Reclaiming public space: PRESERVING HISTORY AND CULTURE IN THE JEFFERSON STREET CORRIDOR
NASHVILLE CIVIC DESIGN CENTER
AUGUST 2018
The mission of the Nashville Civic Design Center is to elevate the quality of Nashville’s built environment and to promote public participation in the creation of a more beautiful and functional city for all. Towards this end, the Nashville Civic Design Center:
PROMOTES the Ten Principles of The Plan of
Nashville, a vision for growth and development, created and endorsed by the citizens of Nashville;
EDUCATES the public about civic design through lectures by prominent speakers and workshops;
PROVIDES professional staff and highly-qualified design interns to consult on civic and other community development projects;
FACILITATES public dialogue about civic design and through community engagement and participatory design practices.
RESEARCHES and PUBLISHES reports on various civic design issues.
This report was created by Jacqueline Cox, Research Fellow. Contributions were provided by Gary Gaston, Chief Executive Officer, Nashville Civic Design Center, Tracy Hicks, Research Fellow, Princess Deng, Intern and Lesly Mendez, Intern. The Nashville Civic Design Center would like to give special thanks to the Opportunity Now internship program and students, Council Members Erica Gilmore, Sharon Hurt and Freddie O'Connell. civicdesigncenter.org August 2018
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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION
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PROCESS AND OBJECTIVES
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HISTORY
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CASE STUDIES
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PUBLIC INPUT
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TIMELINE 32 OPPORTUNITIES
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CONCLUSION
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION Over the last two decades the city of Nashville has experienced unprecedented growth. According to population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, the region grew by an average of one hundred people, per day, over a twelve-month period, ending in July 2016. Due to population increase, among additional factors, Nashville neighborhoods have enjoyed rapid development. Some neighborhoods, however, have remained stagnant. The Jefferson Street corridor is one of many unique communities in Nashville that, despite historic contributions to the city’s culture and history, has not shared in recent growth. From the booming music venues to esteemed colleges and universities, this neighborhood has been a vital part of making Nashville the “it” city it is today. Despite its historical significance, some development around Jefferson Street has further stalled growth. The 1960s construction of the I-40 interstate bisected the corridor’s main commercial district. Since then, the neighborhood has struggled to recover. As Nashville continues to thrive, communities such as Jefferson Street deserve to share the rewards of its expansion. It is equally vital, however, for development within these neighborhoods to maintain the history and unique identity shaped by the residents. Reclaiming Public Spaces is an initiative of the Nashville Civic Design Center, aimed at improving the built environment for use by all people. It states that “in the purest sense, quality public space instills in all of us, a sense of belonging—that we belong to a larger community—and in turn, that our city belongs to us”. In order to achieve this objective, public spaces in historically and culturally unique neighborhoods must purposely recognize and reflect the identity of the people they are meant to serve. Recently, Nashville
development projects have sought to restore the legacy of Jefferson Street, with such purpose in mind. In an effort to support these initiatives, this publication highlights public spaces that preserve the integrity of the neighborhoods they’re in, with strategic emphasis on similarities to the Jefferson Street community identity.
Jefferson Street Baptist Church (2018) INTRODUCTION
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PROCESS AND OBJECTIVES
Historically and culturally sensitive development begins with understanding a neighborhood. For our first step, we reviewed the history of the Jefferson Street Corridor, in order to better comprehend the legacy that shaped this neighborhood’s identity. Additionally, we conducted demographic research, using the Neighborhood Assessment Toolkit, and surveyed members of the community to hear their thoughts on the direction of neighborhood development. This step was the most critical aspect of our process.
