Updated plans for the redevelopment of Berkshire Place Apartments have been submitted. The development is located at the corner of Porter Road & Cahal Avenue in East Nashville. The plans propose a mix of building types which includes townhomes, apartment flats, institutional uses, mixed-use buildings, and low rise commercial.
Trent Development Group plans to transfer the existing Berkshire Place Apartments Federal Section 8 housing contract to Birchstone Village, a planned redevelopment site by Trent Development Group in Madison on North Dupont Avenue.
According to Trent Development, Increasing housing at 1500 Porter Road would fulfill the city’s need for more density, accessibility, and affordable options for a diverse population of residents who want to live in East Nashville. It would also enhance walkability and multimodal options that align with the city’s mobility goals.
As it currently stands, Berkshire Place Apartments development is nearly 55 years old and at the end of its physical life, with the small, outdated units unfeasible for expansion for further renovation. Its replacement, Birchstone Village, would be a 220-unit affordable project with larger layouts, modern amenities including in-unit washer/dryers, an on-site community center with a swimming pool, social gardens and on-site features that include childcare and educational tutoring for school children. Trent Development Group is paying moving and associated costs for all residents.
A request for final plat approval has been submitted for the property located at 1500 Porter Rd. Once approved, the request will permit the mixed-use development on the 19.93-acre site. The request was made by Kimley-Horn on behalf of Berkshire Place Apartments, LP and PAR Investments, LLC. Here’s the quick rundown:
Development Rundown
Porter & Cahal
- What’s Now: Garden-Styled Apartments
- What’s Next: Mixed-use development
- Developer: Trent Development
- Architect: Smith Gee Studio
- Civil Planner: Kimley-Horn
The development is divided into 5 zones with a mix of different building types. Here’s a summary of each zone’s proposal.
Zone 1
Zone 1 is centered at the corner of Porter Road & Cahal Avenue. The intent of this zone is to provide a mixture of 4-5 story mixed-use structures containing lower level commercial with residential units above. The plan proposes a total of 350 units in Zone 1. The conceptual plan shows a mix of outdoor uses including a large & small courtyard, pool deck amenity and public open space.
Zone 2
The intent of Zone 2 is to provide 3-4 story multi-family units with a mixture of community serving (or institutional) commercial space on the ground floor. Zone 2 also proposes two free-standing restaurant spaces with dining patios, and Hillside Park. Surface parking for this zone is located in the rear while the buildings will line both Cahal Avenue & McKennell Drive.
Zone 3
Zone 3 proposes a mixture of 250 residential units within a 3-4 story multifamily building. Outdoor amenities include courtyards, a pool deck, and community serving residential support space on the ground floor.
Zone 4
Zone 4, proposes 2-3 story apartment flats with detached garages. There is also a private pool amenity as well. Zone 4 is adjacent to Hillside park and the Event & Amenity Building.
Zone 5
The intent of Zone 5 is to provide 3 story townhomes and corner-flat units. There is a centrally located pocket park as well as other green spaces and bio-retention areas.
Overall the the street scape and property infrastructure will have a complete overhaul. It will include everything from new tree-lined streets, public plazas, new sidewalks, and utility improvements.
Construction would begin on Porter & Cahal at 1500 Porter once once Birchstone Village is completed and tenants have moved. The development is scheduled for the 5/26/22 Metro Planning Agenda.
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