I am very excited to share that the vision for Donelson Station that the community put in place in 2009 as part of the “Downtown Donelson” Urban Design Overlay is finally going to happen. After the attempt I made in my first term to bring revitalization to Donelson Station, I learned a great deal and took a more streamlined and focused approach. This approach does not include MDHA involvement and just focuses on Donelson Station and the contiguous properties. Not only will Donelson Station be transformed into a regional transit center, but there are also ongoing discussions to create a new FiftyForward Donelson Station center and theater, plus additional retail, restaurant, and housing options. The press release that went out is below.
The HJL Properties family is looking to rezone and develop two neighboring properties and to protect them from high-intensity development. They are looking at neighborhood-centric development that maintains the appearance and quality of the neighborhood. The two development sites are 110 Fairway Drive and the combined lots of 121, 119, and 117 Fairway Drive.
$18 million in grant and loan funds made available through the American Rescue Plan for small businesses in Nashville and Davidson County are now open to applicants. Metro Nashville is partnering with Pathway Lending to administer the funds. Eligible small businesses can apply for a grant or start a loan application.
Big news was announced for the former headquarters of Bridgestone at 535 Marriott Drive. Genesco announced it will relocate its corporate headquarters next year, create new jobs and invest more than $30 million in Davidson County over the next five years.
Check out the updated website for Donelson Plaza. There are new images of what the final renovation will look like. Note: The architect of our new Donelson Library will be chosen soon. The depiction of the library in the images is just a placeholder for now. Also, check out this news clip from WKRN Channel 2 about the Plaza as well.
One Century Place is offering 10% off the use of their all-inclusive conference center. See website for details.
Remember that SoundWaves at Opryland offers a Davidson County resident discount of up to 40%. Check out this link for more information.
Welcome to Legacy Barber Lounge! Located at 160 McGavock Pike around back next to the dry cleaners and laundry mat. See pics below for hours of operation. The space looks great!
Big congratulations to Fletcher’s on their 40th anniversary. The new paper, Main Street Nashville, did a nice article on this milestone. Read it here.
Big thanks to Kursynske & Associates for the renovation they have underway at the corner Lebanon Pike and the entrance to Donelson Station. Here are a couple of artist renderings of what the building will be transformed into. No new tenants lined up yet, just construction and rehab at the moment.
As most have heard by now, the corner of Lebanon Pike and Fairway Drive where the Philip’s 66 gas station used to be is going to be a Chase Bank. A rendering is below
I was humbled and honored to receive the Community Advocate award at the annual end of the year awards luncheon at the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber. Special thanks to 2019 President Randy Brothers for all his work this past year.
The 35th Annual Donelson-Hermitage Chamber Christmas Parade was another big success. Businesses and organizations from all around participated. This was the first year The Donelson Gateway Project decorated a float. I walked with it and with Mayor Cooper for a bit. It was great to see everyone. Thanks to Mayor Cooper for coming by our float before we started.
Many know about the acquisition a few years ago of CVS, Baskin-Robbins and Pizza Hut at the corner of McGavock Pike / Lebanon Pike. I met with the developers, Commercial Realty Services (website below) right after they purchased the properties back in 2015/16. They are the same ones that brought us Sindoore Indian By Nature and Jimmy John’s in the revamped shopping center at 457 Donelson Pike. Their original intent was to redevelop BR and Pizza Hut into a similar strip center. Pizza Hut has several years left on their lease but BR’s lease ends at the end of this year. BR’s parcel is small and there aren’t many options for it on its own. Unfortunately, BR will be redeveloped into a Take 5 Oil Change. As this does not require a zoning change, there is nothing I can do. I am looking at what options we have going forward to better align the vision of the Urban Design Overlay with the base zoning of parcels within the UDO. As it’s Donelson’s only ice cream shop along Lebanon Pike, I’ve tried to help find them a new home and will advocate for another nice ice cream / dessert shop. I’ll also continue my laser focused efforts of working with business and property owners to advocate for continued improvement along our Lebanon Pike business district with businesses our neighbors want that add value to our community. I don’t want to disparage a new viable business, but a second quick oil change business less than a quarter mile from another one is not adding value to the community’s long standing desire for improvements and diversified businesses to support along Lebanon Pike. I did meet with the new business owners of Take 5 and explained the whole situation. They understand we aren’t blaming them and they want to be a valuable member of the community.
Welcome to Donelson, Catio Cat Lounge, a place where you can spend time with feline friends and adopt cat lounge and snack bar. Located in Music Valley Village at 2416 Music Valley Drive Suite 114, the Catio is a unique experience, offering a place where you can go to relax, snack and watch kitties play.
Domino’s Pizza will be moving into the former Papa Murphy’s building according to permits in the works.
Here’s a great story about the Eakes family / HJL Management and their efforts with revitalization their properties in Donelson.
At the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon in September, I had the privilege of joining Austin Smith, owner of Party Fowl, and Deb Varallo, of Vararllo Public Relations, on a panel to discuss small business growth, opportunities, challenges, and more. I was also thrilled to see the Chamber support Hip Donelson’s Hip Eats program with a donation of $1,000 from the Taste of DH event. That donation will go a long way to supporting this program that helps ensure our students have healthy food during the times they aren’t in school. It’s a real need within our students and their families and this program has made a big impact. Here to accept the donation is Two Rivers Middle is Nicole Valentine Vaughn, who also serves on the board of Hip Donelson.