Next, we analyzed precedents that sought to incorporate history, art, and culture into the features of public spaces in their cities and communities. These precedents are intended to inform Nashville’s own efforts to create more community-centered spaces, with a particular emphasis on shared
relevance to the Jefferson Street Corridor and its Civil Rights legacy. We also identified local examples of historic preservation in public spaces. These case studies allow us to analyze where Nashville is succeeding in recognizing history and heritage in public space and identify areas for improvement. Finally, we reviewed previous design and research initiatives relating to the Jefferson Street corridor and north Nashville area. With ongoing projects in mind, we then identified key opportunities for public space enhancement in the corridor. These locations were chosen based on feasibility and congruency with ongoing development efforts. Our overall objective was to answer the following questions in terms of shaping public space; how do we recognize Jefferson Street’s neighborhood identity and how do we reflect the interests of the community?
Fallen signs for Tennesee State University and Pearl Cohn High School
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PROCESS AND OBJECTIVES
HISTORY The rich legacy of the Jefferson Street neighborhood is well known throughout the Nashville community. As a mecca of music and art, the district helped shape the vibrant culture that earned the people of Nashville their “Music City” title. It can also be credited as the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement and home to our nation’s most prominent centers for African American education. Funeral parlors and retail outlets were the foundation for Jefferson Street businesses, but pharmacies, churches, and restaurants also lined the street. Many prominent businesses were located along the main corridor, but the most iconic aspects were live music venues and recording studios. Many of the businesses helped launch the R&B, jazz, and blues careers of the stars of the 1940s. The Stealaway, Del Morocco, and Club Baron were amongst the road’s most popular. Prominent artists of the era such as Little Richard, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix launched their careers in Jefferson Street clubs. Today, Club Baron—now the Elks Lodge—is the only business remaining on Jefferson Street that housed live music. As efforts to provide education for African Americans increased, schools began to form. Fisk University opened January 9th, 1866 and was named for Union general, C.B. Fisk. Today, Fisk is widely considered a leading historical black university and boasts famous graduates, such as W.E.B Dubois, Nikki Giovanni, and Ida B. Wells. Further west on Jefferson street, the Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School was charted and opened in 1912. Now, Tennessee State University, it is designated as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and is the only state-funded HBCU in Tennessee. Shortly after the founding of TSU, Meharry Medical College moved to be near Fisk University in the mid
1930s from South Nashville. The college was founded in 1876 and is the second oldest medical school for African Americans in the nation. One of the most successful non-violent demonstrations of the Civil Rights Movement was also planned on Jefferson Street. Rev. James Lawson, a divinity student at Vanderbilt University, began organizing non-violent action workshops at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, on 14th Avenue North. In the fall of 1959, students from all of Nashville’s four HBCUs, came together. The sit-in movement they planned launched in Nashville on February 13, 1960. Downtown, black students sat at department store lunch counters and refused to move. Their actions would be imitated in cities across the country, which sparked a dialogue that changed the face of the Civil Rights Movement.
Jefferson Street 1990 (The Tenneseean)
The Fisk Jubilee Singers (The Tenneseean)
HISTORY
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case studies Across the country, there are public spaces that creatively recognize the history and culture of their communities. These sites use art, landscaping, and interactive features to tell the story of their neighborhood. In Nashville, these spaces incorporate neighborhood heritage and identity in ways that serve the greater Nashville area, by bringing special recognition to unique neighborhoods and creating a shared space for all to enjoy. With a focus on Civil Rights and African American heritage, they provide inspiration for the future development of similar spaces on the Jefferson Street corridor.
NATIONAL KELLY INGRAM PARK
I AM A MAN
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS WALK OF FAME
MARVIN GAYE RECREATION CENTER
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CASE STUDIES
LOCAL GATEWAY TO HERITAGE PROJECT,
WITNESS WALLS
NORF WALL FEST
CAZA AZAFRAN
CASE STUDIES
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National KellY Ingram Park BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
Kelly Ingram Park, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is an ideal model for historically conscious place making. The four-acre site area is located in the Birmingham Civil Rights District and sits near the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, just outside of the doors of the 16th Street Baptist Church. It has served as a gathering ground for demonstrators and activists from 1963 to the present day and contains many symbols that reflect its impact on the community around it. “That Which Might Have Been, Birmingham, 1963” was crafted as a memorial to the “Birmingham Four” children, who were killed just steps away, in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. Recognized for his bronze sculptures of nude females, John Henry Waddell built the statue grouping to float on top of the water of an original fountain. In plain sight, the memorial sculptures of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley have been built in commemoration; however, Waddell wanted to depict more than the individuals, themselves. The northward figure in the fountain showcases the youngest figure with the word, “prayer,” written on her hand as a symbolism of hope. The southward facing figure is turning away, the eastward figure holds a cloth wrap to signify the progeny that will never be born, and the westward figure is a reflection of death and acceptance. Today, there are two castings—one casting lies in the original location of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Phoenix, and the second casting resides in a sculpture garden at the George Washington Carver Museum.
