Nashville Register of Deeds

Project Statement

As custodian of all real property records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, and a part of critical infrastructure, the Metro Nashville Register of Deeds (ROD) is charged with preserving current and historic documents that offer deep insights into Nashville’s past—everything from land to buildings to bills of sale for enslaved individuals. Evolving from handwritten entries to a fully digital system, the office ensures these public records remain accessible in person and online.

25 years ago, ROD moved from the Metropolitan Courthouse to Bridgestone Arena, which has become an increasingly congested area. Relocating back to Deaderick Street beneath an existing 10-story parking garage delivers more efficient vehicular access from I-40, I-65, and I-24, maintains pedestrian access throughout the downtown core, and facilitates intra-governmental collaboration between the State Capitol, Metro Courthouse, and other agencies.

Integrating ROD’s workflow into an existing bank in the downtown core required operations to evolve to meet their vision: Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future--Reimagining what a government office can be. Previously fractured, inefficient, cavernous, and devoid of daylight, the new space had the opportunity to become everything the old space was not. Mapping daylighting opportunities across varying scales of circulation and cross-referencing them with their workflow facilitated this transformation and integrated physical and visual strategies. Promoting accessibility, wellness, and visual connectivity, the layout offers direct visual and physical access for the public, while maximizing natural light and framed views. Transparency becomes the mechanism for enhancing user experience and reinforcing civic trust.

Key building components were repaired and modernized, including replacing a burnt-out chiller, adding UV-treatment to AHUs, spray-foam insulating the underside of the parking deck above, restoring solar film on existing single-pane windows, adding a new ADA ramp, and replacing a spiral staircase with a new elevator. Prioritizing quick-ship, low-VOC finishes, furnishings, and building materials, products were selected to support indoor air quality and maintain an ultra-fast-track schedule. The design transformed a neglected structure into a high-performing, wellness-oriented environment, ensuring that investment yields economic and human-centered returns.

The triple bottom line--the ROD inspires social, economic, and environmental value to its present and future occupants. It demonstrates how workflow-driven design can elevate public experience, creating spaces that not only support high performance but also reflect the values of the community they serve. In redefining the norms of civic architecture, the ROD stands as a model for how thoughtful design can foster trust, accessibility, and well-being.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

**DESIGN INTEGRATION** was central to the project, with glass walls, coordinated furniture systems, and intuitive circulation promoting connectivity and transparency. Historic elements, like a repurposed bank vault beneath an existing 1975 parking garage and gallery spaces curated by local artwork and historical photographs, root the project in place and culture, deepening public connection and sensory engagement. \n \n

\n **ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY** was achieved through adaptive reuse of the existing site and building, early-release packages, and sustainable material choices that reduce lifecycle costs and carbon footprint. Strategic use of space and systems support long-term flexibility and maintenance reduction for the current and future tenants. \n \n

 

**WELL-BEING** guided choices such as daylight access, improved indoor air quality, acoustic comfort, and universal accessibility. Spaces were crafted to encourage movement, social interaction, and mental restoration, fostering an inclusive and health-forward workplace that endeavors to maintain its certification as a great place to work.