D.C. Developer Looks To Enhance The Character Of Tall Buildings In Downtown Nashville.

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D.C. based developer, Douglas Development, has submitted plans for a new 24 story mixed-use tower in the Lafayette Subdistrict. The design/development team looks to bring a more progressive approach to the building’s design, similar to those in the D.C. region. The plan emphasizes adding to the Nashville skyline by departing from the tall glass boxes and flat building facades with punched windows. Additionally, the team intends to enhance the pedestrian experience by creating a true public facing pedestrian experience. The project is located at 522 4th Avenue South.

Slide the image to see What’s Now & Next.

Designed by Fillat+ Architecture, the design looks to take a more humanistic appearance to the base of the building and a more sculptured approach to the tower. The project proposes 525 units over more than 18,000 SF of retail and proposes 276 parking spaces. The ratio of parking spaces to residential units is also a bit of a departure from what we’ve seen in new developments. The number of parking spaces typically outnumber or nearly double the number of units.

A request for overall height modification has been submitted for the .78 acre property. Once approved, the request will permit the mixed use development at the corner of 4th Avenue South & Lea Avenue. The request was submitted by Barge Design Solutions on behalf of the Developer. Here’s the quick rundown:

Development Rundown

4th Avenue South & Lea

What’s Now: Vacant Commercial Buildings
What’s Next: Mixed use development
Developer: Douglas Development Corporation
Architect: Fillat+ Architecture
Civil: Barge Design Solutions

Building Stats

24 Stories
525 Units
3 Levels Of Underground Parking
276 Parking Spaces
18,587 SF Restaurant/Retail Space
8 Floors By-right
Pursuing 16-Floors of Bonus Height

The base of the building uses brickwork reminiscent of a grand old warehouse/manufacturing building. The design features masonry detailing and industrial sash windows which come together to create a human scale to the lower floors. The street level will contain retail shops, the apartment lobby and public amenity space, which will create an active storefront environment.

The tower portion of the building floats above the masonry base with an expansive, garden-oriented residential floor featuring taller ceilings and large terraces. The roof top of the rectangular base not covered by the L-shaped tower is designed as a series of quiet courtyards for residents with private unit terraces and larger community lounge spaces.

Overall the Design Team believes that this approach will create a truly unique sculptural addition to Downtown Nashville. In addition they feel that this will inspire others to continue to experiment with building facades and forms and allow the built environment to reflect the culturally creative Nashville community. Slide the the images below for greater context between the proposed building and adjacent streets.