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CASE STUDIES Kelly ingram park
“The Four Spirits” is a 3,000 pound bronze and steel sculpture located in Kelly Ingram Park, built as another memorial monument for the Birmingham Four. The sculpture displays the four girls in animated positions on or around the bench. Sculptor Elizabeth MacQueen created the six doves to not only illustrate the lives of the four girls but, additionally, to recognize the forgotten deaths of two others in the bombing—Virgil Ware and Johnny Robinson. With the help of her team, more than 700 pounds of clay was transformed into an integral part of the Birmingham community, which welcomes visitors into the park space
CASE STUDIES Kelly ingram park
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I Am a man
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
"I AM A MAN” is a word sculpture representing the historic 1968 Memphis sanitation strike. It serves as both a historic art piece and monument for the city of Memphis. Frustrated with the hazardous working conditions, extremely low pay, and severe racial discrimination, hundreds of Black sanitation workers crowded the streets with one significant and stentorian chant—“I AM A MAN”—during an organized rally. Sculpted in bronze and stainless-steel, Artist Cliff Garten designed and created the “I AM A MAN” memorial sculpture. The memorial is located adjacent to the Clayborn Temple in Memphis, where the organizers of this rally met. John Jackson of JPA, Inc., was the landscape architect. This crucial event during the Civil Rights Movement became more than a means for achieving better working conditions and wages. It left a lasting impact to build further momentum in the Civil Rights Movement. The centerpiece and the two stone wall monuments that surround the piece contain the names of the 1,300 sanitation workers who participated in the strike. Poet and spoken word artist Steve Fox led the authoring of the text, along with various community members, which was etched into the stone monument. With additional lights to provide illumination in the night, the total cost of the installation was around $1.5 million, with $700,000 of that provided by grants and donations.
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CASE STUDIES I am a man
InternationaL civil rights walk of fame ATLANTA, GEORGIA
What was once a path on the march for civil rights is now a historical landmark located in Atlanta’s national park, known as the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Built in 2004, these 2’ x 2’ bronze and granite footprints commemorate those who painstakingly risked their own lives for the sake of achieving equality. The National Parks Service and the Trumpet Awards Foundation—which highlights the achievements of African Americans— served as an essential partnership for the creation of the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Today, all walks of life can stroll back in time with countless civil rights activists, including Rosa Parks and Andrew Young.
CASE STUDIES International civil rights walk of fame
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Marvin Gaye Recreation Center WASHINGTON D.C.
Upgraded with various amenities, a now cottage style recreational center named after Marvin Gaye is a community’s jewel in Washington, DC. The Marvin Gaye Recreation Center contains a recently built playground, designed in the shape of a piano, playground equipment shaped as musical notes, and a small performance space.Â
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CASE STUDIES Marvin gaye recreation center
Along with the construction of the lively playground, two phases followed for full design and construction services. This involved transfiguring the recreation center (field house) into a modern recreation center with multiple enhancements to the athletic fields and basketball courts. These major upgrades that budgeted about $12.2 million additionally serve to revive the Marvin Gaye Trail that exists along the site area. With Marvin Gaye Park and Recreation Center being about a 1.6 mile-long area, it has been the longest municipal park in Washington, D.C. that not only unites the community but also preserves the legacy of the Prince of Soul, Marvin Gaye.
