Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan

Nashville Civic Design Center

NASHVILLE RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN

PUBLIC MEETING REPORT

2006 Table of Contents

Overview Questions and comments may be directed to: Background Information 3 List of People/ Organizations Involved 4 Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Study Area 5 Nashville Civic Design Center Public Input 138 2nd Avenue North, Suite 106 Public Meeting Process 8 Nashville, Tennessee, 37201 Public Meeting Results 8 (615) 248 – 4280 voice IImages from the Public Meetings 12 (615) 248 – 4282 fax [email protected] Existing Conditions Maps Land Use 15 www.civicdesigncenter.org Zoning 16 Parks and Greenways 17 The Nashville Civic Design Center is a 501(c)3 Flooding 18 non-profit organization whose mission is to elevate the quality of Nashville’s About the Steering Committee/ Minutes 19 Boat Trip Images 5 built environment and to promote public participation in the creation of a more beautiful Previous Studies 6 and functional city for all. What the Plan of Nashville Says about the Cumberland River 6 © 2006 Nashville Civic Design Center Plan of Nashville Riverfront Map 30

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page Overview Background Information

On October 6, 2005, Mayor Bill Purcell Mayor Purcell appointed a 21-member Committee, and with the assistance of the announced a collaboration between the Metro Steering Committee to guide the planning consulting firm Kennedy, Coulter, Rushing and Nashville Parks and Recreation Department and process. The Steering Committee will work to Watson, facilitation of public meetings and the the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to produce a ensure Nashvillians have ample opportunity visioning process. The Civic Design Center was Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan. to share their ideas about the downtown chosen because of its connection to the Plan of riverfront and will make recommendations to Nashville, the 2004 vision plan that places high The Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Metro government and the U.S. Army Corps priority and emphasis on river amenities, public Master Plan will rely on citizen input gathered of Engineers on the selection of a professional access and neighborhood connections. The at three public meetings in December 2005 as firm to provide the design services, feasibility Center also regularly provides community forum the basis for a master plan to be created by a analysis and establishment of project priorities, meetings on public and private development professional design team. The final plan will phases and cost estimates that will be part of proposals in Nashville. also build on principles in the Plan of Nashville the master plan. that emphasize the importance of the river as The Steering Committee, made up of downtown an environmental, recreational and economic The Nashville Civic Design Center received a residents and business owners, Metro development asset. contract to provide coordination of the Steering department heads, and others with a stake in the future of the downtown riverfront, began its work at a meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at the Nashville Civic Design Center. The committee completed the first phase of its work, with the release of a Request for Proposals to select a design team to create the actual master plan.

Funding for the riverfront redevelopment planning process was provided by a Planning Assistance to States grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers matched by funds for downtown greenways planning allocated in the Metro Parks and Greenways Master Plan. The Metro Council approved the agreement between the city and the Corps at its August 3, 2005 meeting.

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page People and Organizations Involved

Steering Committee members: John Norris Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation Paul Ballard Chair, Metro Greenways Commission Shain Dennison, Greenways Director Metro Transit Authority Scott Potter John Lavender, RLA, Assistant Greenways Rick Bernhardt Metro Water Services Director Metro Planning Department Doug Radley Kenny Blackburn U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Metropolitan Development and Housing BellSouth Agency Ann Roberts David Koellein, Development Program Manager Noree Boyd Metro Historical Commission Metro Arts Commission Phil Ryan Metropolitan Nashville Planning Department Berdelle Campbell Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency Randy Morgan, Designer Cumberland River Compact Anita Sheridan TK Davis Riverfront Redevelopment Coalition Metro Historical Commission Nashville Civic Design Center Blythe Semmer Michelle Steele Susan Edwards Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods Frist Center for the Visual Arts Nashville Civic Design Center Staff: Tom Turner Kate Monaghan, Executive Director James Fyke Nashville Downtown Partnership TN Department of Environment and Conservation TK Davis, Design Director Roy Wilson Ron Gobbel Metro Parks and Greenway Gary Gaston, Assistant Design Director Gobbel Hays Partners Stephanie McCullough, Design Assistant Chris Koster Representatives from the Army Corps of Office of the Mayor Engineers: Stacy Battles, Administrative Assistant Geneva Hartbarger, Project Manager Mark Macy Linda McFadyen-Ketchum, Development Metro Public Works Sue Ferguson, Acting Chief of the Plan Assistant Formulation Section Ken Maynard Metro Finance/Real Property

