Tennessee Oncology - Elliston Place Plaza
Healthcare
Tennessee Oncology’s Elliston Place Plaza unites cancer care, research, and administrative services into a single, human-centered facility within Nashville’s healthcare corridor. Designed for growth and resilience, the five-story building integrates sustainable strategies, biophilic design, and community-focused spaces to support healing, collaboration, and connection. The result is both a transformative resource for patients and caregivers and a civic landmark rooted in the cultural fabric of Nashville.
Awards Year | 2025
Project Statement
Tennessee Oncology’s new Elliston Place Plaza embodies a bold response to the challenges of delivering advanced healthcare in the heart of Nashville’s dense urban fabric. Strategically positioned between two major hospitals, the facility strengthens the city’s healthcare corridor while integrating seamlessly into its context. Pedestrian-friendly entrances, valet drop-off, and three levels of underground parking preserve street-level vitality, while shell space for future retail fosters long-term engagement with the community.
Design innovation is evident in the consolidation of multiple independent clinics into a unified, five-story, 310,000 -square-foot medical hub. The plan integrates infusion, exam, imaging, pharmacy, and lab services under one roof, enabling a streamlined “one-stop shop” for care. Vertical expansion capacity ensures resilience and adaptability, while biophilic features—from green roofs and bioswales to moss walls and natural materials—reinforce a restorative, human-centered environment.
Sustainability is embedded at every scale. Rainwater is filtered through a green roof before being directed to bioswales, reducing stormwater impacts while the green roof also cools the urban microclimate. EV chargers within the garage encourage cleaner mobility, and the green roof reduces energy demand over time. These strategies demonstrate long-term environmental stewardship, aligning patient well-being with ecological responsibility.
The design celebrates Nashville’s cultural identity while elevating the patient and caregiver experience. A two-story mural and mezzanine connections activate the public lobby, while infusion bays balance connection and privacy through acoustically protected pods complemented by private rooms. Thoughtful circulation minimizes walking distances, and wellness areas for caregivers acknowledge the importance of staff resilience in delivering quality care.
Above all, the project reflects a belief that healing is an experience, not just an outcome. From its community-oriented ground floor to its rooftop terrace offering outdoor respite, Elliston Place Plaza is both a transformative resource for cancer care and a civic landmark. By uniting context-sensitive design, environmental innovation, and a deeply human-centered approach, the facility sets a new benchmark for healthcare architecture in Nashville and beyond.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
Design for Equitable Communities: This building brings together several service lines for cancer treatment. This allows patients and staff a one stop shop for state of the art cancer treatment.
Design for Ecosystems: Bioswales and green roof are populated with native plants. Lobby glass is treated to reduce glare and reflections to reduce bird strikes.
Design for Water: Green Roof and Bioswales treat storm water before being reintroduced into the city system. Water can be stored on site in the bioswales during storm events.
Design for Well-being: Building brings nature into the interior spaces offering patients and staff views to the outside while also emulating nature on the inside. Patients are treated in community or private infusion bays so they can seek comfort in their own way. Lobby is accessible by all through the garage elevators, accessible entrances, or ride drop off so that everyone gets the same entry experience.
LEED/Green Certifications
Price/sq. ft. if provided
364
Photo Captions
1. Overall Image of Exterior
2. Site Placement and Analysis
3. Design Process Diagrams
4. Site Context Diagram
5. Aerial Exterior
6. Pedestrian View from Sidewalk Overlooking Bioswales
7. Lobby Entry
8. Lobby Entry
9. Lobby Seating
10. Infusion Bays
11. Planning Diagrams
12. Infusion Bay
13. Overall Image of Exterior
14. Elevation View of Exterior
15. Corner View of Exterior