Prima
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
Prima is a mixed-use residential project that extends the pedestrian realm through a retail activated spine, connecting two historic renovated structures.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
The accelerated development of Nashville has left a demand for the integration of existing, character-rich buildings and accessible public space. The strategic placement and design of Prima and the ground level "Paseo" provide an extraordinary pedestrian experience that is a strong contribution to the city. It is our belief that the existing buildings will be enriched through their incorporation into a larger vision of the overall project site through the creation of a district unique to Nashville. Retail activation and outdoor dining at the base of each project along with a covered “paseo” walkway allows for complete connectivity throughout the site. Prima at Paseo South Gulch consists of approximately 8,000 square feet of retail at the ground level, 18,000 square feet of liner loft office on levels 2 and 3, and 278 residential units ranging from studios to 2 bedrooms. The 234 parking spaces serve the residents, loft office users and the public. Design inspiration was drawn from the unique geometry of the site via the adjacent CSX railroad, and the two adaptive reuse buildings. Exposed concrete, masonry and metal found on the existing buildings are used on the podium and tower while the materials in the Paseo provide a softer experience through hand crafted tile, brass accents and wood slats along with public art installations. Prima is the first new building in a four-building master plan that builds on to and extends the ethos of the Paseo each phase.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
Designing for Integration, Change, and Discovery – The ground level of Prima seeks to engage with the history of Nashville through the “Paseo”. There is a thoughtful connection to the historic buildings through an integrated and holistic retail experience. Instead of the typical hard lined boundaries drawn in urban infill development that prohibits pedestrian discovery and walkable porosity, Prima sets an example for integrated urban mixed-use development. From the pedestrian hawk signal across 8th Ave S, all the way through Prima and the Voorhees building, there is a choreographed experience framed by multiple turns and elevation changes. The tactility and variety of old and new materials and public art provide a rich experience of the senses. Residents of Prima are fully connected to the Paseo district at the ground level and to the city at multiple levels on the building exterior amenity spaces. Residents of Prima and the public realm can claim the space at the ground level “inside” the boundaries of the site - a rare experience in an urban setting.
LEED/Green Certifications
Photo Captions
2 - Site context and history
3 - Site plan and master plan series
4 - Design form diagram
5 - View in the Paseo looking North
6 - Section perspective through the Paseo looking East
7 - First floor axonometric with images from a recent block party
8 - Public art and detail through the Paseo. From handmade tile to a brass paper plane installation, the public art is meant to engage with and pull the public in.
9 - Attractor. The parking garage screen art by Thom Faulders is loosely inspired by the local landform context of Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood, a topographic depression that spills southward from the Cumberland River. Prima is situated directly at the apex of this landform. With oscillating rings of porosity an overall 3-dimensional effect emerges upon this otherwise flat façade.
10 - Program and plan series
11 - 16th floor amenity terrace looking towards downtown
12 - Interior views of a typical residence
13 - Exterior detail and private dining room
14 - Prima lobby
15 - Overall exterior views