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page Study Area

The study area for this section of development runs along both the east and west bank of the Cumberland River, from the Interstate 65 bridge to the north, to the Interstate 24 bridge to the South on the West Bank and Shelby Park on the East Bank. The area stretches approximately 6.5 linear miles. View of the the Cumberland River, looking north

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page Study Area

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page Public Input

PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY AND VOTING Public Meeting Results 1. Historic buildings and industrial remnants. RESULTS The data recorded and voted upon by the Suggestions for sites that should be preserved participants has been summarized in the include the Nashville Bridge Building located The Public Meeting Process following pages. The information in its entirety adjacent to the Shelby Street pedestrian bridge The same process was used at each of the three will be provided to the design team upon (also referred to as the Trinity Building), Neuhoff public meetings held in December 2005. selection. Meatpacking Plant, Fort Nashboro, various crane structures and piers along the river, the old 1. Attendees were grouped at tables (up to The answers for question one, “What should General Hospital building and other buildings nine per table) with a facilitator and asked to be preserved or retained?” can be listed in ten in Rolling Mill Hill, the Citgo Terminals, the consider two questions: categories. Naval Reserve building in Shelby Park, and the • What should be preserved or retained about the banks of the Cumberland River? A group presenting their ideas during the public meeting at the Downtown Library • What should be changed or added on the banks of the Cumberland River?

2. A recorder at each table took notes of the discussion and comments made by each group.

3. Each recorder presented the ideas and comments of their table to the entire group and volunteers listed those ideas and comments on flip chart paper posted in the meeting halls, eliminating duplicate ideas and comments as necessary.

4. Once all ideas were listed, attendees were given the opportunity to vote (using colored adhesive dots) on the three ideas they felt were most important in each question category. The voting provided a very visual way to determine which suggestions resonated most powerfully with meeting participants.

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page Public Input

Stockyard Restaurant on Second Avenue North. 8. The Coliseum, home of the Tennessee Titans, parking, grocery stores in new mixed-use Retaining the Phillips Metal recycling plant should be preserved. developments near the riverfront. Other because it is an employer of East Nashville suggestions included encouraging nonprofit residents was also mentioned. 9. Nashville Island should be conserved. The agencies to set up headquarters along the island should be considered as a potential river; developing Jefferson Street as a district 2. Existing parks, greenways, and public location for public art. with entertainment/tourism that is integrated spaces, to include the lakes at Metro Center, the with downtown; ensuring that development park space at First Avenue and Broadway, and 10. The identity of Nashville as Music City on the former Thermal Transfer site includes Riverfront Park. should be preserved, and the things that make mixed uses and provides space for locally Nashville unique should be celebrated. 3. Existing views should be preserved. Those Flier used to advertise the public meetings views include what can be seen from the many bluffs along the river and from streets leading The responses to Question Two, “What should to the river, such as Broadway and Woodland be changed or added?” produced six main Street. Many participants would also like to ideas: preserve views of the skyline from points along the river. 1. Remove (relocate) and redevelop industrial sites along the Cumberland River. 4. Access to the river and water transport. Industrial artifacts should be incorporated into Navigability and methods of crossing the river the redevelopment whenever possible. should be preserved. Sites suggested for redevelopment: Phillips 5. Transportation structures such as railroad, Metal recycling on East Bank, Citgo Oil Site, vehicular and pedestrian bridges and boat docks Warehouse District along river to the North of should be preserved. Spring Street and to the east of I-24, the Titans surface parking lots (transform into mixed-use 6. The riverbed, including the preservation developments), Metro’s toxic ash mound and the and protection of the vegetation on the banks, rag plant. wildlife, the stone walls that remain along the banks, and the bluffs that overlook the river. 2. Create residential/mixed-use neighborhoods along the Cumberland River. 7. The character of the neighborhoods adjacent Participants would like to see schools, to the river, should be preserved. recreation/athletic fields, underground parking/parking structures, additional free

