Strobel House
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
The Strobel House provides permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and stands as the first development in Nashville built specifically for this purpose. This project marks a pivotal moment for the Nashville community, representing a significant step forward in addressing the city's urgent need for stable housing and comprehensive support services.
Awards Year | 2025
Project Statement
The Strobel House transforms a former industrial storage site into a 65,000-square-foot permanent supportive housing facility for individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Located along Nashville’s East Bank, the five-story building is part of a city-led initiative to revitalize the Cumberland River into an accessible, pedestrian-friendly greenway.
The LEED Gold-certified development comprises 90 fully furnished efficiency units, each featuring a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. On-site amenities include a computer lab, multipurpose rooms, and outdoor terraces offering panoramic views of the river and Downtown Nashville. First-floor case management offices provide residents with on-site resources in a familiar setting, while nearby communal spaces support engagement, healing, and community-building.
Designed with trauma-informed principles, the Strobel House supports healing through spaces that prioritize dignity and comfort. An earth-tone palette and intuitive circulation help create a sense of calm and ease. Varied window patterns give the building a distinct character while bringing in natural light, protecting privacy, and framing views of the river and city. These views create a connection to Nashville and offer residents a way to feel grounded in place and part of the community. A sense of connection is reinforced by public art along the exterior, which reflects residents’ stories and helps build a shared sense of pride and place.
In a city where housing costs continue to climb, the Strobel House shows how equitable, community-focused development can coexist within high-demand urban areas — and why it matters.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
**Equitable Communities:** More than just providing housing, the project aims to encourage social interaction among residents. By nurturing a supportive environment, the design helps individuals rebuild their lives and find personal importance within the community. Nashville’s Permanent Supportive Housing building is a testament to the city’s commitment to social equity and community enrichment.
**Integration:** Surrounded by market-rate and affordable housing developments, the building ensures inclusivity and community cohesion. A local artist was commissioned to create meaningful connections through public art on parts of the building to make every corner of the building a reflection of its residents' stories. The building is sensitive to human scale
**Well-being:** Designed to address a wide range of mental health challenges, the building program offers a holistic approach to social and mental support, with case management offices located on the first floor, and a vibrant multi-purpose room where community connections unfold. Each unit features expansive windows, offering stunning views of the river and maximum access to natural light.
LEED/Green Certifications
LEED Gold
Price/sq. ft. if provided
$323/ SF
Photo Captions
1. Perched on a sloped site overlooking the river, the Strobel House offers serene, uninterrupted views of the water.
2. The site, formerly an industrial storage area, has been transformed into a thriving neighborhood.
3. The first floor features resident amenities including case management offices, a bike room, and a computer room, while the upper floors house 90 one-bedroom apartments with community spaces.
4. A distinctive floor- to-ceiling window pattern is designed to help residents easily identify their new home.
5. The elevated private balcony decks offer scenic views to the river.
6. Natural daylight was optimized, giving residents’ views of the city.
7. Viewing balconies to the river allow residents a space to relax and converse.
8. The ground level entrance serves as a popular gathering spot where residents can engage in conversation and enjoy fresh air.
9. The south-west facade exposes a large meeting space where residents can have classes or hold learning events.
10. Cantilevered balconies provide views to the city or the river.
11. Interior apartments provide city views and community rooms provide convenient gathering spaces on each floor.
12. Located near downtown and surrounded by numerous resources to support an opportunity for renewal, the Strobel House facility has transformed the lives of many residents.
