Paseo South Gulch and the Transformation of Downtown Nashville
The second tower in the four-tower, mixed-use district Paseo South Gulch, designed by ESa, has announced it will be home to Pendry Hotel & Residences. Pendry prides itself on being “a collection of thoughtfully appointed hotels and residences designed to usher in a new era of luxury hospitality anchored by contemporary design, boutique culture and elevated service at every turn.”
Pendry Nashville will have 180 hotel keys and 146 for-sale Pendry Residences, a ground-floor restaurant and lobby bar, and a rooftop pool with a garden bar, among other upscale amenities. Nashville will be one of eight Pendry Residence locations.
Paseo South Gulch is the latest mixed-use project by ESa, which has been shaping Nashville’s skyline for more than 30 years. Nashville is renowned for its rich musical heritage, vibrant culture, and southern charm. Over the past two decades, downtown Nashville has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a modest business district into a bustling hub of entertainment, dining, and urban living. This revitalization has not only changed the city’s skyline but has also redefined its identity, attracting residents and visitors alike.
View more of our greater downtown Nashville work.
The Revival of Downtown Nashville
The 1990s was a massive catalyst for the city we know today. Previously overlooked and somewhere you probably didn’t want to visit, the area lacked the energy and vitality that characterized other major city centers. Recognizing the potential for growth and development, city officials and private investors embarked on an ambitious revitalization effort.
The 90s saw initiatives like the rehabilitation of 2nd Avenue and Lower Broad and the repurposing of the famed Ryman Auditorium. New developments included the completion of a major entertainment and performance space now called Bridgestone Arena, relocation of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to downtown, and Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
During this time of revival, the opportunity to design an iconic office tower was presented to ESa for South Central Bell (now AT&T). Standing 33 stories on 2.7 acres, the “Batman Building” has become a staple of Nashville and the state of Tennessee, being featured on the state’s driver’s licenses until 2024.
Decades later, ESa is still contributing to the growth of downtown and its uniquely Nashville aesthetic, from the world-renowned Schermerhorn Symphony Center to adaptive reuse and preservation projects like Dream Hotel and Holston House. The recently completed Tempo by Hilton, Development of the Year (Select/Limited Service) 2024 by Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), set the standard for creativity and placemaking.
The Rise of SoBro
South of Broadway, known as SoBro, has emerged as one of downtown Nashville’s most desirable neighborhoods. Formerly an industrial area, SoBro is now a thriving district filled with luxury condos, boutique hotels, and trendy restaurants.
Motto by Hilton, a micro-hotel on 0.27 acres located next door to another ESa hospitality project, Drury Plaza Hotel, Miles Nashville, a 16-story residential tower, and the 36-story residential tower 10th and Clark, are currently in design in the SoBro neighborhood.
The Transformation of The Gulch
Another area that has undergone significant redevelopment is The Gulch. Once a neglected railway yard, The Gulch is now a dynamic mixed-use LEED-certified neighborhood featuring high-rise condos, upscale boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants. Its proximity to downtown and easy access to public transportation have made it a sought-after destination for residents and visitors alike.
ESa has contributed to the rapid growth of this desirable district with our own office building, Gulch Crossing, and 333 11th Ave office building with adjoining Noble Park.
Mighty Designs in North Gulch
Between Broadway and Charlotte Avenue lies a small area with immense potential. 1111 Church opened in November 2024 and has become an example of what happens when you design intentionally for people. This 25-story residential tower has over 50,000 square feet of amenity space, truly putting the residents and their guests at the center and creating multiple experiences while not sacrificing the comfort and luxury of the dwellings. Another residential tower sits right next door, 125 11th Avenue, and is currently under construction. 1100 Porter, a 28-story hospitality and residential project currently in design, will add to the versatility of this area, along with the hotel and timeshare concept 1221 Grundy.
The transformation of the greater downtown Nashville area over the past 15-20 years is nothing short of remarkable. What was once a quiet business district is now a vibrant urban center, bustling with activity day and night. From the neon lights of Lower Broadway to the upscale developments of SoBro and The Gulch, the greater downtown area has become a destination in its own right, attracting residents, tourists, and businesses from around the world. As the city continues to grow and evolve, this vital piece of Nashville will undoubtedly remain at the heart of it all, serving as a testament to the power of creativity, revitalization and community investment.