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This quirky row of vintage commercial buildings in Hillsboro Village faces demolition, as owner-developer H.G. Hill Realty wants to replace it with a mixed-use (good), two-story (good) structure with concealed parking (good).
Now the bad: Nashville has precious few remaining architectural pieces of this type. The buildings, which front the west side of 21st Avenue between Acklen Avenue and an alley, are of different materials, colors and forms yet seamlessly work as one — even featuring an unusual (by Nashville standards) and understated private entrance accessing a second-floor office space. In short, the buildings are distinctive — a characteristic the replacement, no matter its quality, likely will not offer.
This will be a good thing for Hillsboro Village. While those old buildings may look quaint, they are not suitable for rehab. Good for HG Hill Realty for taking the lead to redevelop this important part of the city. As always, I'm sure they will be a first class job.
ReplyDeleteLet's take the "not suitable for rehab" argument off the table. They certainly can be rehabbed. What those structures cannot become, however, are scores of second or even third floor apartments or condos. I read elsewhere that town-homes will line Acklen at the site of the current parking lot. This development is, obviously, about realizing a tidy profit from the ownership of this parcel of land. The project will compromise the area's quirky character, which is what draws people to the Village. To replace that with a Green Hills Mall feel is foolish. I also take exception with your comment, "as always, I'm sure they will be a first class job." One look at the extraordinarily unattractive building H.G. Hill developed a block away, where Pancake Pantry is, should be cause for great concern. Mind you, some of H.G. Hill's projects are fabulous, and I admire them greatly, such as the Hill Center or Harris Teeter, but here, they are messing with something special and should stick to redeveloping parking lots.
DeleteI agree with some of both of the prior comments. The one I agree with most is that H.G.Hills totally screwed up with the architecture (or lack there of) on what they did on the corner of 21st and Blakemore, where pancake pantry is. It looks like they drew up the plans on a napkin, or bought them on-line. If you are doing to develop the other end of the village, PLEASE spend a little money to make it work better with the neighborhood vs. butcher the architectural appeal. Take a look at 12th and Paris (the development where Burger Up is). That development had some architectural thought put into not just the "usable square footage", but how it portrayed the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThese buildings have outlived their usefulness. If they new structure serves the community better then no tears should be shed. It's that simple.
ReplyDeleteThis is not that big of a loss for me. A larger corner development may "book-end" the Village and perhaps provide a gateway from the south entry. Plus, its adding additional housing in one of Nashville's most walkable and usable urban districts. The other corner building was done several years ago, so perhaps H.G. Hills will use an architect to design something appropriate. A corner, anchor restaurant space would be nice with some outdoor seating. Looking forward to see some plans with renderings.
ReplyDeleteWhy/how is HBV limited to 2-storey buildings? And why should it be? Isn't that new(er) 21st and Blakemore building with apts/condos several storeys? But, absolutely, let's get in a (preferably green) architect (Howard Switzer?) with a plan that's actually appealing. Garage space will also be a necessity as the district continues to draw more residents, businesses, and customers. Plan ahead, folks!
ReplyDeleteFollowing that logic, why not knock down the Belcourt and replace it with a brand new multiplex theater? No? That's because it isn't the geographical location that makes Hillsboro Village worth coming to, it's the quirky charm and unique character of the buildings and businesses that draw people. The idea that this development is going to improve the area is as nonsensical as replacing the Belcourt. Why not tear down the whole two-block district while you're at it, or at least the gas station? Better yet, go build more Hill Centers in Green Hills.
ReplyDeleteThe Belcourt and the buildings to be replaced are apples and oranges. You can not compare the two! Name me one specific architectural or historical significance of the to be demolished buildings.
DeleteAlso, the same existing quirky businesses may still be tenants in the new building. Plus, attract new businesses that will attract more people. The new development may also add much needed additional parking with a garage.
Location IS what makes the village what it is. It is sandwiched between two major universities, and surrounded by a large walkable and historical residential area. Where else in Nashville do you have that geographical situation? Any type of development will be sure to draw people.
That's just the thing. Hillsboro Village does not need more people. Destroy the uniqueness of the area and people will go elsewhere. It is not apples and oranges. All of these structures date from the early 20th century. All could be knocked down and up-sized. Why draw the line? Character counts.
DeleteIf it is not apples and oranges, than why can you not provide an answer to my question. What is the historical/architectural significance of the buildings to be demolished? Where is the character in those 3-4 storefronts? Please enlighten me, because they look pretty bland to me. Yes they old buildings but, not as architecturally significant as the Belcourt. Neither do they serve the purpose of the Belcourt. I agree some areas of the Village need to be preserved, but this is only a smaller section with no significance.
ReplyDeleteAnd, why does the Village not need more people? Sounds a bit elitist to me. Look at other urban districts such as 12th South, 5 Points, and Elliston Place. New development has not hurt the character of those places.
I live in the neighborhood, and yes, I am an elitist and proud of it. The few architecturally significant buildings in this strip-mall town have, for the most part, already been razed. 12South is about to lose Rumours wine bar for another H.G. Hill development. The house it's in is a funky piece of crap, to be sure, but it helps make the neighborhood distinct, (it's also standing room only most nights). Atmosphere man! Redevelop the parking lots and car washes and fast food joints FIRST. I am reminded of Nick the bartender from "It's a Wonderful Life," when he tells Clarence to beat it, because he doesn't need any "characters" hanging around his bar for atmosphere. Hey, I'm giving out wings!
DeleteDevelopment can be a good thing, such as the one at Paris and 12th that Burger Up is in, but this one will tip the scales. Ten years from now and Hillsboro will have turned into another architecturally sterile version of Cool Springs. Sure, there may be throngs of people, but they'll be spending their money in generic franchises.
Mr. Elitist, you still refuse to answer my question. What makes these buildings significant? You just admitted significant buildings have been razed, so tell me what is significant about these particular buildings? I see one of them is painted red. Is that your definition of character? Maybe Zeitlin's building on the corner has some interest?
DeleteI do agree that is a shame the Rumor's house is being replaced in 12th South. At least it is being replaced with a building that fronts the street and will add some scale. Also, look at the Burger Up building. It has modern and contemporary forms that add character and eclecticism. If the Village project is designed correctly, it will do the same. You might even hear a bell ring and an architect angel will get his wings.
As far as your crystal ball, you have no clue what things will be like in 10 years. And since you live there, have you not noticed there are currently around 8 franchises? Even if more franchises move in, the Village will never be Cool Springs.
Any building over 50 years old qualifies for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. A full historical and structural assessment of these properties would doubtless paint an interesting picture of their significance in a nearly century-old business district.
DeleteFinally! You compiled an argument! See...that wasn't too bad.
DeleteThe truth is that the entire district is on the registry:
http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/tn/Davidson/state2.html
And the other truth is that a private owner may tear down their own structure if they choose. Just being on the registry does not protect it from demolition.
Honestly, the other day I did get out to have a closer look at the property. If the entire block is included, there are two, 2 story structures I would hate to see leave. And actually, the single story structures do have an interesting storefront that indents at an angle. So, there are some details that are worth preserving.
I do still believe that redeveloping this site could be worth pursuing. Of course, this is all contingent on the design of the building. If it sucks, then I'll be venting for sure.