Since 2009, Historic Nashville has published the annual Nashville Nine, a list of the city’s historic properties endangered by demolition, neglect or development. Every year the Nashville Nine is compiled through a public nomination process revealing historic buildings and places that matter to the people of our city.
Since the program’s inception, Historic Nashville has brought to the public’s attention a wide variety of the city’s endangered landmarks, including historic houses, parks, civic landmarks, commercial buildings, neighborhood schools, churches, and even neon signs. These properties represent a range of historic time periods, architectural styles, and building types that embody Nashville and Davidson County’s rich cultural history.
Historic Nashville accepts nominations from the public on historic spaces in need of protection. The Nashville Nine represents historic properties across Nashville in danger of being lost to demolition, neglect, or inappropriate renovations. Throughout the year, Historic Nashville focuses its advocacy and education efforts on these locations.
There have been success stories from past Nashville Nine properties. The historic Highland Heights School in East Nashville, which houses KIPP Academy, received a $14.3 million renovation. The National Park Service documented the downtown French-Starr Piano building on 5th Avenue for its role in Nashville’s rich music history, and RCA Studio A on Music Row was purchased by a preservationist hours before the wrecking ball was slated to demolish it.
The Nashville Nine serves as Historic Nashville Inc.’s strongest advocacy tool for the preservation of Nashville’s unique history and sense of place. This includes buildings, neighborhoods, or historic landscapes in danger of being lost to demolition, redevelopment, or neglect. Through our work with property owners, elected officials, government agencies, neighborhood leaders, and the public, we educate, evaluate, and create informed solutions for preserving the places that matter most to Nashville.
Want to nominate a property? Click the button below!
You can also view past Nashville Nine Properties here.
