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.
On July 9, 2024, Metro Planning released the Draft Edgehill Neighborhood Plan. Community members were able to provide edits online and through three in-person meetings during July and early August.
Thanks to everyone who attended meetings and contacted the project team with comments. In addition to minor wording changes, the project made changes to the Comprehensive Mobility Plan recommendation and the Edgehill Loop recommendation due to community feedback.
Revised Edgehill Neighborhood Plan Document (posted 8/19/2024)
First Draft Edgehill Neighborhood Plan Document (posted 7/9/2024)
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 (posted 8/19/2024)
Edgehill Neighborhood Plan Executive Summary (posted 7/9/2024)
Next Steps
With the comment period closing 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 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, 2023 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, 2023 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, 2023 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
July 9 - Draft Neighborhood Plan Office Hours
This community meeting was held on Tuesday July 9, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rose Park Middle School (1025 9th Avenue S).
Draft Neighborhood Plan Presentation and Boards
July 24 - Draft Neighborhood Plan Office Hours
This drop-in opportunity was held on Wednesday July 24, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Easley Community Center (1000 Edgehill Avenue).
July 31 - Draft Neighborhood Plan Office Hours
This community meeting was held on Wednesday July 31, 2024 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Midtown Precinct Community Room (1441 12th Avenue S).
Draft Neighborhood Plan Presentation and Boards
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.
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