Rendering of the Marvin Gaye Recreation Center by IStudio Architects
CASE STUDIES Marvin gaye recreation center
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Local Gateway to heritage project JEFFERSON STREET
The streetscape project, called Gateway to Heritage, was a multi-phase endeavor aimed at spurring new economic development in North Nashville. Gateway to Heritage Plaza, (located along Jefferson Street, beneath the I-40 overpass) was the first completed phase of the project, created to include vibrant art and vivid displays that reclaim the construction of the overpass and reflect neighborhood heritage. On Friday, September 28, 2012, the first phase of the project was completed, and jointly afterwards, celebrated with community members, university officials, elected officials, and business owners. The project serves as an example of a historically negative space, turned into a positive symbol.Â
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CASE STUDIES gateway to heritage project
EDGE was selected as the project’s design consultant, and Phase I of Gateway to Heritage was supported through a federally-funded enhancement grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, with matching funds from Metro. Additional funding also included a $400,000 HUD grant through Tennessee State, a $800,000 maintenance fund from Metro Public Works, and other contributions from the Metropolitan Development & Housing Authority. The 10 bridge columns under the interstate are currently wrapped with solar panels that display 80 significant photographs with unforgettable narratives about the people and events that have contributed to Jefferson Street’s unique history. Two animated mural panels, created by local artist James Threalkill and Michael McBride, are installed at both ends of the plaza.
CASE STUDIES gateway to heritage project
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witness walls PUBLIC SQUARE PARK
The public artwork, Witness Walls, located in Public Square Park, on the west side of the Historic Metro Nashville Courthouse, was designed to commemorate Nashville’s active role in the Civil Rights Movement. As Nashville began desegregating schools in 1957, it became a monumental city for both students and residents, alike, to engage in non-violent civil disobedience with lunch counter sit-ins and Freedom Rides. Inspired by these crucial events, Artist Walter Hood, commissioned by the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, decided for the Civil Rights Public Art Project to include various photographs and abstract compositions and be sculpted on the four concrete concave and convex walls by two fountains. As visitors walk through, they not only witness Nashville’s historic roots of social justice, but travel through the steps of those who participated in the boycotts, marches, counter sit-ins, and Freedom Rides depicted on the walls.
20 CASE STUDIES witness walls
CASE STUDIES witness walls
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Norf wall Fest NORTH NASHVILLE
The Norf Walls Fest is one of 93 community based projects funded by the Metro Arts Thrive project. Funding around 490 Nashville artists, the Norf Walls Fest was developed by the Norf Art Collective team which include participating street artists Jay Jenkins, Samuel Dunson, Elisheba Israel, Thaxton Abshalom Waters, Brandon Donahue, Jamond Bullock and Michael Mucker. Together these local artists created a dozen large sized murals to unite and celebrate the North Nashville community. Finished in October 2015, the art project allows a visual display of the neighborhood’s unique identity and a reflection of past and ongoing issues. By highlighting social issues and significant cultural influences of “Norf Nashville,” the once blank concrete walls now speak volumes and capture the eyes of visitors and the community alike.
"Breeze," Woke3, 2015.
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CASE STUDIES Norf wall fest
Alive, 2015.
Woke3, 2017.
Works by Alive (left), Brandon D (center), and Rasmo (right), 2015.
"Baron '63" Elk's Lodge, 2016.
CASE STUDIES norf wall fest 23
caza Azafrán Park NOLENSVILLE PIKE
Across from Casa Azafrán, sits a colorful and lively pocket park. With a multipurpose amphitheater, a modern play park, fascinating mural, splash pad, and many other features, this multiphase project was constructed and designed by architects from Hastings Architecture Associates, LLC and Tara Armistead of Tara Armistead Landscape Architecture. The 0.8 acre land was bought by the city for $600,000 after Metro Council’s approval of a partnership with the nonprofit organization Conexión Americas, which operates Casa Azafrán. This partnership would allow Conexión Americas to help raise $500,000 to Metro Parks and also help create a more cohesive community for both the community center’s preschool and neighborhood. By developing Azafrán Park, many hope that the park will unify the community’s diverse backgrounds and allow for long lasting friendships and opportunities.
