Vanderbilt University is now seeking a rezoning that would allow about 40 underutilized acres located on the western segment of the campus to be transformed with a mixed-use innovation district.<\/p>\n
Specifically, and according to a release, Vanderbilt will seek from the Metro Planning Commission a specific plan zoning for an area dominated by a sea of surface parking. The land mass is essentially bordered by Vanderbilt Place, Natchez Trace and 31st Avenue South. Notwithstanding an athletics field and a solid number of trees, the area differs greatly from the Gothic-inspired architecture integral to the character of the renowned university. The area also includes buildings Vanderbilt owns and that are located on the north side of Vanderbilt Place.<\/p>\n
A specific plan (SP) rezoning, if approved, would offer the university maximum flexibility in reinventing what Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, in partnership with the Nashville Innovation Alliance, eyes as a mixed-use innovation district. The area would be home to business incubator spaces and a hub for entrepreneurship. It is also expected to include arts and retail businesses, residential buildings, offices space and restaurants.<\/p>\n
A date for which the rezoning will be voted upon is unclear. However, the release notes the Metro Planning Department staff will consider the proposal and provide an opportunity for community members to offer feedback. Over several months, Vanderbilt, the community and the planning department will work together to determine next steps and what will be the \u201cfinal framework\u201d for the area\u2019s development.<\/p>\n
Currently, the parcels comprising the area envisioned for the update are variously zoned for office, residential and retail. An SP zoning would allow for a more cohesive form and function of the future development than otherwise.<\/p>\n
Vanderbilt has not disclosed a preferred construction start date or estimated cost to undertake the effort.<\/p>\n
Vanderbilt\u2019s plans for the area \u2014 which would likely require a minimum of three phases, with the first phase potentially to focus on 10 acres \u2014 began to emerge this past summer.<\/p>\n