Steps away from Music Row, where Edgehill Avenue meets Villa Place, the neighborhood of Edgehill Village is seeing heaps of change. Since Edgehill Village was purchased by Edgehill Village Partners (Rob Lowe, McClain Towery, Elliott Kyle and Jay Weaver) in spring of 2014 for an estimated $9.2 million, the area has undergone a slow — and welcomed — transformation in hopes of drawing regional and national attention. With the help of local companies Manuel Zeitlin Architects, Anne Daigh Landscape Architects and Phipps Construction Company, the revitalization of Edgehill Village has been a community effort to parallel the culture of Nashville through diverse shops, businesses and dining spots in one location.
In 1924, the area became home to White Way Cleaners, a steam laundry facility that was successfully operated for several decades. Seventy-six years later, in 2000, the White Way Cleaners buildings were rehabbed and converted into the Edgehill Village Shops. Edgehill (formerly Edgehill Café) and Taco Mamacita, two drawing points for the neighborhood, opened for business in 2010. The area is – and always has been – rich with character, and Edgehill Village Partners want to celebrate the history of the area and the unique environment it offers through the revitalization of this iconic space. Zeitlin saw the construction as an organic process: “We took our time and let it evolve. We took baby steps and made incremental changes. My one condition was that they must keep Legato Gelato,” he shares.
In addition to changes in landscape, new event facilities and ownership, the business directory is seeing a handful of updates as well. A few favorites, such as Kore + Nashville, Legato Gelato, Dulce Desserts, Taco Mamacita, Castilleja, Joe’s Barber Shop and Bella Napoli, will stay open for business and will be joined by new friends. With higher rent prices, we can expect to see some leases come to an end, but as champions of our local businesses, we hope the local flavor is there to stay.
Popular local eateries Taco Mamcita and Edgehill will continue to hold court in the neighborhood. This being said, Edgehill has a new location and an updated menu, as of last spring. “We are going from two hot plates, a convection oven and a panini press, which we used to serve 400 people a day, to a new kitchen … we will serve elevated Southern food that is approachable. Just as the neighborhood is changing, we are going to bring familiar stuff and elevate it,” head chef Michael Gilbert says of the changes. New menu items include the Hot Chicken Sandwich, The Edgehill Burger, fried chicken, Southern Scotch eggs and tomato braided beef short ribs. Check out the a new brunch menu, too, which showcases Hot Chicken and Biscuits, the Brunch Charcuterie Board, fried chicken and sweet potato biscuit bites.
Although the new Edgehill’s space is larger, it has a cozier feel too it, thanks to Chad James and his design team. You can snag a seat on the outdoor patio, relax in one of the booths that line the back left wall or get some work done at the communal tables or work spaces; either way, be sure to enjoy a wine, beer or coffee. “Sometimes it is about the cup and sometimes it is what you talk about over the cup,” Jack Egan, head barista, reminds us. Read more about this neighborhood eatery here.
Barcelona Wine Bar, sister to Bartaco, fills the old mall space, which is now unrecognizable. This wine and tapas bar offers small and large Spanish plates on the brunch and dinner menus as well as an extensive list of wines. Unlike the coastal vibes found at Bartaco, Barcelona’s environment airs more on the side of classic sophistication. Around the corner in the old boiler room, neighborhood-goers will find Old Glory, a concept birthed by owners of No. 308. The space that houses this trendy cocktail bar embraces the authentic architectural details of the steam laundry facility. A pool table, small kitchen, booths and a bar are tucked between the original brick columns and an original chimney stack. Rumor has it, this chimney stack was built in the heart of the property to discourage mafia members from tearing it down (as they often did to businesses that hindered their plans of domination). This specific space has sat unused, and we are thrilled to see how it has transformed into Old Glory, our new go-to spot for delicious craft cocktails and small plates.
SB Tip: The entrance to the bar is accessible from Edgehill Avenue, so make your way through the alley and find this hidden gem.
We are also excited that Warby Parker, J.Crew Men’s, American Threads, and Alton Lane have all claimed a spot in the development to service our fashion needs. Warby Parker, a trendy eyewear brand, is helping Nashvillians update their collection of sunglasses and glasses; J.Crew is servicing men on the hunt for elevate casual wear; American Threads offers clothing with a free-spirit style; and, Alton Lane custom-fitting suits and garments for men in a comfortable environment (don’t be surprised by their secret, button-activated entry way).
Keep your ears opened for news on the opening of Aesops, known for their line of skin, hair and body products, and Rudy’s Barbershop.
The office spaces will be occupied by Schaffer Law Firm, Manhead Merch, Live Nation, Good People, Chad James Group, AEG Live and AC Entertainment.
One main concern we have for neighborhood visitors is parking. With a gravel lot (that is in need of improvement), limited street options and minimal parking in front of Building 1201, navigating the parking options can definitely cause a headache. Renovations have been made in front of 1201, but we foresee the need for additional solutions. Jay Weaver, one of the Edgehill Village Partners out of Atlanta, is aware of the issue and there have been discussions of a parking deck. Our suggestion? Take an Uber or Lyft.
The proposed completion of the Edgehill Village renovations is fall 2016, but don’t want until then to stop by! Stay up-t0-date by visiting their website.
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