Community Benefits
The Martin & Merritt project has the potential to provide numerous benefits to the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood and the broader Nashville community.
These benefits span economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
1. Housing and Accommodation Diversity:
Increased Housing Options: The addition of multifamily residential units expands the range of housing choices within Wedgewood Houston. This can help accommodate Nashville's growing population and offer options for different household sizes and income levels.
Hotel Accommodation: The inclusion of a hotel provides accommodation for visitors, supporting the local tourism industry and offering a place for guests of residents to stay.
2. Economic Growth and Revitalization:
Commercial Activity: The retail and restaurant spaces will generate economic activity, creating jobs and providing amenities for residents and visitors. This can enhance the vibrancy of the neighborhood and attract more people to the area.
Job Creation: Construction of the development will create temporary jobs, and the ongoing operation of the commercial spaces and hotel will lead to sustained employment opportunities.
Tax Revenue: The development will increase property values and generate property tax revenue for the city.
3. Enhanced Public Realm:
Public Spaces: The project incorporates various public spaces designed to improve the quality of life for residents and the community:
Pocket Park: Provides green space for relaxation, recreation, and community gatherings. This can be especially valuable in a developing urban area.
Rooftop Terraces and Courtyards: Offer communal outdoor spaces for residents, fostering social interaction and a sense of community.
Merritt Plaza: Creates a central gathering space for events, markets, or simply for people to connect. This can become a focal point for the neighborhood.
Pedestrian Orientation: The design emphasizes a pedestrian-friendly environment, encouraging walking and biking, which can improve public health and reduce traffic congestion.
4. Sustainable Development:
Stormwater Management: The use of pervious surfaces helps to manage stormwater runoff on-site, reducing the strain on the city's drainage system and mitigating the risk of flooding.
Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR): Adhering to the required ISR demonstrates a commitment to responsible development practices that minimize the impact on the environment.
5. Cultural and Historical Preservation:
Adaptive Reuse: The preservation and integration of the Vintage Millworks building retains a piece of the neighborhood's history and adds unique character to the development. This can create a sense of place and connect the present to the past.
6. Alignment with City Goals:
Nashville Next: The project's alignment with the Nashville Next plan demonstrates a commitment to the city's long-term vision for growth, development, and sustainability.
Wedgewood Houston Community Character Policy: Adherence to this policy ensures that the development is compatible with the desired character and development patterns of the neighborhood.
It's crucial to understand that the permitting process has not yet begun. The developer has invested two years in preliminary work, seeking alignment with the community and city officials to present a project deemed approvable by the planning commission. As of today, the project is effectively stalled, awaiting Council Member Vo's decision, which will significantly influence the project's progression before the next planning commission meeting.
The Martin & Merritt development offers a range of potential community benefits, including increased housing diversity, economic growth, enhanced public spaces, sustainable development practices, and cultural preservation. These benefits contribute to the overall vitality and quality of life in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood and the city of Nashville.
