Creating Places: Elliston23 site from on high

Courtesy of the fine folks at Southern Land Co., this photo gives us an idea of the scale of this project. Should be massive. Note the strip center across from E23. Unfortunate with the setback. The building was constructed prior to Metro instituting its urban zoning overlay in late 2000 and ranks as one of the ugliest in all of the West End corridor. In comparison, the bland and generic Hampton Inn (to the right of the construction site) is a masterpiece. Would that the old Father Ryan High School building had been saved and converted to condos.

Creating Places: Nashville vs. ?????

I've decided to begin a series of comparisons between Nashville and other mid-size U.S. cities. Not sure with which city I'll start. Leaning toward Charlotte.

More to follow soon ...

Creating Places: Ryman Lofts

Ryman Lofts has me excited. Note the various shapes, material and colors. With a contemporary design, RL should offer nice massing and height. I also like the balance of windows. Smith Gee Studio designed RLofts and deserves credit for a job well done. Infill Rolling Mill Hill with multiple buildings of this type and that district will hum with vibrancy.

Creating Places: A Foursome of Note

I rarely blog about realtors and property managers, but the new four-women team of Nashville Condo Collection is worth a mention. This quartet of classy and cosmopolitan ladies — Michelle Maldonado, Missy Harris, Michele Trueba and Nichole Holmes (comprising the Sotheby’s International Realty sales team) — will do a stellar job with their new venture, announced today. The foursome will focus on Nashville’s burgeoning resale condo market, with the women collectively experienced with Adelicia, Viridian, Encore, Bennie Dillon and Enclave. The team’s combined sales experience exceeds 20 years, and the women have sold in the Nashville market more than 700 condos valued at approximately $200 million.

Congrats, ladies. I would take you out and buy you all drinks but for you to be seen in public and in my company could prove harmful to your stellar reputations.

Creating Places: Crane Up

The first tower crane for the massive Omni Hotel and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum project is being erected as I type. I awoke this morning to see the bulk of the tower portion thrusting proudly, at least 100 feet tall. Returning home for lunch at 2:30 today, I noticed two more vertical segments had been added, with the arm portion of the crane being assembled.

From what I can determine, no fewer than two more cranes will be erected on the site.

Exciting times, indeed, for those of us who thrill to the sight of high-profile construction.

Creating Places: Neon and off

A quick post as I listen to Halloween music ...

What's up with the green neon light topping the soon-to-be-finished NABRICO Building? On some nights it is on and on others it is not. It's a cool touch and I trust it will be permanent.

Creating Places: Random Tidbits

A quick late-night post as the soulful sounds of Miles Davis drift through my tiny condo...

The old Beaman sign that once loomed over Broadway is now affixed to the east side of the dealership's building at 14th and McGavock. A nice touch.

I wonder if the green light at the top of the NABRICO Building will remain once the project is finished. I like it.

Not sure what to think of the under-construction building in Five Points. It is not completed so I'll reserve comments but there are both positives and negatives at this point.