Sonder Dovetail
Client:: Speedwagon Properties (w/ Sonder)
Type:: Multi-family apartments
Location:: 814 Church Street, Nashville, TN
Size:: 35,000 sf, 6 stories
Budget:: 8.1 million
Completed:: 2019
Realtor partner:: Sonder
Project Overview:
The Dovetail project represents an exceptional example of adaptive reuse, transforming the historic Piedmont Gas Building at 814 Church Street in Downtown Nashville into modern apartments with construction offices for Tony Giarratana’s adjacent projects around Nashville Yards on the ground floor. This six-story Art Deco building, originally constructed as an office space, has been reimagined as a contemporary living space while retaining its historic charm. The renovation successfully integrates the old and new, preserving the building’s character while adapting it for the needs of today’s residents. Located in the heart of Nashville, near the burgeoning Nashville Yards and iconic Honky Tonk Highway, the Dovetail apartments offer a vibrant and dynamic living experience.
Key Features:
Adaptive Reuse & Historic Preservation: The renovation of the Piedmont Gas Building carefully preserved its historical integrity while reconfiguring it for residential use. The building’s original structure was exposed, stripping the interior down to its core and creating a canvas for new, functional layouts. The resulting 1- and 2-bedroom apartments embrace the building’s historical features, blending the vintage charm of Art Deco elements with the clean lines and modern design of contemporary urban living.
Modern Living with Historic Charm: One of the standout features of the Dovetail apartments is the seamless balance between modern efficiency and historic preservation. The apartments feature efficient layouts with ample natural light, particularly on the east-facing side, which offers stunning views of Downtown Nashville. The design maximizes space while honoring the building’s past, offering residents a sense of comfort, character, and history.
Sustainability & Natural Light: The strategic use of natural lighting in the Dovetail apartments enhances both the aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency of the space. By allowing more light to enter the apartments, particularly on the east side, the design reduces the need for artificial lighting, contributing to a more sustainable living environment.
Prime Location & Community Connectivity: Situated in one of Nashville’s most vibrant areas, Dovetail is surrounded by the city’s rich musical and cultural history. The building is within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, offering residents an immersive Nashville experience. The ground-floor office space is occupied by Giarratana’s offices, further anchoring the building within the vibrant Nashville Yards neighborhood, a hub of activity and growth.
Ground-Floor Offices: The inclusion of office spaces on the ground floor provides a perfect blend of residential and professional environments. This added functionality makes the building a key asset to the growing Nashville Yards area, with offices and apartments contributing to the development’s dynamic mix of uses.
Challenges and Solutions:
The adaptive reuse of the Piedmont Gas Building presented the challenge of converting a shallow floor office building into a multi-family residential space. The solution was to carefully design the apartments with efficient layouts and modern amenities while retaining the building’s unique architectural character. The exposed historic structure became a focal point of the design, allowing for a clean, open layout that offers both functionality and a connection to the building’s past.
Outcome:
The renovation of 814 Church into the Dovetail Apartments has successfully transformed a once-aging office building into a vibrant, modern living space that celebrates both the history and future of Nashville. The adaptive reuse approach not only preserved the building’s character but also brought new life to the space, creating a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary living. With a prime location in Downtown Nashville, close to Nashville Yards, Amazon, and The Alcove residential tower, Dovetail offers residents an exciting, connected lifestyle in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. The result is a living environment that honors Nashville’s past while embracing its future.
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