47 replies to this topic

[Rural King]

mempho, on Oct 28 2007, 04:05 PM, said:

It's really best for Memphis and Nashville both that none of these cities build sky scrapers. I believe that it would be better for the image of our state if its two major cities kept the skyscrapers to themselves. That may sound selfish, but I was visiting Dallas the other day, and, as nice as their skyline is, it would be even nicer if they didn't let their subburbs build, but rather build them in downtown Dallas.

That's just my opinion, but I'm sticking to it. Memphis' Skyline would be much nicer if it would not have let East Memphis and Germantown build all of their highrises, but rather in downtown Memphis.

How would allowing just Memphis and Nashville to have skyscrapers better the overall image of Tennessee?  

In my opinion the restrictions you suggest, if hypothetically possible, would have the opposite effect as it would make the rest of state look less thriving and retard corporate activity outside of those two cities. Under this scenario, it seems as if only the images and economies of Nashville and Memphis would be improved.

You are entitled to your opinion though.

[Justiceham]

^I agree. By not allowing other cities to build highrises, you are throwing away business for the cities and identifying Nashville and Memphis as being the only cities of importance. Because Murfreesboro is far enough away and has a diverse population, I don't see why it can't have any skyscrapers of its own, same goes for Clarksville. Murfreesboro has hired a new main street director. The city should realize that it does not have to succomb to suburban development, just because it's a fast buck. You will hear more urban projects announced such as 315 Main and the like because there is a market for this type of development. There are new people moving here from as far away as New York. Our city council is admittedly old fashioned, but, hopefully with the elections coming up, the population will elect people who have "real" experience with urban development.

[Justiceham]

Neptune, on Jan 23 2008, 08:28 PM, said:

There were talks of at least 4 fifteen story buildings in the 'Boro back in the 1980's.

Tell me more  

[RON-E]

i voted for the boro. it is growing so fast i wouldnt be surprised to see a skyscraper there soon

[PHofKS]

With regards to the Nashville area, I don't think there will be any skyscrapers (20 stories or > 250') any time soon. There is too much room to spread out and build office parks or campuses. Nissan's choice to build a 10 story building in Cool Springs, when they could have anchored a new 40 story building in downtown Nashville, shows that suburban mid-rises are the desired option for most companies.

But anyway, Franklin has height restrictions on buildings (limit to about 10-11 stories) and Murfreesboro has plenty of room to spread out.

Johnson City is densly built with little room to add an office park, but there is not a lot of growth going on.

I could see Jackson developing some considerable mid-rise office space as it is growing and becoming a regional city and there is a dearth of Class A space available. But, with room to pread out, I don't see a need for a skyscraper. Plus all the growth is in the I-40 cooridor.

Clarksville has a similar outlook as Jackson and may get a mid-rise office park near I-24, if some stable ground can be found.

But, back to the question, if one of these cities were to get a skyscaper, I think it would be Mufreesboro.

[miami1855]

PHofKS, on Mar 8 2008, 09:01 AM, said:

Clarksville has a similar outlook as Jackson and may get a mid-rise office park near I-24, if some stable ground can be found.

That is always the kicker. I know Austin Peay has never built up because of the sinkhole situation. Downtown isn't as bad, but it does factor in. If anything develops, it is usually in the safe 3-8 story range. F&M Bank is 6 stories and the new council chambers could be in the 3-5 story range. Hardly a skyscraper by any means.

The new hospital is 5 stories with two adjacent medical buildings, both at 3-4 stories.

Edited by miami1855, 07 April 2008 - 08:16 PM.

[citywatcher]

I believe someone earlier made a statement about dallas/fort worth. I think Nashville/Franklin would be more appropriate considering they (the media) already considers Cool Springs as Nashville. Ex. Nissan North America is not in Nashville; however the media says it is. Most of the companies moving to Middle Tennessee are moving to Franklin.
IMO Franklin will get the 1st 20+ high rise outside of the 4 majors.

[UTgrad09]

citywatcher, on 07 July 2008 - 12:42 AM, said:

I believe someone earlier made a statement about dallas/fort worth. I think Nashville/Franklin would be more appropriate considering they (the media) already considers Cool Springs as Nashville. Ex. Nissan North America is not in Nashville; however the media says it is. Most of the companies moving to Middle Tennessee are moving to Franklin.
IMO Franklin will get the 1st 20+ high rise outside of the 4 majors.

I don't know if Franklin will build a 20+ story tower anytime in the near future. I tend to think they won't...not that they won't allow it, but that developers will just stick to what is working with the 5-10 story large suburban office park buildings. I would guess that businesses that locate in suburban office parks don't want to deal with the "hassle" of a 20+ story elevator ride to work.

I see someone also suggested that Franklin has a building height limit of 10-11 stories. For some reason, I recall a TV news story that interviewed a local Franklin official who stated that the actual building height limit was only 6 stories (give or take), but that they just kind of "look the other way" when it comes to Cool Springs development because they don't want to hinder the growth in any way.


Right now, I doubt anyone will be constructing skyscrapers of any dimension in this area with our current economy. However, once it rebounds, I would think Murfreesboro would have the advantage. It is a very fast growing area...and while a lot of the development is spread out, I can see a local (or Mid. Tenn) developer wanting to complement the Swanson Building with a skyscraper of their own.

Just a thought...with the way Pinnacle Financial Partners are building, they might some day consider it to be an asset to have a tower with their name on it in Murfreesboro...the land is so flat there you could see it from I-24. Of course, with the new office tower in DT Nashville, they have tons of office space...if it were to happen, it would probably be strictly for image.

JMO