood.
The study area is generally bounded by I-40 on the north, 8th Avenue South on the east, Wedgewood Avenue on the south, and Villa Place on the west. It includes several public facilities including a branch of the Nashville Public Library, the Midtown Hills Police Precinct, Rose Park, Reservoir Park, and two public schools – Carter Lawrence Elementary and Rose Park Middle School. Additionally, there are two Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency communities in the neighborhood: the Edgehill Apartments and the Gernert Studio Apartments.
About the Project
The Metro Nashville Planning Department is wrapping up a six-month neighborhood planning process to guide growth and development in Edgehill over the next 20 years. The draft neighborhood-wide plan seeks to ground itself in the unique role of Edgehill within Nashville: a historic urban center for the African American community, a place deeply affected by the choices of 1960s urban renewal, and a strong neighborhood of active and organized residents.
Draft Edgehill Neighborhood Plan
Building on community engagement over the past year, the draft Edgehill Neighborhood Plan proposes a long-range vision for growth and development in Edgehill as well as near-term community improvements. Throughout the study, the community informed and shaped the draft neighborhood plan by sharing ideas and feedback during community workshops, neighborhood events, focus groups, stakeholder conversations, and online surveys.
The policy document provides recommendations for policy changes, capital improvements, and key partnerships. Draft recommendations in the plan are organized around three guiding principles:
- Retain and Preserve: Strategies for preserving Edgehill’s historic neighborhood and mixed-income character.
- Inclusive, Smart Growth: A plan for mixed-use housing and businesses focused along major corridors.
- Reconnect and Elevate: A vision for tying existing open spaces together into a network of enhanced neighborhood amenities.
Draft Edgehill Neighborhood Plan Document
The Executive Summary provides an overview of the process, key ideas and concepts, and recommendations in the draft neighborhood plan document.
Edgehill Neighborhood Plan Executive Summary
Upcoming Events
Share your feedback on the Edgehill Neighborhood Plan! The community has a final opportunity to comment on the draft neighborhood plan document prior to it being presented to the Planning Commission on August 22. Tuesday, July 9 begins the 30-day public comment period where we will incorporate and address your comments along the way.
We have two upcoming in person events for the community to provide input to the draft neighborhood plan document and ask the project team questions. Community members can email comments to Katie Kemezis by Thursday, August 8.
Summer 2024 Upcoming Events Flyer
Next Steps
Share your feedback on the Draft Edgehill Neighborhood Plan at an in-person event or by emailing comments to Katie Kemezis. After the comment period for the draft neighborhood plan closes on August 8, the community can anticipate the following next steps.
- On August 12, the public hearing draft plan document, along with any edits, will be posted on this webpage.
- On August 16, a staff report for the Planning Commission will be posted on Friday, July 19, 2024 ahead of the meeting.
- On August 22, the Planning Commission meeting will be held with a public hearing and vote on adoption beginning at 4 p.m. at the Howard Office Building, 700 President Ronald Regan Way, Nashville, TN 37210.
Past Events
February 28 Listening Session
The project’s first community meeting was held on Tuesday, February 28 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Easley Community Center at Rose Park (1000 Edgehill Avenue).
Edgehill Listening Session Presentation
April 25 Community Workshop
The project’s second community meeting was held on Tuesday, April 25 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Easley Community Center at Rose Park (1000 Edgehill Avenue).
Edgehill Community Workshop Presentation
August 14 Community Meeting
The project’s third community meeting was held on Monday, August 14 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Midtown Precinct Community Room (1441 12th Avenue S).
Edgehill Community Meeting Presentation
Edgehill Community Meeting Character Area Draft Recommendations
Be Part of the Team
Thanks to everyone who has participated in the process, joined the team, and shared ideas about the Edgehill neighborhood. Every successful plan requires careful listening, robust community engagement, and coordination with stakeholders. The study included three interactive public workshops, eblasts, and a project webpage to keep you up to date on the latest information.
- Sign up for eblasts about this project
- Follow Metro Nashville Planning on Facebook
- Follow Metro Nashville Planning on Twitter
Contacts
- General Questions: Katie Kemezis, 615-862-7205
- General Questions: Cory Clark, 615-862-7155
- Media Inquiries: Richel Albright, 615-862-7192
- ADA Accommodations: Randi Semrick, 615-862-7230