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page Public Input

owned and/or small scale retail. Developments Additional public transportation options were promenade similar to the on in Magdeburge, should also include mixed income housing, suggested including a streetcar/trolley line from Germany, Nashville’s sister city, street vendors/ as well as specialty housing such as artist or Rolling Mill Hill along the river to Metro Center, performers, cultural events and spaces for those “creative class” housing. These units could be a rail-to-trails program, and a “blue line” water events to be held, all with a safe, cohesive part of an artist relocation program. Participants taxi/ferry that would improve circulation to and lighting plan. The development of places to sit identified the John A. Cayce Homes as an area from the Cumberland River. and relax as well as places to play or watch for redevelopment into a mixed-use/ mixed- sporting events should be considered as well. income neighbohood that would benefit from The extension or reconnection of existing connections to the Cumberland River. streets, such as Russell Street, Demonbreun 5. Create landmark destinations along the Street and Dickerson Pike, to provide more Cumberland River Adjacencies to Shelby Park and integration of connections to the river was recommended, The places listed in this category are more the development proposed on Jefferson Street as well as creating more connections to key specific. Participants would like to see some of into development on the east bank that also locations on the east bank (e.g. Lockland the following incorporated into a concept plan links to the river are encouraged. Development Elementary). Connections to neighborhoods for the waterfront: on the former Thermal Transfer site should be could also be improved by removing chain link • Amphitheater mixed use and provide space for locally owned fences around some properties. Suggestions • Museums (including a Native and/or small scale retail. for increasing the pedestrian-friendly nature American History Museum) of the riverfront included limiting First Avenue • Center for Living Watershed 3. Provide physical and visual access to to a pedestrian access, as well as narrowing • Aquarium the Cumberland River from Downtown and Broadway. The Ellington Exchange should be • Visitor’s Center adjacent neighborhoods. reconfigured to allow access to the river. Views • Iconic bridges Physical access could be increased by adding to and from the river, from the bluffs and canoe launching, swimming and fishing areas, major thoroughfares (Broadway, Main Street) • Magnet arts school marinas/piers/boat docks including boat rental should be identified and designated as points of • Public art facilities, additional pedestrian-friendly bridges interest. • Fountains/ water features (especially north of Jefferson Street), greenways (incorporating the history of the and bike paths, walking tours exploring the 4. Provide public spaces along the Cumberland River and Nashville) history of the area, and a large park (perhaps Cumberland River that allow a variety of uses • Enhancement of Fort Nashboro on the east bank) for passive uses. Gateways or and accommodate both active and passive • Baseball stadium points of interest on Main and Woodland Streets recreation. • Nature preserve could be created to distinguish the River District In addition to sports facilities, participants • Nashville Island as a destination park from the surrounding neighborhoods. It was also would like to see parks (pocket parks, dog parks, or site for public art suggested that Riverfront Park be redesigned to places to gather and sit), jogging trails and/or incorporate permanent seating.