Welcome another great new small business to Donelson – Stillhouse Herbals! They are an Herbal Apothecary and Holistic Boutique offering small batch, handcrafted herbal remedies consciously crafted by local and regional herbal artisans. Acupuncture, Reiki sessions and Flower Essence Therapy available by appointment as well. They’re located at 2500 Crossfield Drive right across the street from Mill Creek Mercantile and Nectar: Urban Cantina.
The DH Chamber held a great ribbon cutting for Sunflower Bakehouse on a morning appropriately full of sunshine. Their food is fantastic and I already know a number of converts who used to say “vegan isn’t my thing”. Their sandwiches, soups, salads and more are all outstanding. You’ll love it.
At a recent monthly meeting of VFW 1291, I had the privilege of presenting a Certificate of Appreciation from Metro Council to Semper Slider’s owner Zac Jenkins, who on September 11th of this year, prepared hundreds of meals for first responders at VFW 1291. This was above and beyond service on behalf of those that keep us safe. Thank you, Zac! Please go support Zac’s incredible food down in Music Valley right at the entrance of Music Valley Village.
Check out this great article from Nashville Eater about restaurants to visit in the community. More are coming. Sunflower Bakehouse is nearing completion and looking great. (Thanks to Ron Rice for taking this picture and posting on Hip Donelson.) And as you now have heard, two doors down at the former Providence Auto will be TennFold, a pizzeria and brewery. Read about TennFold in the Nashville Post here. More details to come.
Congratulations to Bowtie Barber Club for merging with Bloom Salon & Spa to become Bowtie Barber Club & Beauty! Thanks to Keith Weiser and his staff for continuing to invest in Donelson. This combination is going to be an even better addition to the community.
Doesn’t Belle Air Mansion look great? They are officially open for business. Checkout their beautiful website here.
Welcome, CrossFit Donelson! Get fit with this new business at 219 Shady Grove Road. From their website, “We are a diverse community with a culture focused on fun and hard work. All our members know each other’s names and support one another during workouts. CrossFit Donelson will help you reach your goals and get into the best shape of your life.”
You’ll notice the red and white Metro signs along Lebanon Pike between Briley Parkway and Stewart’s Ferry Pike in the Urban Design Overlay. Over the last several months, some business and property owners and I have been meeting with the Planning Department in terms of streamlining aspects based on how its implementation has been going since its inception a decade ago. Changes have never been made to it and these are purely administrative, working in tandem with Planning and property owners. It does not change anything fundamentally with the vision and rather enhances the ease of its applicability when development occurs. A few duplicative elements are being removed as they’re already been addressed in subsequent plans that have been created since then, such as NashvilleNext and the Walk-Bike Plan for Sidewalks and Bikeways. I’m pleased and thankful for how Planning and property owners were all on the same page with this process. It went before the Planning Commission on Thursday, June 26th and will next go before Council for three readings. Please feel free to review the red-lined edits here and don’t hesitate with any questions.
Congratulations to Mehaul Oleary and team on the grand opening of his new restaurant and pub, The Lost Paddy. Located at 709 Spence Lane near Murfreesboro Pike, it’s a wonderful new addition to the district. Thanks to the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce for hosting a great ribbon cutting.
Check out Hi5 Practice’s transformation of 936 Allen Road where their new home is located. Check out the video of the before and after. Hi5 is a great marketing company that helps connects medical practices with their patients. Check out a picture of the inside of their office. Congrats again to Kevin & Sierra Barnett and their team and thanks for the investment in the district!
It’s a Ball Y’all is a new event honoring extraordinary women in our community. See flyer below for details and visit this link for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
Explore what Donelson has to offer at Donelson Day on June 15th from 11am to 3pm at Buchanan Log House (2910 Elm Hill Pike). Come out and meet your neighborhood businesses and friends. Businesses that are confirmed to be at the event with more to follow:
Caliber Coffee- Cold brew and sweet treats
Nashville Flower Market- Build your own flower bouquet
Zulemas- Flautas and possibly lemonade
Hermitage Dance Academy- 2 different performances
Paper and Ink Arts- Kids coloring and drawing area
Buddy Allen- Samples and SWAG
Rehab Therapy- Physical therapy services with discounted evaluation
Music City Fencing- Fencing Demonstration
Williams Violins- Try to play a violin
Buchanan Log House- House will be open for attendees to see the property
Nash 103.3- Listener SWAG and possible giveaway
Mind Body Institute- Free chair massages during the event by licensed and massage therapy students
Full Metal Flowers- Local metal artist selling items
Remington College- SWAG and giving away a free teeth whitening session
Kona Ice Truck- Shaved ice for sale during event
Jae’s Gems- Mining table and mineral display
Smart Supplies- Creating the entrance sign displaying “Donelson Day”
Hermitage Officers- Patrol cars with sticker badges and kids items
(insert Zac Jenkins)
