The Motley

Project Statement

The Motley is a transformative development that reimagines a blighted site in Nashville’s Midtown district, blending the past and future into a dynamic urban village. The project is situated on a former dairy plant site, a location that posed both a challenge and a unique opportunity to create a landmark at the threshold into downtown. The site's industrial heritage, marked by its masonry structures and iconic stainless steel dairy silos, served as a profound inspiration for the design while requiring a thoughtful integration with the evolving character of Midtown.

The design approach embraces these constraints through innovative architectural expressions that honor the site's history while projecting a contemporary vision. The phase 01 tower, surrounding a central, landscaped plaza, features a façade crafted from precast concrete panels that echo the impression of original silos. These impressions create a distinctive scalloped texture that both reflects the site’s industrial legacy and introduces a fresh, modern aesthetic to the Nashville skyline. “Dancing Arches” that are derived from the section and placement of the former silos animate both the base and top of the tower. This strategy of embedding history within the materiality of the building creates a unique visual dialogue between past and present, anchoring the new development in its storied context.

Central to the project is a commitment to creating a pedestrian-oriented “Urban Village” environment that aligns with Nashville’s aspirations for a more connected, walkable city. The design emphasizes ground-level activation with a mix of retail spaces and outdoor amenities that foster interaction and community engagement. The central plaza is envisioned as a vibrant public space that serves not only residents but also the broader community, enhancing the social fabric of the area. A unique "stramp," a combination of stairs and ramp, navigates the site’s twelve-foot grade change, linking the plaza to key pedestrian pathways while enhancing accessibility and movement throughout the development.

In order to achieve these goals, as well as sustainable, people-centered urban spaces, the project incorporates a four-story, below-grade parking structure, freeing the above-ground area for public use and minimizing the impact of vehicles on the urban landscape. Thoughtful design moves, like strategically placed vehicular access points and concealed service entries, further promote walkability and reduce car dependency. This approach, combined with abundant green spaces, outdoor porches, and communal areas, fosters a lively, interactive environment that captures the essence of Southern hospitality while integrating global planning ideals focused on nature, community, and culture.

The Motley is positioned to become both a destination and a point of connection, drawing people to experience its mixed-use spaces and unique architectural composition. By weaving together elements of Nashville’s industrial past with a forward-looking vision for urban living, the project sets a new standard for innovative design and placemaking in the Midtown district. Construction began on the first phase and it’s 27 story, 325 unit tower in September 2024.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

#1. Design for Equitable Communities The Motley creates an inclusive and vibrant environment that connects people and enhances community life. Centered around a landscaped plaza, with integrated retail, outdoor amenities, and a public dog park, the project provides welcoming spaces for both residents and the broader Nashville community. By prioritizing walkability and pedestrian-friendly design, the development strengthens connections between the site and its surrounding neighborhoods, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience. The project also provides new bike lanes and public sidewalks around the site.

## 2. Design for Integration

The Motley exemplifies a unified design approach that seamlessly integrates the site's historical context, urban setting, and contemporary needs. Precast concrete façades with impressions of the original silos pay tribute to the former dairy plant’s industrial heritage while delivering a modern architectural expression. The inclusion of a pre-glazed window system in the precast panels enhances construction efficiency and quality, demonstrating innovative use of materials and construction methods that align with both aesthetic and functional goals.

## 3. Design for Well-being

The Motley is designed to promote health and well-being through a dynamic, pedestrian-oriented environment featuring green spaces, communal areas, and a public dog park. These features encourage physical activity, social interaction, and a connection with nature, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The project also includes for residence outdoor "porches" through the use of exterior terraces, along with a variety of amenity spaces such as a fitness center, an amenity lounge, a private dog run, and a pool deck with a shade structure for comfort. These amenities offer diverse opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and community-building, further supporting a healthy and engaging urban lifestyle. The project’s design elements, such as the accessible "stramp," landscaped plaza, and discreet vehicular access, prioritize comfort, safety, and enjoyment, creating a lively urban village atmosphere.