Tanger Outlets Nashville
Large Project (over 25,000 sf)
Tanger Outlets Nashville features a contemporary open-air design that blends modern architecture with community-focused elements. The layout promotes fluid movement between its seven buildings, anchored by The Green, a vibrant communal space for events and gatherings.
The design emphasizes sustainability through the use of energy-efficient materials, rooftop solar panels, and smart water management systems, creating a healthy and eco-friendly environment. Additionally, 15 large-scale murals by local and national artists are woven into the center’s architecture, infusing Nashville’s creative spirit into the shopping experience and transforming the site into both a retail destination and a cultural landmark.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
Tanger Outlets Nashville, located in the rapidly growing Century Farms development, exemplifies a comprehensive approach to modern retail design by addressing critical site constraints, integrating innovative environmental practices, and blending with its local context. The site’s proximity to I-24 in Southeast Nashville ensures high accessibility, though working within an established development required thoughtful planning to maximize the center's 290,000 square feet of open-air space without compromising on aesthetic or environmental goals.
The design prioritizes customer experience, with features such as the central outdoor community space, The Green, fostering engagement through events and social interaction. The mall’s layout promotes smooth pedestrian flow between the seven buildings, all while enhancing product interaction and pickup options, crucial for today’s retail environment. Aesthetic and cultural innovations come through the inclusion of 15 large-scale murals, making Tanger Nashville more than a shopping destination—it’s a cultural hub celebrating the artistic spirit of Nashville. This also reflects a deeper connection with local history and context, where art becomes a vital element of the shopping experience.
Environmental considerations were deeply embedded in the project’s design, with a strong focus on sustainability. Tanger Nashville is in the process of earning LEED Silver certification, thanks to its integration of energy-efficient materials, rooftop solar panels capable of generating 1.4 megawatts of electricity annually, and advanced water management systems. The project also emphasizes biodiversity, featuring pollinator-friendly flora and even hosting a beehive as part of a national partnership. Electric vehicle charging stations and other eco-friendly measures further reduce the development’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.
In summary, Tanger Nashville successfully navigated site constraints by blending innovative design with sustainability and cultural elements. Its thoughtful approach to environmental considerations, from solar power to biodiversity efforts, coupled with a connection to Nashville's history and artistic community, makes it a benchmark for future retail developments. This project illustrates how modern retail spaces can balance commercial needs with sustainability and cultural enrichment, transforming them into vital community hubs.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
Tanger Nashville has been designed with a strong commitment to the principles outlined in the Framework for Design Excellence. It addresses the following three measures: Sustainability, Community Impact, and Health & Well-being. Below is a detailed narrative of how these measures have been integrated, supported by relevant metrics and outcomes where applicable.
Sustainability
Tanger Nashville prioritizes environmental stewardship through various sustainable practices. It incorporates advanced green building technologies and materials to minimize ecological impact. Key initiatives include:
Energy Efficiency:
Tanger Nashville features rooftop solar panels capable of generating up to 1.4 megawatts of electricity annually. This renewable energy source reduces reliance on non-renewable power and supports a significant portion of the center's energy needs. Solar panels generate sufficient power for approximately 1,000 homes annually.
Materials and Construction:
Energy-efficient materials and innovative construction techniques have been utilized, contributing to reduced overall energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. This approach is aligned with the goal of achieving LEED Silver certification.
Water Management:
Smart water management systems, including cloud-based landscape irrigation control and indoor/outdoor water reduction systems, have been implemented to optimize water use and reduce wastage.
Community Impact
Tanger Nashville has made a substantial impact on the local community, both economically and socially. Several initiatives have been undertaken to foster community well-being and economic growth:
Job Creation:
Approximately 1,100 part-time and permanent jobs have been created, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities in the area.
Local Engagement:
Local art and cultural elements have been incorporated into the design, including a collection of 15 large-scale murals by local and nationally recognized artists, enhancing the cultural vibrancy of the community.
Charitable Support:
A partnership with Musicians On Call, a local charity, and a grand opening event raised awareness and support for this cause.
Health & Well-being
The health and well-being of users have been central to the design approach of Tanger Nashville. Several features have been implemented to promote a healthy and safe environment:
Indoor Air Quality:
Advanced ventilation and filtration systems are included in the center's design to ensure high indoor air quality, contributing to a healthier environment for occupants.
Green Spaces:
Tanger Nashville features The Green, a central outdoor community space designed for relaxation and events, encouraging physical activity and social interaction among visitors.
Sustainable Transportation:
Twelve electric vehicle charging stations have been provided, promoting the use of sustainable commuting options and reducing the carbon footprint of visitors.
By focusing on these measures, Tanger Nashville not only aligns with the Framework for Design Excellence but also sets a benchmark for future developments in sustainability, community impact, and health & well-being.
LEED/Green Certifications
Tanger Nashville embodies Tanger’s enterprise-level commitment to building responsible, healthy shopping centers. The center was meticulously designed and constructed to meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification program for Building Design and Construction and is in process to receive Silver-level certification. Programs and materials Tanger Nashville featured to advance environmental sustainability include:
- Onsite rooftop solar panels capable of generating up to 1.4 megawatts of electricity annually – enough to power 1,000 homes.
- Energy-efficient materials and innovative construction techniques, designed to create a more sustainable, healthy environment and support decarbonization.
- 12 electric vehicle charging stations, available at no cost to center guests, encouraging shoppers to join Tanger in embracing sustainable commuting options.
- Center-wide LED lighting and digital lighting control systems, benefitting from the usage of onsite renewables generation, to minimize light pollution and reduce overall electricity consumption and heat emissions of the center.
- Smart water management, including indoor and outdoor water reduction systems, and a cloud-based landscape irrigation control system.
- Best practice cardboard recycling available for all stores and restaurants, supporting Tanger’s and its retail partners’ shared goal of zero-waste to landfills.
- An onsite electrical vehicle fleet – including a rechargeable security aerial drone and electric patrol car.
- Specialized roofing systems engineered to reflect sunlight help to reduce heat absorption at the center, subsequently resulting in both a reduction in refrigerant emissions, and a lower overall electricity consumption of HVAC systems.
Photo Captions
1. Collage of Recreational Facilities
2. Nashville Tanger Outlets
3. Onsite rooftop solar panels generate up to 1.4 megawatts of electricity annually—enough to power 1,000 homes.
4. Summersalt & Vineyard Vines
5. Tanger Nashville Site Plan
6. Tanger Nashville Front Entrance
7. Vera Bradley
8. Tanger Nashville features The Green, a central outdoor community space designed for relaxation and events, encouraging physical activity and social interaction.
9. Swarovski and Coach
10. The Green at Tanger Nashville
11. Vineyard Vines and Michael Kors
12. Puma and Oakley
13. Night Shoot of Promenade
14. The design incorporates local art and cultural elements, including 15 large-scale murals by local and nationally recognized artists, enhancing the community's cultural vibrancy.
15. 12 electric vehicle charging stations are available for free. The center also utilizes an electric vehicle fleet, including a security aerial drone and patrol car.
