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MHC News
MHC staff are working with CM Syracuse (District 15) and the Metro Planning Department on the Live Music Venues initiative, which aims to complete a study that will document and aid venues impacted by COVID-19 closures. We reviewed and commented on an initial scope proposal and anticipate that our role would be to provide the vendor with existing historical documentation about any historical buildings that house music venues. Our recommendations include an ask that the study complete basic assessments for these properties, including current building condition and repair needs, which may subsequently generate a list of properties eligible for preservation incentives.
Staff recently compiled research on the historical development of Wharf Park, a site located along the river behind Rolling Mill Hill. Our research builds on initial work done by Davidson County historian Dr. Carole Bucy in preparation for a tour she gave of the area at the request of Metro Parks in 2019. This area was historically occupied by a city reservoir/ waterworks, Reservoir Mills/Douglas Mill and lumber yard, and the city hospital (later Nashville General). A large, ornate TN School for the Blind (which pre-dated the existing structure) also stood in this vicinity. This research was provided to Parks at the end of June for incorporation into the project consultant’s background research.
The Part II report of Nashville's Economic Impact Study has been published to the MHC website. This document focuses on recommendations for tools, strategies, partnerships, and programs that will reinforce and supplement MHC’s existing preservation initiatives.
Staff is overseeing four separate repair projects at the City Cemetery. Two of the projects are related to March’s severe weather and include gravestone and wrought iron fence repairs. The other two projects include repair of the stone perimeter wall at the northwest corner of the site that was damaged by a vehicle, and an assessment of the trees as well as implementing recommendations from the assessment. We expect all of these projects to be completed in the next few weeks.
MHC staff is working with MTSU's Gore Center on documenting LGBTQ sites in Davidson County. This builds on work that former MTSU graduate student Philip Staffeli began in 2019 as an intern with MHC. Phillip also worked with Commissioner John Bridges during his internship, and his research grew into his master's thesis. This research will be utilized to develop a Nashville Sites LGBTQ driving tour in the coming year. Staff is also working with the Mellon partnership team (Vanderbilt, TSU and Fisk) on the Jefferson Street Driving Tour. MHZC Commissioner Dr. Lea Williams of TSU is the project lead who is developing the tour.
MHZC News
The MHZC approved the Sevier Park and Sunnyside improvements project last month, which includes renovation of Sunnyside and its ell, renovation of the outbuildings, and construction of a new entrance drive with parking. Metro Procurement is in the process of hiring a general contractor to oversee the work, and once the contractor is hired, we’ll have a schedule for the work. As we wait, staff is continuing to work with Parks, ITS and the architect to finalize the other aspects of the work.
The work to repair/rehab the exterior of the Davidson County Courthouse, a local historic landmark, has been completed. Work included the cleaning and repair (repointing where needed, patching fractured stone) of exterior masonry and metal, and replacing the glass in damaged windows. A second phase of work is now underway that includes replacing ground floor glass with impact-resistant glazing.
District 8 Council Member Nancy VanReece has filed legislation to designate 91 Donna Drive (also noted as 435 Old Hickory Blvd) as a Historic Landmark. The application is expected to go before the MHZC in August, and staff is currently completing research on the building's historic significance.
The MHZC’s next public hearing will be held in person on Wednesday, July 21st at 2:00 p.m. at Sonny West Conference Center, Howard Office Building, 700 2nd Ave S.
View the MHZC meeting schedule and application deadlines here. Access archived videos of the MHZC meetings on the Metro YouTube channel anytime!
Salvage from the storefronts of four buildings, 170-176 Second Avenue North, was moved to a General Services lot two weeks ago. This is the last of the salvage materials to be moved from the sidewalk on the street. Robbie Jones of New South Associates, a preservation consulting firm, was hired by The DISTRICT and the MHC Foundation to sort and document materials from the buildings damaged by the Christmas Day bombing. Robbie, MHC staff, and The DISTRICT board members will host a couple of volunteer workdays to assist in the sorting of the materials in the next few months.
The Mayor held a press conference on June 25th, marking 6 months since the bombing. He updated the public on the recovery and future plans for the area, including his plans for implementing many of ULI's recommendations. Check out this 6-month remembrance slideshow.
As of June 25th, the Downtown Partnership noted that:
-a total of 65 buildings were affected with varying levels of damage;
-10 buildings are still considered heavily damaged;
-3 buildings are currently undergoing heavy reconstruction;
-21 buildings are under “normal” construction, with minor/cosmetic repairs;
-31 buildings, nearly 50%, have reopened.
Recent upgrades to the area include flexible lanes for pedestrian and merchant use, outdoor dining areas, murals, and tree lighting. In addition to implementation-oriented design and schematic work, the Downtown Partnership and Civic Design Center will host a series of community engagement events beginning in mid-July.
A set of before and after photos of bombing-affected buildings. Photos at left were taken just after the bombing, while photos at right were taken in late June, 6 months after the blast. Credit: Nashville Downtown Partnership.
Historic Nashville, Inc. is hiring an Administrative Assistant. This will be a year-round, part-time job, approximately 15 hours per week. Duties include managing the membership database, organizing tours and events, updating the website, file organization, social media posting, monitoring email correspondence as well as notes/planning for Board meetings. Candidate should have 3-5 years of admin experience, and a degree or strong knowledge of historic preservation and easements is encouraged. Attention to detail is critical. Hourly pay is negotiable based on experience. This position will be virtual. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to info@historicnashvilleinc.org.
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At the request of the Mayor's Office, MHC has begun the work to list the Nashville Municipal Auditorium property in the National Register of Historic Places. In mid-June, MHC staff met TN Historical Commission staff at the site for an initial assessment with its director. Our goal is to complete the nomination within the next two months so it can be presented at a State Review Board meeting in early 2022.
Designed by local architectural firm Marr & Holman as a convention center and multi-purpose facility, it was a centerpiece of the Capitol Hill Redevelopment Project and the construction of James Robertson Parkway. Built by Rock City Construction Co., the auditorium officially opened on October 7, 1962 when it hosted a revival meeting for the Church of Christ.
It has since hosted a wide array of athletic and musical events and been home to several sports teams, and hosted rodeos and roller derbies. Nearly every big-name band and musician from the past sixty years has graced its stage. The Auditorium continues to host sell-out events despite the construction of Bridgestone Arena in 1996. During the pandemic, the facility served as a women’s shelter and later offered socially distant spacing for community events such as high school graduations. In 2013, the first floor of the Municipal Auditorium became the home of the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum. Despite this added programming, the property continues to retain a high degree of architectural integrity.
The auditorum's mid-century styled interior includes wood paneling accents beside large picture windows in the lobby, curved ramps and interior walls, wood seating, and a row of wood-trimmed windows at the ticket counter. Credit: MHC.
Starting July 1st, 2021, applicants for commercial building permits, building demolition permits, and large multifamily residential building permits (construction value > $50,000) will be required to complete C&D Debris Management Plans via an online form. Plans include how C&D waste will be disposed and if C&D debris will be recovered for reuse or recycling. Here is a complete list of permit types included for this requirement.
To learn more about the program, preview online forms, and download how-to guides, visit the Solid Waste Division website. Contact the Solid Waste Division at CandDRecycling@nashville.gov with questions.
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