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 10 • Butterfly atrium goals of TDEC (Tennessee Department and the Gateway Bridge. • Restoration/reconstruction of Shelby of Environment and Conservation) • Maintain active public participation in Pond and TDOT (Tennessee Department of redevelopment efforts. • Center for Innovative Technology Transportation) are in sync; and by re- • Be socially responsible (provide • The Stockyard Restaurant, a place of establishing the street grid. alternative jobs for those displaced historic significance, should be linked • Increase the number of trees/ by the relocation of industrial to the Cumberland River vegetation along the study area. development along the river). • Wetlands • Improve the quality of the bridges • Follow Plan of Nashville principles, • Swimming beach according to the themes established especially regarding bridges and parks. by the Shelby Street pedestrian bridge 6. Ensure high environmental and design standards for Riverfront redevelopment. View from the river south of downtown. The entire design should incorporate the following ideas as principles: • Clean and protect the shoreline and improve water quality (enhance river ecology) including: provide incentives for ensuring or promoting clean water programs, complete the Metro bio solids plant, implement a downtown recycling program. • Promote green/sustainable building and design by encouraging high design standards (ex: use of pervious pavements, LED lighting, remove overhead power lines); ensuring that buildings don’t “turn their back on” the river, promoting low-rise mixed- use along the river; instituting form- based zoning, balancing development with Smart Growth; ensuring that the

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 11 Images from Public Meetings

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 12 Images from Public Meetings

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 13 Images from Public Meetings

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 14 Existing Conditions - Land Use

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 15 Existing Conditions - Zoning

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 16 Existing Conditions - Parks and Greenways

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 17 Existing Conditions - Flooding

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 18 About the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee met four times during Facilitator Kate Monaghan welcomed everyone • Cataloging public input for the design the visioning phase of the project (October and stated that the Army Corps of Engineers firm chosen so nothing is lost in 2005- January 2006). and Metro Parks and Greenways are partnering translation; to fund the first phase of the Riverfront • Finishing the committee’s work by late Steering Committee Meetings Redevelopment Plan and that the Nashville Civic January 2006. October 11, 2005 Design Center will facilitate the process. November 8, 2005 Monaghan outlined the main goals of the Monaghan then discussed several reasons why November 29, 2005 Steering Committee: the time is right for the creation of a master January 5, 2005 • To ensure maximum public plan: participation in the creation of a • Numerous downtown projects are Other Steering Committee Activities riverfront master plan increasing Nashvillians’ awareness October 27, 2005 (trip to Chattanooga) • To suggest the broad issues (e.g. November 17, 2005 (Urban Design Forum on of the river as an important asset environment, public access), identify Chattanooga Waterfront) (Rolling Mill Hill, Music City Star, November 18, 2005 (Boat trip along the realities (e.g. the river serves industry Symphony Center, a growing roster Cumberland for Steering Committee volunteers) and freight needs) and consider of downtown events, Courthouse priorities for discussion at public renovation, increased residential Steering Committee Meeting Minutes meetings. The three public meetings housing). will be held within one week of each • The Chamber of Commerce’s draft October 11, 2005 other and will use similar formats. 2006 legislative agenda includes this 11:30-1:00 at Nashville Civic Design Center • To create a process for selecting a position: The Chamber will encourage design firm that will formulate a Metro Government to enter into Attending: Paul Ballard, Rick Bernhardt, Kenny master plan based on the ideas and a public/private partnership to Blackburn, Norree Boyd, Berdelle Campbell, priorities identified at the public Sally Connelly (for Tom Turner), T.K. Davis, completely redevelop the East Bank of meetings. Shain Dennison, Sandra Duncan, Sue Ferguson, the Cumberland River. Veronica Frazier (for Mark Macy), Jim Fyke, Curt • The public is extremely interested in Monaghan also outlined potential challenges Garrigan (for Roy Wilson) Geneva Hartbarger, what happens to the riverfront—and facing the Steering Committee: Chris Koster, Ken Maynard, Kate Monaghan, John expects to be asked what they think. Norris, Scott Potter, Doug Radley, Ann Roberts, • Constituencies who already feel and Michelle Steele, Stephanie McCullough and excluded from the Steering Linda McFadyen-Ketchum. Committee and finding ways for them Ann Roberts of the Metro Historical Commission to participate that suit their different presented a brief history of the downtown organizational styles;

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 19 About the Steering Committee

