Nashville’s SoBro Project Uncertainty: What’s Happening at 522 Fourth Ave. S.?
Nashville is buzzing with development as yet another ambitious project seems to be experiencing some roadblocks. In the heart of the city, specifically at 522 Fourth Ave. S., plans for a striking 24-story mixed-use tower still hang in the balance, almost 20 months after the proposal was first submitted to the Metro Planning Department.
What Was Planned?
The vision, spearheaded by Douglas Development Corp., a company based in Washington, D.C., is no small feat. Their proposal indicates that if everything goes according to plan, this major development would occupy a 0.78-acre site and provide a plethora of amenities for folks who live and work in the area.
According to documents shared with the Metro, the proposed structure includes plans for 525 apartments— a mix of 150 studios, 314 one-bedroom units, and 61 two-bedroom residences. Additionally, potential residents and visitors might delight in having access to six retail spaces that are poised to face Fourth Avenue, Lea Avenue, and Almond Street. Image the convenience of living right above your favorite shops!
Further Amenities on Offer
But that’s not all! The facility is set to come with a host of attractive amenities, such as a fitness center, a swimming pool, and even a dog-washing room — just perfect for dog owners looking to pamper their furry friends. There’s also a small pet park designed to offer a cozy spot for pets to play, which would be located near the alley and Almond Street.
To accommodate all the residents and shoppers, Douglas Development has included plans for a 277-space structured garage for their vehicles. It’s a thoughtful addition that also reflects Nashville’s needs as the city develops. Access to the building will come via an existing alley located on the north side, another pragmatic choice from the developers.
Design Features
When it comes to aesthetics, this tower isn’t just any building; standing at approximately 300 feet tall, its distinctive design will capture the attention of anyone passing by. Plans indicate a significant installment of corrugated metal panels and cementitious panels, giving it a modern touch. The project’s design is being guided by Baltimore-based Fillat + Architecture, with Nashville’s own Barge Design Solutions possibly jumping in on engineering and land-planning duties.
Current Status
Although the Metro Planning Commission was expected to vote on the final site plan in May 2023, details surrounding that vote remain elusive. It seems that many projects across Nashville have hit a pause button due to various economic factors that have made large-scale development more challenging this year. Sources indicate that ambitions for a brisk start have been shelved, leaving developers and city planners alike in somewhat of a holding pattern.
Land Acquisition Details
As a bit of background, Douglas Development made headlines when they acquired two parcels of land on this site for a whopping $7 million in December 2021, which breaks down to approximately $18.4 million per acre. This price point positioned it among some of the highest marks for Nashville real estate at the time. They had also acquired an additional parcel on Fourth Ave. S. for approximately $4.5 million in December 2020.
So, while the future of 522 Fourth Ave. S. may currently be unclear, one thing is for sure: Nashville’s appetite for growth and improvement remains as strong as ever. Residents will be keeping a keen eye on these developments and hope to see a striking new addition to their beloved cityscape soon!