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CASE STUDIES caza azafran
Colorful
CASE STUDIES caza azafran 25
PUBLIC INPUT As a component of this research, community engagement was conducted in partnership with Metro Parks, council members, and other institutions for the construction of Jefferson Street Park. Data collected from surveys and interactive displays was intended to inform the guiding principles of Jefferson Street Park’s design, but can also be applied to future development along the corridor.
ABOUT OUR SURVEY Duration: 6/16/2018-7/14/2018 Total # Respondents: 60 Paper Respondents: 29 Interactive Respondents: 31 Events/Locations: Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival, Fisk Food and Music Festival, Jefferson Street Art Crawl, Jubilee Flowers and Gifts, J&S Barber Supply, Woodcuts Gallery and Framing, Pleasant Green Baptist
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
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Do you have children?
How would you get to the park?
How old are you?
How likely are you visit a park on Jefferson and 16th?
PUBLIC INPUT
OPEN RESPONSES
ANALYSIS
All respondents were surveyed at a location on the Jefferson Street Corridor. Many, however, lived in the greater Nashville and middle Tennessee area. This showed the influence that the Jefferson Street neighborhood has on the entire Nashville Community. Demographic data asked respondents their age, residence, if they had children, and how likely they were to visit a park at that location. Respondents above age 55 were most likely to select “unlikely” when asked if they would visit a park on 16th and Jefferson. Unexpectedly, there was no correlation between respondents with children and their likelihood to visit the park. Open responses were categorized, based on topic. When asked about ways to enhance public space locally, respondents overwhelmingly recommended some form of historical tribute. Seating and tables led as the respondent response to “what makes quality public space,” in general. Finally, when asked about their hopes for Jefferson Street in the future, respondents offered methods for strengthening the community and creating a fun space along the corridor.
CONCLUSION
By surveying individuals along the Jefferson Street corridor, we confirm the need for public spaces that strengthen community and promote neighborhood identity. In doing so, we learn that community engagement is a vital component for historically and culturally sensitive development. It allows us to hear the needs of the community directly from those that make up its population. When implemented correctly, it establishes a purpose for public spaces and guides our principles for design. Above all, it enables us to recognize a community’s desires and to fulfill them by validating the public’s role in shaping their own environment. PUBIC INPUT
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WHAT'S BEEN DONE Enhancing the Jefferson Street corridor is not a new priority for Nashville. For nearly two decades, public and private entities have conducted research studies, held community forums, and taken on design initiatives focused on developing the entire North Nashville area, with special emphasis on Jefferson Street. By exploring these past efforts, we can uncover new opportunities and continue this work.
timeline Efforts to restore the legacy of Jefferson Street have taken many forms. The timeline below highlights some of the research initiatives, capital projects, and community design forums that have strived to reach the common goal of bringing growth and development to the North Nashville community. The following highlighted projects have specifically involved public spaces near the corridor. Unlike the previous case studies, they do not specifically incorporate cultural or historic neighborhood aspects. They do, however, provide much needed visual enhancements that increase walkability and appeal.
28TH/31ST AVE CONNECTOR In the 2000 North Nashville Community Development Master Plan, the North Nashville CDC requested enhanced connectivity between 28th and 31st Avenues. In the fall of 2012, Public Works completed a complete street project with a 0.3-mile bridge and roadway link, which connects neighborhoods, while creating a better line of traffic from Metro General Hospital, Meharry Medical College and TSU to Centennial Medical Center, HCA and Vanderbilt.
28TH AVE AND I-40 EXIT The 2009 2012 Gateway to Heritage Project called for overhead and directional signage for universities at the Jefferson Street exit ramp. Today, both the 28th Avenue exit and Jefferson Street exit have improved landscaping and signage for nearby universities and parks.