Cumberland River, from the time when Native view of what Chattanooga has accomplished October 27, 2005 Americans called the Cumberland the “River and how they did it. Trip to Chattanooga of the Shawnees,” to the present. She pointed out that the last big flood of the Cumberland Tuesday, November 8-Next Steering Attending: Kenny Blackburn, Berdelle Campbell, downtown occurred in the late 1920’s when Committee meeting at the Nashville Civic TK Davis, Shain Dennison, Sandra Duncan, the river reached 5th Avenue. By and large, the Design Center. The agenda will include: Susan Edwards, David Ewing, Sue Ferguson, Cumberland has served a utilitarian function for • Presentation by Design Center staff Curt Garrigan, Geneva Hartbarger, Dave Koehlin, Nashvillians through the years and has not been of research on other cities’ riverfront John Lavendar, Ken Maynard, Linda McFadyen- viewed as a recreational or cultural resource. redevelopment efforts Ketchum, Kate Monaghan, Randy Morgan, John • Discussion of Nashville’s riverfront Norris, Scott Potter, Ann Roberts, Phil Ryan, T.K. Davis of the Design Center summarized issues, opportunities, and priorities Michelle Steele, Tom Turner the Plan of Nashville’s recommendations • Decision whether or not to schedule regarding the Cumberland. He pointed out Agenda for the Trip: a second field trip (possibly to that when citizens were asked their views 11:00 – 12:10 Overview and orientation by about the future of the downtown Cumberland, Louisville) Kennedy, Coulter, Rushing, and Watson, and they overwhelmingly supported increased RiverCity Company representative public access to the river. They also wanted Thursday, November 17-Urban Design 12:10 – 1:15 Board bus, travel to Bellsouth neighborhoods adjacent to the river to Forum “The Transformation of Chattanooga’s baseball park, for lunch and meeting with incorporate it as part of their identity and Riverfront,” 5:15-7:00 p.m. at NCDC. Will be ballpark owner and manager. sought more connections between the East helpful for anyone unable to make the trip 1:15 – 2:45 Walking tour of Riverfront, and West banks of the river. He explained that to Chattanooga. This forum will be the first including the River Pier, River Passage, First unobstructed view corridors to and across the meeting on riverfront redevelopment that the Street, Holmberg Bridge, and Hunter Museum of river would reinforce Nashvillian’s perceptions public will be invited to and encouraged to give American Art. that the Cumberland River is an important asset. input. 2:45 – 3:00 Board bus, travel to Renaissance Park. Monaghan announced the following schedule of In order to gain an understanding of the study 3:00 – 3:45 Tour Renaissance Park and meetings and events: area and its features, the Steering Committee Coolidge Park. set off on a walking tour along 1st Avenue 3:45 – 4:30 Debriefing, Stone Cup Brewing Thursday, October 27-Chattanooga Field Trip to Riverfront Park and onto the Shelby Street Co., 330 Fraizer Avenue. – The bus will leave the Sam’s Club parking lot Bridge. Rick Bernhardt and others helped 4:30 Board bus for return trip. at 1304 Antioch Pike, at 8:00 a.m., and return by identify prominent buildings and other 5:30 p.m. Consultants in Chattanooga will plan structures that currently occupy the banks of a full day of meetings and walking tours that the river in the immediate downtown area. will give the Steering Committee an in-depth

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 20 About the Steering Committee

November 8, 2005 8:00 – 9:30 am at the Nashville Civic Design Center

Attending: Paul Ballard, Rick Bernhardt, Kenny Blackburn, Norree Boyd, Berdelle Campbell, Anne Coulter, T.K. Davis, Shain Dennison, Sandra Duncan, David Ewing, Sue Ferguson, Jim Fyke, Curt Garrigan, Ron Gobbel, Geneva Hartbarger, Dave Koellein, John Lavender, Mark Macy, Ken Maynard, Stephanie McCullough, Linda McFadyen-Ketchum, Kate Monaghan, John Norris, Scott Potter, Doug Radley, Ann Roberts, Phil Ryan, Anita Sheridan, Michelle Steele, and Tom Turner.

