Author's Recommendations

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As presented in this case study, urban redevelopment depends on a collaborative effort between government and private entities regardless of whether they are city-driven such as Rolling Mill Hill or pushed by private developers as in The Gulch.

Based on first-hand research and stakeholder interviews, the authors of this case study recommend the following lessons learned from Rolling Mill Hill and The Gulch to revitalize the Capitol District:

• Create a long-term plan for parking and green space.

• Look for ways to limit or prevent gentrification; for example, by examining tax break incentives that government can provide to encourage existing residents to stay in the neighborhood rather than sell their homes to developers.

• Plan for a true mixed-use community with retail on the ground floor and residential/office space above. This ensures a walkable and vibrant community where people live, work, and shop.

• Plan diverse housing types for a variety of income levels, so as not to become a ‘lifestyle community.’

• Include ‘maker space’ (appealing to creative people) to support local artists and entrepreneurs.

• Develop bus and transit systems that loop around the city and create connectivity between neighborhoods allowing people to get from their homes, to work, and to recreational destination. Historically, transit systems have been designed to move large groups of people along major corridors such as Gallatin Pike, Charlotte Avenue, Nolensville, Pike, etc. Creating loops around the inner city could increase and encourage connectivity on a smaller scale.

• As new residential development is planned, look for design clues in the existing housing stock in the neighborhood so as to keep with the character of the community.

• Look for ways to keep the new baseball park from becoming a barrier between the Capitol District and Downtown (again, focus on connectivity that makes the area walkable and allows for public transportation that is easy to access).

• Have stakeholders collaborate on how to address the current State employee parking lots; determine a development plan for those lots.

• Address sustainability on all levels of a development plan. Restore the ecosystem where possible and plant native plants and vegetation.

Rolling Mill Hill and The Gulch are examples of history transformed; both are experiencing the positive effects of urban renewal and redevelopment. Jefferson Street, and the Capitol District as a whole, is a victim of history, but local leaders are convinced that the area will bounce back. Collaboration between multiple stakeholders, both public and private, is the key to solving urban development issues.

As Nashville continues to grow in size and population, it must consider smart urban development tactics that are customizable to a given location and will ensure the long-term success of a community.