The non-profit community organization,
2000 North Nashville Community Development Corporation, creates master plan to increase development and growth on Jefferson Street
2005 MDHA establishes Jefferson Street as a Redvevelopment District and publishes design guidelines
1990 Jefferson Street Cooridor Study collects neighborhood history
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TIMELINE
1996
2002 The Metro Planning Department publishes the first North Nashville Community Plan
2004
2009
The Gateway to Heritage streetscape design plans are The Nashville Civic Design Center publishes finalized and introudced at a the Plan of Nashville, proposing interestate public unveiling ceremony restructuring in North Nashville
Left: 28th/31st ave connector streetscaping Right: I-40 28th ave exit streetscaping
2011 Nashville Civic Design Center Enhancing the Bridges publication explores highway capping in the cooridor
Metro Planning Department
2010 pubishes an updated North Nashville Community Plan
2012
2012 Gateway to Heritage plaza is opened
Nashville Next includes revitalization strategies 2017 Regional Transit Authority publishes study on a northwest coordior lightrail
2014 for the Jefferson Street cooridor
TSU publishes a master plan update
USDOT Every Place Counts Design Challenge visioning workshop focuses on Jefferson Street
2016
2017 NCDC begins stakeholder engagement for Jefferson Street Park
2025 2020 Opening of Jefferson Street Park
TIMELINE
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OPPORTUNITIES When developing public spaces in historically and culturally unique neighborhoods, it is important to recognize and reflect the identity of the existing residents. Public spaces along the Jefferson Street corridor should contain modern elements that generate value and enhance quality of life. As a predominately African-American community with a strong Civil Rights history, however, these spaces must also structurally and visually preserve the heritage of the neighborhood. The following recommendations for existing public spaces puts this into practice.
jefferson street Park 16TH AVE AND JEFFERSON STREET
The future home of Jefferson Street Park is a grass lot at the corner of 16th Avenue and Jefferson Street. The land was initially owned by Metro Water due to subsurface storm water basins located on site, but in 2017 the 0.34 acre property was transferred to Metro Parks and designated as a potential site for a pocket park. Â Given its convenient location in the center of universities, churches, and community centers the park has the potential to be a new neighborhood icon. Opportunities for institutional partnership exists if site features include outdoor performance and group gathering space. Recommendations for the site design include play areas, athletic amenities, seating and performance space. Historical, athletic and musical tributes are also priorities to meet community request for a cultural feature.
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JEFFERSON STREET PARK
Above: Existing conditions Left: Opportunity Now student park design / NCDC, 2018 During their internship, Opportunity Now students participated in a design exercise to craft their own vision of Jefferson Street Park. Their design incorporates the practice of combining modern amenities with culturally symbolic elements. Bottom Left: Interactive monument depicting Civil Rights history. Top Left: Outdoor seating structured “lunch counter style” to reflect students participating in sit-ins. Top Right: Community pavilion/performance space. Bottom Left: Community garden space. Center: Children’s play area.
JEFFERSON STREET PARK
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jefferson street pedestrian bridge 28TH AVENUE NORTH
The Jefferson Street footbridge serves as a method for pedestrians to cross the I-40 interstate. Reconnecting Alameda Street, it is the only pedestrian connective-way located on Jefferson Street, which physically reflects the interstate separation of the neighborhoods. Currently, the caged bridge is in need of major repairs, and access to the bridge on the southern side of Alameda Street is obstructed by overgrown shrubbery.
Existing Conditions
38 JEFFERSON STREET PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
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1 2 3
1. art piece
2. varied entrance options
3. seating
4. outdoor lighting
A modernized look could visibly enhance the area around the overpass and promote usage. The base of the stairway creates an opportunity to showcase local art. With landscaping improvements to the nearby grassy areas, benches and other seating could be applied to draw pedestrians toward the bridge. Since the bridge provides an opportunity to physically connect the once unified residential areas, art along the bridgeway could center around this point.