Kate Monaghan welcomed everyone and announced that Steering Committee members are needed to help facilitate small group visioning sessions at the Riverfront Redevelopment public meetings scheduled for December 3, 5, and 8.

Monaghan introduced Phil Ryan, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, who made a presentation about MDHA’s long involvement in a wide variety of development projects pertinent to riverfront redevelopment in Nashville, including Riverfront Park, the East Bank, Rolling Mill Hill, and numerous other downtown civic, residential, and office spaces. Ryan stated that MDHA is a unique entity in the United States and that it has succeeded over the years by forming partnerships with other agencies and groups. Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 21 About the Steering Committee

Next Stephanie McCullough, Design Assistant Maintaining and improving water quality and Public Square, Briley/AA Birch facilities, at the NCDC, gave a PowerPoint presentation standards and wildlife considerations Nashville Bridge Company building. featuring riverfront redevelopment projects in • The portion of the river in the study ten other American cities, including: Austin, St. area is designated as “partially Areas of current direct public access that Paul, Charleston, Portland, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, supporting”—The rest of the should be considered permanent Cincinnati, OH/Covington, KY, Louisville, Cumberland is classified as “fully Knoxville, and St. Louis. supporting” by the TN Department of Status of any commercial leases on the river Need to identify Environment and Conservation. Monaghan then lead the group in a discussion • Seven combined sewer sites downtown of factors that affect Nashville’s riverfront Historic zoning and properties redevelopment. They are: discharge storm water with a small Shelby St. Bridge component of wastewater into the 1st and 2nd Avenues Navigability Cumberland during very heavy rain— Industrial remnants on East Bank • About 4,000 barges float thru remediation is planned as part of a Bluffs downtown annually. Metro water services overhaul but will Demonbreun’s Cave • The Cumberland River is navigable. be extremely expensive. CSX Railroad bridge Trail of Tears crossing • Any new bridges would ideally be 80’ • 5.3 miles of riverfront are candidates for remediation. Omohundro water facility high (minimum) with piers built into Civil War battery at Rolling Mill Hill the riverbank (check with Coast Guard Creek branch for bridge restrictions). Brownfields • The existence of brownfields has • U.S. Army Corps of engineers maintains Significant underground utilities potential impact on development a 9’ channel depth in the river. TVA lines potential, land costs, etc. Football stadium discharge lines Water level fluctuations and flooding • MDHA has information about their Check with NES for their plans • River’s water level fluctuates 30 to 32 locations. feet yearly. Annual public festival or programmed event • Need to understand the restrictions Land in public or quasi-public ownership and constraints that various flood plains (50 year, 100 existing constraints Dancin’ in The District Washington Regulator, Titans Stadium, Metro year and 1975 flood) impose. CMA Week Central waste water treatment plant, parking 4th of July lot near Woodland St. Bridge, Rolling Mill Holiday Tree-Lighting Hill, former Thermal site, Metro Courthouse Shelby St. Bridge events

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 22 About the Steering Committee

Erosion control issues and adding riparian 18 and reminded the group that the November November 17, 2005 buffers to the riverbank 17 Urban Design Forum would feature a Urban Design Forum – “Reconnecting to Our Army Corps controls riverbank up to elevation presentation about Chattanooga’s riverfront River: Learning from Chattanooga” 392 MSL redevelopment given by Karen Hundt. She urged any who did not travel to Chattanooga on Karen Hundt of Chattanooga’s Planning and Visual and physical accessibility October 27 to attend. Design Studio discussed the scope of the How we see the river city’s $120 million project, the public/private Making the river more visible and physically The Steering Committee decided to meet next connection that made it happen, and how the accessible on November 28, 2005, from 8:00-9:30 am, to project was completed in 36 months. go over the materials and process that will be Monaghan announced that boat tours of the used at the public meetings on December 3, 5 study area would be available on November and 8. November 18, 2005 Boat trip sponsored by the Army Corps of Engineers The Army Corps of Engineers sponsored two trips for Steering Committee members interested in a closer look at the Cumberland River.

November 29, 2005 8:00-9:30 am at the Nashville Civic Design Center

Attending: Kenny Blackburn, Berdelle Campbell, Anne Coulter, T.K. Davis, Shain Dennison, Sandra Duncan, Susan Edwards, David Ewing, Curt Garrigan, Gary Gaston, Ron Gobbel, Geneva Hartbarger, John Lavender, Mark Macy, Ken Maynard, Stephanie McCullough, Linda McFadyen-Ketchum, Kate Monaghan, Scott Potter, Ann Roberts, Phil Ryan, and Tom Turner.

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 23 About the Steering Committee

Kate Monaghan welcomed everyone and Cumberland between Shelby Bottoms and the I- Monaghan announced that the Steering reminded them of the upcoming Riverfront 65 bridge on the East Bank, and, (b) the section Committee will meet in early January, 2006. A Redevelopment public meetings slated for of the river between Rolling Hill Mill and the small committee may be formed to work on the December 3,5, and 8. She reminded Steering I-65 bridge on the West Bank. RFQ that will be submitted during the winter of Committee members that many of them had 2006. volunteered earlier to serve as small group Monaghan asked the group to read the minutes facilitators at the public visioning sessions. of the November 8 meeting carefully and to let her know if there were corrections needed. Monaghan introduced Stephanie McCullough, She added that the NCDC has e-mailed and Design Assistant at NCDC, who showed slides mailed public meeting announcements about she took on the November 18 boat tour of the the December meetings extensively and that study area. The group discussed the numbers of adequate newspaper coverage promoting the homeless individuals shown in the photographs meetings is expected. and the best way to handle the disruption to them that riverfront development will cause. Monaghan introduced Ann Coulter who It was noted that homeless individuals usually explained the visioning process that facilitators move to other locations when development will use at the public meetings. The process begins. centered on two questions that will be asked: What do you want to keep about the riverfront T.K. Davis shared several ideas he had as a result now and what do you want to add to it? of the boat tour. These included lighting the Coulter explained the process and instructed CSX railroad bridge so that it and the Shelby those who will be acting as small group leaders Street Bridge would “bracket” downtown in to listen to all suggestions and encourage light; developing a natural area under the I-65 divergent thinking with no regard for the cost. bridge that would provide a great view of the river in both directions; and putting something Steering Committee members then worked at of interest (event space, chapel, art gallery) tables with the same materials that the public on a barge that would move up and down the will use and completed a shortened version of downtown section of the Cumberland. the visioning process. At the end, each table reported to the larger group the suggestions of Final changes to riverfront study area were their small group. discussed. The Steering committee agreed that the boundaries will be: (a) the section of the

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 24 Boat Trip Images Images from the Steering Committee Boat Tri p sponsored by the Army Corps of Engineers

2 11 3

10 4

5 9 7

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 25 Boat Trip Images

1. Looking upriver past Nashville Island to Downtown 2. View of east bank of the Cumberland, opposite Nashville 3. East bank, opposite Neuhoff Packing Plant Nashville Island

4. Barn structure on east bank, opposite Riverfront Condos 5. East bank of Cumberland River between Jefferson Street 6. Industrial area on east bank, opposite Rolling Mill Hill and Woodland Street Bridges development

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 26 Boat Trip Images

7. Shelby Park 8. West bank, below Gateway Bridge 9. Riverfront Park

10. Metro Ready Mix 11. Neuhoff Packing Plant

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 27 Previous Studies

LISTING OF PREVIOUS STUDIES WHAT THE PLAN OF NASHVILLE SAYS ABOUT be encouraged along the river. THE CUMBERLAND RIVER • Over time, industries not dependent Connecting with the Invisible River – Published on the river should relocate to more in June 1997 by the Connecting with the • The Cumberland River should be appropriate sites, for example, near Invisible River Subcommittee, organized by the treated as an asset central to interstate nodes. Nashville Downtown Partnership. Nashville’s identity—an asset to be • There should be a marina for Proposes the development of a Task Force to treasured and enjoyed. recreational boats located in close coordinate the development and implementation • The Cumberland’s riverbanks, proximity to downtown Nashville. of a Riverfront Master Plan. waterways and wetlands should be • Additional pedestrian and vehicular protected. Cumberland River Greenway Concept Plan bridges should be added during the - Prepared by Hawkins Partners, Inc. for the • The river and its wildlife areas should next several decades. Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, and have environmentally sensitive, • Each neighborhood near the river the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, May 2000. balancing habitat, recreation, should have a point of reference to A plan that focuses on the development transportation and water supply the river (for example, a viewing of greenway trails, open space, careful issues. terrace or gateway pylons). development/ redevelopment, and education • Future riverfront development should • A river overlook should be developed along the entire length of the Cumberland River incorporate amenities and public at or near the Neuhoff complex. in Davidson County – a total of 57 miles. access to the river. • Tennessee State University should • There should be a variety and have a boat dock for rowing sport Plan of Nashville – Developed by the Nashville multiplicity of connections (both Civic Design Center, October 2004. Documented activities. visual and physical) across the river. in The Plan of Nashville: Avenues to a Great • The northeast Nashville neighborhood City, written and edited by Christine Kreyling. • Should there be strong connections should be the location for a band shell Published by Vanderbilt University Press, 2005. (both visual and physical) between on the Cumberland. Vision plan for Nashville that emphasizes the neighborhoods and the river. • A linear boat dock parallel to the importance of the Cumberland River in the • All green space along the river should river’s shore should be provided along development of Nashville. be interconnected. the Sulphur Dell neighborhood. • Public art should be incorporated in • There should be a marker on the east greenway development along the shore of the river marking the west to river. east axis on the river. • New mixed-use neighborhoods • The Broadway terminus on the river (residential and commercial) should

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 28 should be redesigned to promote a and International Center for Living Interstate Bridge should become a view corridor across the river to the Watersheds) with a new Cumberland Southside Riverfront Park. new public art sculpture by Alice Northeast Park. • Public tours of the historic Omohundro Aycock, soon to be built. • The Jefferson Street Bridge should be Water Plant should be offered • Redevelopment of the Thermal made more pedestrian and bicycle periodically. Transfer Plant site should preserve friendly. public access to the water’s edge. • A new bridge should be built • Over time, streets in the South of connecting northeast Nashville Broadway neighborhood (SoBro) neighborhoods to the state should be realigned to maximize view government district and the corridors to the river. Bicentennial Mall. • The parking areas surrounding • A new pedestrian bridge should be the stadium should have more built at South Eleventh Street linking landscaping. new neighborhoods in East Nashville • The landscape development in the with the Stones River Greenway on Metro Center neighborhood should be the south bank. enhanced as an arboretum. • A new park should be created along • The I-265 and I-24 bridges should the river for northeast Nashville. have new guardrails that allow the • Morgan Park should be connected river to be seen while crossing. back to the river greenway. • A new bridge should be built linking • The Ellington Parkway should be Trinity Lane and Whites Creek Pike. transformed into a boulevard and • A new bridge should be built at Old linear park connected to the river. Buena Vista Pike to connect Trinity • A new East Bank Neighborhood Park Lane, Buena Vista Pike, Whites Creek should be connected to the east bank Pike and Old Hickory Boulevard. greenway. • A new pedestrian bridge should be • The unutilized land at the river bend built to connect the Neuhoff Complex below and adjacent to the I-24 (Nashville Cultural Arts Project

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 29 Plan of Nashville Map

Nashville Civic Design Center: Nashville Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Public Meeting Report page 30