35 replies to this topic

[MTSUBlueraider86]

In any case, we are losing more Nashville history, and that is sad.

[barakat]

Just noting that the Hillsboro Village UDO specifies on page 12 that these buildings are "worthy of conservation."  It seems like that should be a major consideration when developing in HV.  Otherwise, what purpose does the UDO serve if it isn't followed?   They could preserve these buildings and build on top, just like Mercury View lofts over the warehouses in the Gulch.  It might cost more, but it would preserve character.  I understand the need to be cost effective, but I hope HG Hill doesnt build another horrible mixed use building like the one at Wedgewood and 21st.

http://www.nashville.../hillsborov.asp

[BnaBreaker]

I realize I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but the more I think about this project, the more it really angers me.  If Hillsboro Village were a huge neighborhood full of early century architecture, I might be willing to bite my tongue and overlook this project.  But it's not a huge neighborhood.  The historic portion is only a couple blocks long at most.  It's one of only a few places in Nashville that can truly be considered an eclectic, one-of-a-kind, truly environment that is uniquely NASHVILLE, and a significant portion of it now might be torn down for new development.  It really boggles my mind.  With all of the empty lots that exist in the city, or lots that are just paved over with asphalt or covered with some faceless, forgetful crap, why the HELL would your first option be to go and tear down THESE structures?  This building would have to be an absolute ground-breaking, architectual masterpiece in order for it to be worth it as a replacement, and I think it's safe to say it definitely won't be that.

[timmay143]

In this article, HG Hill Realty is at least making a PR statement how they

Quote

“We have the utmost confidence that — if or when we move forward with this project — our development team ... will pursue the project in a manner consistent with the quality of our other projects in Hillsboro Village and Nashville proper — projects that have been the fabric of our 100-plus-year tradition.

“It is our desire to have any plan that we pursue be embraced by the Hillsboro Village community and, to keep our tenants informed, we will make these plans public as they are solidifed.”

They also are asking for the public's input on the project.  So if HG is serious about this, then maybe the public can sway them to preserve the buildings.

http://www.tennessea...|text|FRONTPAGE

[bwithers1]

Maybe they can preserve the facades?  Since the buildings themselves are supposed to be in bad shape, could the developer retain the facades for the lower portion of the 21st avenue frontage?  Or maybe have a setback before the 2nd-story apartments go up and have that setback area be a rooftop patio?

[timmay143]

bwithers1, on 30 January 2012 - 09:24 AM, said:

Maybe they can preserve the facades?  Since the buildings themselves are supposed to be in bad shape, could the developer retain the facades for the lower portion of the 21st avenue frontage?  Or maybe have a setback before the 2nd-story apartments go up and have that setback area be a rooftop patio?

Great ideas!!  Now if only they let UP Nashville run the city!

[smeagolsfree]

There would be a lot of changes for sure if we were the architect nazis. We would never lose anymore of our historic buildings. and we would hold Metros feet to the fire on some of their own guidlines.

[timmay143]

bwithers1, on 30 January 2012 - 09:24 AM, said:

Maybe they can preserve the facades?  Since the buildings themselves are supposed to be in bad shape, could the developer retain the facades for the lower portion of the 21st avenue frontage?  Or maybe have a setback before the 2nd-story apartments go up and have that setback area be a rooftop patio?

Heck, pitch it to HG Hills.  They said they'd take input from the public, especially the neighborhood!

[samsonh]

Guys,

These buildings are dilapidated. This project will expand the residential base in the neighborhood, expand the parking available while also getting rid of a surface lot in the back, AND still provide for retail spaces. This is a win win win. HG Hill seems to responsibly develop its lots as well. Projects like this will pave the way for other projects and continue to urbanize areas like Hillsboro Village.

[ournashville]

I like the street wall that currently presents itself on this portion of Hillsboro Village but I like the proposed project.  But for the age and the contribution to the fabric of HV I don't necessarily see the significance of these particular buildings.  The building on the northern end has interesting bay windows projecting on the second floor - otherwise they're all typical commercial buildings.

If the buildings were being ripped out for surface parking or for a single user suburban style development I'd be up in arms. The buildings are being lifted for something that will utilize the space more efficiently, add density, diversity and depth to Hillboro Village.  I'm all for that.  The new building(s) will be larger but won't overwhelm the existing scale.  The spots being gentrified.  OK.  I don't necessarily see that as absolutely bad.  Vanderbilt/Midtown needs more housing.  The 40+ new residential units that will come with the development represent as many (or more) people that won't necessarily be contributing to the awful traffic congestion in the area and will contribute to vitality of HV.

My biggest concerns with the new buildings are vertical facade composition and tenant mix.  I hope the new building(s) provides an active and engaging facade similar to that existing - many bays, entrances, differentiations.  It's a new building and I'm guessing the rent's going to be adjusted accordingly which means some of the interesting existing tenants that may indeed be HV institutions may not be a part of the new mix.  I hope the new building doesn't result in a boring formulaic mix of commercial entities.

I too wish that urban development was happening around HV to the east and to the west along Blakemore but we can't force people/companies to do it. I think it would very cool if HV kept its funkly deteriorating old building charm while the area surrounding was urbanized but alas...

[smeagolsfree]

ournashville, on 01 February 2012 - 11:27 PM, said:

I like the street wall that currently presents itself on this portion of Hillsboro Village but I like the proposed project. But for the age and the contribution to the fabric of HV I don't necessarily see the significance of these particular buildings. The building on the northern end has interesting bay windows projecting on the second floor - otherwise they're all typical commercial buildings.

If the buildings were being ripped out for surface parking or for a single user suburban style development I'd be up in arms. The buildings are being lifted for something that will utilize the space more efficiently, add density, diversity and depth to Hillboro Village. I'm all for that. The new building(s) will be larger but won't overwhelm the existing scale. The spots being gentrified. OK. I don't necessarily see that as absolutely bad. Vanderbilt/Midtown needs more housing. The 40+ new residential units that will come with the development represent as many (or more) people that won't necessarily be contributing to the awful traffic congestion in the area and will contribute to vitality of HV.

My biggest concerns with the new buildings are vertical facade composition and tenant mix. I hope the new building(s) provides an active and engaging facade similar to that existing - many bays, entrances, differentiations. It's a new building and I'm guessing the rent's going to be adjusted accordingly which means some of the interesting existing tenants that may indeed be HV institutions may not be a part of the new mix. I hope the new building doesn't result in a boring formulaic mix of commercial entities.

I too wish that urban development was happening around HV to the east and to the west along Blakemore but we can't force people/companies to do it. I think it would very cool if HV kept its funkly deteriorating old building charm while the area surrounding was urbanized but alas...

I was waiting to see what you thought of this one considering you live in the Village. I have a lot of mixed emotions as I have stated but this will generate some lively discussion at the Forum meet and I hope you can make it Duane.

[smeagolsfree]

Project is now suppose to kick off at the first of 2013 unless the Mayan calender is right and we have the end of the world in December

http://www.bizjourna...lopment-to.html

[MTSUBlueraider86]

Leap year goes back to Caesar in 45 BC. There have been 514 leap years since, but the Mayans did not consider leap year, so according to the calender if we did not have leap years, it would July 18, 2013 now.

Yes, I think the world is going to be here.

[bnaflyer]

I have lived two blocks from Hillsboro Village for many years.  I am dismayed by these plans.  To get an idea of what we may be in store for, just look at the HG Hill development that now houses the Pancake Pantry.  A more architecturally nondescript building is hard to imagine--squandering a major corner that had real potential.  If we end up with the same bland architecture on the opposite side of the VIllage we will have traded unique buildings for a building that could be anywhere.  Also, does anyone really believe that anachronistic little shops like Peabody Shoe Repair are going to be able to relocate in the nearby area?  These locally owned small businesses will be gone.  This is a really sad development.

[smeagolsfree]

Zeitlan is going to be the architect, so that may have some saving qualities. We will have to wit and see. It can be done correctly. I hope so anyway

[samsonh]

I live 150 yards or so from the development. I frequent the village often for a beer or meal. I've never once stepped into any of those shops, as I would say is probably true of most people. The space is dated and the buildings sit on high use land. Hg hill has done a much better job with their recent developments. I would look to the 12th south lofts as something this building may look like.

I will be happy with the increased parking, shops, and foot traffic this building will bring.