JEFFERSON STREET PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
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jubilee bridge
DR. D.B. TODD JR. BOULEVARD The Jubilee Bridge is located between Fisk University and Charlotte Avenue. As an elevated portion of DB Todd Jr. Blvd, the bridge passes over railways and warehouses, maintaining the atmosphere of the residential community above. The location provides pedestrians with a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline, but due to its unattractive appearance, does not receive the foot traffic it deserves. Enhancing the walkability of Jubilee Bridge would benefit both residents and university community members that frequently cross it.Â
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JUBILEE BRIDGE
Existing Conditions
Updated foliage along the bridge would visually enhance the space. The existing bike lanes on the northern end of DB. Todd Jr Blvd. could also be extended across the bridge. The raising the walls of the bridge could provide a space for art that could welcome visitors and brighten the space. Finally, artistically designed seating could encourage pedestrians to stop and enjoy the view of the Nashville skyline.Â
JUBILEE BRIDGE
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Conclusion
As Nashville continues to grow, the city will face a unique opportunity to highlight its rich history and the cultural diversity. Public spaces provide avenues to share both of these aspects with the greater community. The Jefferson Street corridor is an area that has been neglected, in terms of growth and development. Due to its strong Civil Rights heritage and contributions to Nashville’s historic musical legacy, it is the perfect location to begin expanding public spaces that preserve legacy and create a stronger community. To do so, we can look to examples of public space that creatively incorporate history through art, landscaping, and interactive features. Simultaneously, these spaces have the ability to become cultural centers that actively strengthen the community. Returning to our initial questions, we offer these steps: Â
How do we recognize the neighborhood identity of Jefferson Street? Recognizing neighborhood identity begins with understanding the history of the community. For Jefferson Street, the Civil Rights movement and business district hold significance for both the neighborhood and Nashville, as a whole. By providing features within public spaces that recognize this legacy we can help preserve the unique identity of the corridor. Commision art featuring elements that reflect neighborhood culture Construct monuments to local heroes Incorporate signage that highlights historic spaces within the neighborhood Place murals in neglected space to reclaim the area Create identifiers with staple neighborhood attributes (sidewalk elements, lighting styles, etc.)
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CONCLUSION
How do we reflect the interests of the community? Reflecting the interests of the community begins with engaging its members. Through public input for Jefferson Street Park, we learned that priorities for the entire corridor should be to strengthen the sense of community and provide fun and relaxing spaces for people to gather and interact. Public spaces can incorporate these elements to promote these activities and not only meet resident needs, but create attractive spaces for that encourage development and increase opportunity. Increase connectivity between neighborhood assets such as churches, schools, and cultural centers Enhance the walkability of the neighborhood and promote bike activity Provide sidewalk destinations in public spaces to promote interaction Develop greenways with exercise and recreational space
By preserving the history and culture of our neighborhoods through public spaces, we form stronger communities and promote a sense of belonging.
CONCLUSION
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was designed and written by: Jacqueline Cox, Research Fellow, Nashville Civic Design Center Significant contributions were provided by: Tracy Hicks, Research Fellow, Nashville Civic Design Center, Lesly Mendez, Intern, Nashville Civic Design Center, and Princess Deng, Intern, Nashville Civic Design Center This book was edited by Gary Gaston, Chief Executive Officer, Nashville Civic Design Center and Ron Yearwood, Design Director, Nashville Civic Design Center The Nashville Civic Design Center would like to give special thanks to Stephanie McCullough, Director of Community Engagement, Office of the Mayor for assistance with research and to Councilmembers Erica Gilmore, Freddie O'Connell, and Sharon Hurt; Nashville Metro Parks and Recreation staff members Tim Netsch, Rebecca Ratz, and Monique Odom; and Joseph Bazelias, Jefferson Street Art Crawl for assistance with community engagement. The Nashville Civic Design Center would also like to give special recognition to the Scott C. Chambers Fund. Nashville Civic Design Center Staff Gary Gaston, Chief Executive Officer Ron Yearwood, Design Director Melody Gibson, Education Director Eric Hoke, Design Manager Joseph Mays, Program Manager Jolie Yockey, Special Projects Jules Shainberg, Finance Coordinator Michael Thompson, Project and Evaluation Manager August 2018 www.civicdesigncenter.org
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SECTION TITLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS