Residents help revitalize historic Chestnut Hill area
TAG association cleans up and builds up neighborhood, while developers refurbish houses on Second Avenue
The Tennessean • July 18, 2008
When David Pritchard left behind his career as a film and television producer in L.A., he didn't do it because he wanted to leave the business.
He did it because he wanted a better place to live. And that's what landed him in Nashville's historic Chestnut Hill neighborhood, which he is helping to revitalize.
Formerly called the Cameron-Trimble neighborhood, the neighborhood has traditionally been known as a high-crime area. But the Trimble Action Group, a neighborhood association with the acronym TAG, pushed to have the name changed and the neighborhood cleaned up. Part of this effort has involved the work of several developers, who have been refurbishing some of the neighborhood's historic homes along Second Avenue South.
"Everybody is working together," said Pritchard, who has lived in the neighborhood 10 years. "The whole idea was to signal that the neighborhood is moving ahead with change and revitalization."
Jim Jacanin, a developer and a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, said the neighborhood has homes built as late as the 1960s and as early as the 1800s "that slowly fell into disrepair."
"You've got a really interesting mix," he said.
Jacanin said the revitalization project has involved refurbishing about 15 homes.
Community gets repairs, walking track
Also, said Pritchard, the neighborhood received a Community Development Block Grant for more than $500,000 to help in the revitalization effort.
The neighborhood voted to use the funds to repair the homes of older, low-income residents. Repairs included new roofs for homes that leaked; new heating and air conditioning units; and new windows.
"We also built a walking track in the neighborhood for people to get exercise and (to) bring the community together," Pritchard said.
Pritchard said a lot of new residents are moving to the neighborhood, and "that's what the neighborhood needs."
But at the same time, he added, the goal is to keep the neighborhood's current residents and make it a better place for them.
New, old neighbors join together
Mark Buchanan, who lived in East Nashville for eight years, is among the residents who have moved to Chestnut Hill recently. He said he decided to move there because he was looking for a new home, and the ones in Chestnut Hill were in his price range and in a convenient location. Also, he said, he liked the character of the neighborhood and the quality of the homes.
All of his neighbors are friendly, said Buchanan. "I just like the feeling of the neighborhood."
George Taylor Sr. has lived in Chestnut Hill for three years, but is a longtime South Nashville resident. He also graduated from the former Cameron High School and studied business administration at Tennessee State University.
"I think they're fantastic," Taylor said about the changes. "This part of town is historic," he said, and he's glad to see it preserved.
Among the historic buildings in the neighborhood is St. Patrick's Church, built in 1890.
Taylor said the neighborhood has had its struggle throughout the years.
But he thinks in the next few years, people will say that the area has "improved immensely."
News, interests, info and tips about the Real Estate Market in Middle Tennessee. Our Focus is the Nashville area, both Williamson and Davidson County and the surrounding areas of Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Thompson's Station, Hendersonville, Leipers Fork, Belle Meade, Nolensville, the Cool Springs area and the Vanderbilt area
July 19, 2008
July 18, 2008
Hill Center at Belle Meade expanded
The Tennessean• July 16, 2008
H.G. Hill Realty Co. has bought a gas station next to its Hill Center at Belle Meade redevelopment, a spokesman for the Nashville developer said.
The firm paid $1.3 million for the Griffin Phillips 66 & Tire Co. at 4328 Harding Pike. The deal includes the gas station and about a quarter acre of land.
The property will be added to the Hill Center, a 10-acre office and retail project near the intersection of White Bridge Road and Harding Pike, the spokesman said. The deal will let H.G. Hill expand the project’s retail component.
The Tennessean• July 16, 2008
H.G. Hill Realty Co. has bought a gas station next to its Hill Center at Belle Meade redevelopment, a spokesman for the Nashville developer said.
The firm paid $1.3 million for the Griffin Phillips 66 & Tire Co. at 4328 Harding Pike. The deal includes the gas station and about a quarter acre of land.
The property will be added to the Hill Center, a 10-acre office and retail project near the intersection of White Bridge Road and Harding Pike, the spokesman said. The deal will let H.G. Hill expand the project’s retail component.
Real estate: Condo sales still on a high note
The Tennessean • July 16, 2008
June 2008 came and left quietly, it seemed. There were no exciting announcements of developments, be they in suburbs, urban areas or new urban areas.
In an unassuming way, history was made in the residential real estate industry in the Nashville area. In numbers released last week by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, the median price of condominiums sold surpassed the median price of single-family homes, for at least one month.
But wait, there's more. Closed condominium sales for the first half of 2008 were 1,377 compared with 1,682 for the first half of 2007, according to GNAR. However, the developers of several new condos did not report their presales as closed sales when they did, in fact, close, in the Realtracs system. In the Adelicia alone, there are more than 130 sales in 2008 that were not reported.
If the Adelicia 2008 closed sales were added to the numbers for the first half of 2008, condo sales would be down only 12 percent, while overall, sales are down 28 percent for the year. It should be noted that condominium sales comprise about 33.6 percent of the total sales, but that segment of the market is now faring better than single-family homes.
There has been abundant speculation as to how the downtown and midtown condos would fare, and there have been debates over the question as to whether or not the developers are overbuilding the market. At this point, the developers are winning the argument: Viridian (305 units closed), Bristol on Broadway (186 units closed), Bennie Dillon Building (102 closed sales), Bristol on West End (161 units closed), Encore (154 units closed), Adelicia (160 sales) and countless 8- to 10-unit developments representing approximately 200 additional units scattered about the area.
These 1,523 sales were over the course of four years. In the next few months an additional 1,000 units will near completion in the Gulch with Icon, Terrazzo and Velocity, and on Music Row with the Rhythm. Mark Deutschmann with Village Real Estate Services reported three cash sales last week alone in Rhythm and feels that it will sell out within a few months of completion, and Stephanie Brooks from Zeitlin Realtors cited similar sales volume at Terrazzo.
Ivy Arnold and Scott Evans of Village Real Estate said Icon closings are moving forward at a rapid pace, and there is substantial interest in new buyers replacing those with contracts two years ago who can't close.
In the music business, recording artists are as good as their last record. In the Nashville condo business, the market is as good as its last project. The next few months hold the answer. So far, so good.
The Tennessean • July 16, 2008
June 2008 came and left quietly, it seemed. There were no exciting announcements of developments, be they in suburbs, urban areas or new urban areas.
In an unassuming way, history was made in the residential real estate industry in the Nashville area. In numbers released last week by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, the median price of condominiums sold surpassed the median price of single-family homes, for at least one month.
But wait, there's more. Closed condominium sales for the first half of 2008 were 1,377 compared with 1,682 for the first half of 2007, according to GNAR. However, the developers of several new condos did not report their presales as closed sales when they did, in fact, close, in the Realtracs system. In the Adelicia alone, there are more than 130 sales in 2008 that were not reported.
If the Adelicia 2008 closed sales were added to the numbers for the first half of 2008, condo sales would be down only 12 percent, while overall, sales are down 28 percent for the year. It should be noted that condominium sales comprise about 33.6 percent of the total sales, but that segment of the market is now faring better than single-family homes.
There has been abundant speculation as to how the downtown and midtown condos would fare, and there have been debates over the question as to whether or not the developers are overbuilding the market. At this point, the developers are winning the argument: Viridian (305 units closed), Bristol on Broadway (186 units closed), Bennie Dillon Building (102 closed sales), Bristol on West End (161 units closed), Encore (154 units closed), Adelicia (160 sales) and countless 8- to 10-unit developments representing approximately 200 additional units scattered about the area.
These 1,523 sales were over the course of four years. In the next few months an additional 1,000 units will near completion in the Gulch with Icon, Terrazzo and Velocity, and on Music Row with the Rhythm. Mark Deutschmann with Village Real Estate Services reported three cash sales last week alone in Rhythm and feels that it will sell out within a few months of completion, and Stephanie Brooks from Zeitlin Realtors cited similar sales volume at Terrazzo.
Ivy Arnold and Scott Evans of Village Real Estate said Icon closings are moving forward at a rapid pace, and there is substantial interest in new buyers replacing those with contracts two years ago who can't close.
In the music business, recording artists are as good as their last record. In the Nashville condo business, the market is as good as its last project. The next few months hold the answer. So far, so good.
More restaurants on way to Harpeth Village
Zaxby's will be first in development's second phase
The Tennessean • July 17, 2008
FRANKLIN— Tim Ness, head chef and co-owner of Cool Cafe in the Shoppes at Harpeth Village shopping center, comes into work at 4 a.m. every day to prepare for the big lunch rush.
But more prep time may be necessary once construction on the new phase of development adjacent to their building is finished in spring 2009.
Work on two more acres of land lining Hillsboro Road near the intersection of Mack Hatcher Parkway began a few weeks ago. The $3 million retail project will bring 10,000 more square feet of commercial space.
Cool Cafe was part of the first phase of retail development that began three years ago and brought mostly food destinations including Italian, Chinese and chain options.
That's exactly how property owner David Crabtree planned it. "The feedback I got was more restaurants in residential areas so families can come, and we're building on that theme," he said.
Indeed, the first announced tenant of the final phase is a 3,300-square-foot Zaxby's — a fast-casual chain restaurant focusing on chicken.
Crabtree isn't naming other tenants yet, but promises there will be at least five retail stores moving in to complement the existing restaurants, wine shop, bicycle and nail shops, ice cream parlor, bank and gas station.
"We always encourage development," said Cool Cafe co-owner Sue Hughes. "One restaurant or 10 in this area, we all share the business."
Although Crabtree had intentions from the beginning to build out the entire 11-acre area, he said he paused after completing the first phase to give him time to find the right tenants to round out shoppers' retail experience.
Zaxby's will be first in development's second phase
The Tennessean • July 17, 2008
FRANKLIN— Tim Ness, head chef and co-owner of Cool Cafe in the Shoppes at Harpeth Village shopping center, comes into work at 4 a.m. every day to prepare for the big lunch rush.
But more prep time may be necessary once construction on the new phase of development adjacent to their building is finished in spring 2009.
Work on two more acres of land lining Hillsboro Road near the intersection of Mack Hatcher Parkway began a few weeks ago. The $3 million retail project will bring 10,000 more square feet of commercial space.
Cool Cafe was part of the first phase of retail development that began three years ago and brought mostly food destinations including Italian, Chinese and chain options.
That's exactly how property owner David Crabtree planned it. "The feedback I got was more restaurants in residential areas so families can come, and we're building on that theme," he said.
Indeed, the first announced tenant of the final phase is a 3,300-square-foot Zaxby's — a fast-casual chain restaurant focusing on chicken.
Crabtree isn't naming other tenants yet, but promises there will be at least five retail stores moving in to complement the existing restaurants, wine shop, bicycle and nail shops, ice cream parlor, bank and gas station.
"We always encourage development," said Cool Cafe co-owner Sue Hughes. "One restaurant or 10 in this area, we all share the business."
Although Crabtree had intentions from the beginning to build out the entire 11-acre area, he said he paused after completing the first phase to give him time to find the right tenants to round out shoppers' retail experience.
July 16, 2008
Franklin, TN makes Money Magazines best place to live
Money Magazine
Top 100 rank: #45
Population: 55,800
Compare Franklin to Top 10 Best Places
Once a bloody Civil War battleground named for the guy whose face is on the $100 bill, Franklin is a rare blend of history and progress.
A historic downtown strip offers some of the best antique shopping and dining around. Numerous corporate headquarters, including Nissan North America, Healthtways, Inc. and Mars Petcare US, contribute to Franklins healthy job market and thriving economy.
Residents enjoy the towns rich and charming history along with affordable housing and a short commute to Nashville.
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/snapshots/PL4727740.html
A makeover will create a new Town Center
Town center plan may redefine Nolensville
The Tennessean • July 16, 2008
NOLENSVILLE — Bill Tisano owns 18,000 square feet of empty commercial space in the center of Nolensville.
His buildings once housed the town's only grocery store, Piggly Wiggly. When that closed a year and a half ago, nothing came along to replace it.
"Since that time, I probably get five people a week saying 'What's going on with Piggly Wiggly?' " he said.
Offers did come in. Tisano turned down six churches, a Fred's store and a skating rink all wanting to open in the empty buildings.
It seemed as though nothing would come of the abandoned space, but last month, Tisano unveiled a $12 million redevelopment concept plan that calls for turning the old Piggly Wiggly building into a town center with retail and civic buildings occupying "an old, Main Street-looking" development.
The centerpiece of the proposal will be an expanded Town Hall, owned by Nolensville, which Tisano hopes will be joined by other civic institutions such as utility services and a county library branch.
The town held a nonvoting workshop in late June to discuss the possibility of moving into the future development. Nolensville currently leases town hall space in a shopping center within the proposed town center redevelopment.
"It seems to be the correct location as what the founding leaders determined to be the center of town," Mayor Beth Lothers said. "The redevelopment of the entire site could include some permanent town hall space that we would be purchasing and not leasing. The town needs to develop some assets. That would be a long-term solution."
She specified that it would be up to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen whether or not they purchased a site in the development, but Tisano said he's willing to sell the town about 1.6 acres for a town hall.
"I'll make it work any way to make it work," he said.
Target date: late 2009
If he can "make it work" with the town, Tisano would like to begin demolition of the Piggly Wiggly building in the next few months, with the new development opening late next year.
"It really revitalizes that whole section," Lothers said. "It'll be more small-town quaint. It needs to be revitalized. It's good for quality of life, economics, property values."
It's the type of development many Nolensville residents want, according to a recent economic development survey conducted by Middle Tennessee State University. The survey found 86 percent of respondents want Nolensville to develop a town center within a quarter-mile of Sonic on Nolensville Road. Inside that town center, 72 percent of those polled want retail store space and 67 percent want government offices.
"We put the town center on the survey specifically to gauge interest on what was going on there," said Jason Patrick, Nolensville's Economic Development Committee chairman. "Certainly from the results from the survey, people were overwhelmingly supportive of the town center."
Tisano said he also wants a mix of government and retail use there. He intends to put up two-story buildings, with the first floor reserved for retail businesses and the second floor used for office space. And he plans for the retail to match the small-town, "Main Street" look of the development.
"I've been looking for a butcher," he said. "A glorified butcher shop with good meats, good fish and fruits and vegetables. An Old World feel."
The Tennessean • July 16, 2008
NOLENSVILLE — Bill Tisano owns 18,000 square feet of empty commercial space in the center of Nolensville.
His buildings once housed the town's only grocery store, Piggly Wiggly. When that closed a year and a half ago, nothing came along to replace it.
"Since that time, I probably get five people a week saying 'What's going on with Piggly Wiggly?' " he said.
Offers did come in. Tisano turned down six churches, a Fred's store and a skating rink all wanting to open in the empty buildings.
It seemed as though nothing would come of the abandoned space, but last month, Tisano unveiled a $12 million redevelopment concept plan that calls for turning the old Piggly Wiggly building into a town center with retail and civic buildings occupying "an old, Main Street-looking" development.
The centerpiece of the proposal will be an expanded Town Hall, owned by Nolensville, which Tisano hopes will be joined by other civic institutions such as utility services and a county library branch.
The town held a nonvoting workshop in late June to discuss the possibility of moving into the future development. Nolensville currently leases town hall space in a shopping center within the proposed town center redevelopment.
"It seems to be the correct location as what the founding leaders determined to be the center of town," Mayor Beth Lothers said. "The redevelopment of the entire site could include some permanent town hall space that we would be purchasing and not leasing. The town needs to develop some assets. That would be a long-term solution."
She specified that it would be up to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen whether or not they purchased a site in the development, but Tisano said he's willing to sell the town about 1.6 acres for a town hall.
"I'll make it work any way to make it work," he said.
Target date: late 2009
If he can "make it work" with the town, Tisano would like to begin demolition of the Piggly Wiggly building in the next few months, with the new development opening late next year.
"It really revitalizes that whole section," Lothers said. "It'll be more small-town quaint. It needs to be revitalized. It's good for quality of life, economics, property values."
It's the type of development many Nolensville residents want, according to a recent economic development survey conducted by Middle Tennessee State University. The survey found 86 percent of respondents want Nolensville to develop a town center within a quarter-mile of Sonic on Nolensville Road. Inside that town center, 72 percent of those polled want retail store space and 67 percent want government offices.
"We put the town center on the survey specifically to gauge interest on what was going on there," said Jason Patrick, Nolensville's Economic Development Committee chairman. "Certainly from the results from the survey, people were overwhelmingly supportive of the town center."
Tisano said he also wants a mix of government and retail use there. He intends to put up two-story buildings, with the first floor reserved for retail businesses and the second floor used for office space. And he plans for the retail to match the small-town, "Main Street" look of the development.
"I've been looking for a butcher," he said. "A glorified butcher shop with good meats, good fish and fruits and vegetables. An Old World feel."
Franklin considering commercial ventures in city parks
City considers commercial ventures' place in parks
The Tennessean • July 16, 2008
FRANKLIN — Should Franklin's public parks be kept free and open for anyone, even if they make an income there?
That's the question Franklin officials face as they create the city's first for-profit policy to regulate use in the city's parks.
Under an initial proposal, anyone who uses the parks to conduct a commercial venture, from private sports instructors to road-race organizers, would be charged fees as well as a percentage of the earnings made while using park space to hold classes or events. There currently is no policy on the matter.
While that plan didn't get much footing from aldermen, city Parks Director Lisa Clayton believes her plan might ultimately mean better use of park space by more people.
"They've got a business . . . and using court space where the general public and school groups can't get on it," Clayton said. "That's an issue."
Clayton initially proposed charging applicants 20 percent of the gross fees they collect from all class participants, or a minimum charge of $1,000. That's in addition to a $15 fee per participant for non-Williamson County residents.
But aldermen balked at the plans. And business owners who use the parks had questions about how the proposal would affect their businesses.
"For my particular business, I can't operate successfully if I don't use the park," said Deena Prichard, owner of Stroller Strides of the Nashville Area, which leads post-natal personal training classes. "For my business, personally, we need a safe place, and we need to be outside."
Among city leaders, Alderman Dana McLendon raised immediate concerns because of the cost. McLendon, an avid baseball fan, worried that the plan would hurt private instructors who hold classes out of love for the sport and could eventually decrease use of the parks.
McLendon called the proposal "somewhat unwieldy" because coaches, instructors and others who might be charged would have to tell parks staff whether they would have to pay $1,000 or 20 percent.
"I think it would have put a lot of people in a difficult position," McLendon said. "I don't know that we're trying to get at the individual coach. What we really need is scheduling and programming control more so than we have. And that seemed to be more fee-driven than really programming-oriented."
Proposal under revision
Clayton is revising her proposal and plans to bring it back to the board later this summer. She stressed, however, that her plans aren't meant to discourage use of the parks, just how they are used.
"What we're beginning to see more of is outsider groups coming in and performing classes," she said.
She's conducting research in other states and cities about their parks policy. Williamson County parks officials have their own instructors on staff. The city, however, has steered away from doing programming, instead focusing mainly on facilities.
Clayton said her plan drew positive and negative feedback among instructors and others.
Russell Weihe, a Franklin tennis pro, said if city officials approve a fee, he doesn't want it to be too costly so that it hurts his business or use of the courts.
"I don't have a problem at all with them charging a fee," Weihe said. "The question is, how much is that fee?"
The Tennessean • July 16, 2008
FRANKLIN — Should Franklin's public parks be kept free and open for anyone, even if they make an income there?
That's the question Franklin officials face as they create the city's first for-profit policy to regulate use in the city's parks.
Under an initial proposal, anyone who uses the parks to conduct a commercial venture, from private sports instructors to road-race organizers, would be charged fees as well as a percentage of the earnings made while using park space to hold classes or events. There currently is no policy on the matter.
While that plan didn't get much footing from aldermen, city Parks Director Lisa Clayton believes her plan might ultimately mean better use of park space by more people.
"They've got a business . . . and using court space where the general public and school groups can't get on it," Clayton said. "That's an issue."
Clayton initially proposed charging applicants 20 percent of the gross fees they collect from all class participants, or a minimum charge of $1,000. That's in addition to a $15 fee per participant for non-Williamson County residents.
But aldermen balked at the plans. And business owners who use the parks had questions about how the proposal would affect their businesses.
"For my particular business, I can't operate successfully if I don't use the park," said Deena Prichard, owner of Stroller Strides of the Nashville Area, which leads post-natal personal training classes. "For my business, personally, we need a safe place, and we need to be outside."
Among city leaders, Alderman Dana McLendon raised immediate concerns because of the cost. McLendon, an avid baseball fan, worried that the plan would hurt private instructors who hold classes out of love for the sport and could eventually decrease use of the parks.
McLendon called the proposal "somewhat unwieldy" because coaches, instructors and others who might be charged would have to tell parks staff whether they would have to pay $1,000 or 20 percent.
"I think it would have put a lot of people in a difficult position," McLendon said. "I don't know that we're trying to get at the individual coach. What we really need is scheduling and programming control more so than we have. And that seemed to be more fee-driven than really programming-oriented."
Proposal under revision
Clayton is revising her proposal and plans to bring it back to the board later this summer. She stressed, however, that her plans aren't meant to discourage use of the parks, just how they are used.
"What we're beginning to see more of is outsider groups coming in and performing classes," she said.
She's conducting research in other states and cities about their parks policy. Williamson County parks officials have their own instructors on staff. The city, however, has steered away from doing programming, instead focusing mainly on facilities.
Clayton said her plan drew positive and negative feedback among instructors and others.
Russell Weihe, a Franklin tennis pro, said if city officials approve a fee, he doesn't want it to be too costly so that it hurts his business or use of the courts.
"I don't have a problem at all with them charging a fee," Weihe said. "The question is, how much is that fee?"
July 14, 2008
New Magnolia Valley Estates coming to Eagleville
Upscale subdivision coming to Eagleville
The Daily News Journal • July 13, 2008
EAGLEVILLE — Upscale housing and country living are becoming one in Rutherford County's smallest town.
Sam and Mary Tune are turning 114 acres of their 366-acre Eagleville farm at 2133 Allisona Road into Magnolia Valley Estates.
Described as an upscale, equine development, the Tunes are selling 38 lots ranging from 1.1 acres to 6.5 acres for $99,500 to $199,000.
Sam Tune estimates the average home will cost $350,000 to $1 million. The Tunes have a preferred builder, Blake & Wells Custom Homes, but buyers can hire their own custom builder.
"We have a top-notch horse training facility," Mary Tune said. "That's going to be a key factor in our development."
Typically, residents of such a community pay a fee for the facility whether they use it or not, but the Tunes said the residents will have an option.
Four lots are under contract.
"I think it's a very nice development," said Nolan Barham, Eagleville's mayor. "It has potential for success."
The Tunes have been working on plans for the development for the past year and a half. In April, the Rutherford County Planning Commission approved their plans. The property is outside of Eagleville's city limits.
The Tunes expect all of the property will be sold within 24 months, and construction of the first home will begin this fall.
"That's when the roads and utilities will be completed," Mary Tune said.
The Tunes, who are also the project's developers, are having about a mile-long road built that will circle the development.
Mary Tune said they had the engineers reroute the layout of the road several times to maintain the land's natural flow.
The farm land is not typical Rutherford County land but it's comparable to Williamson County, the Tunes said.
"The rolling hills, quality of the soil, character of the entire farm, deep-well drained soil" are some of the property's attributes, Sam Tune said.
Some lots are clear while others have wooded areas.
"No two lots are alike," Mary Tune said. "We request that they (buyers) would not destroy trees if possible. (That's) usually not a problem because most people want trees."
They say some of the houses won't even be seen because they will be nestled by trees.
"It's almost like a hidden development," Mary Tune said.
Sam Tune said they could have built 200 homes on the property, but "we wanted to do something different."
The couple hopes their development complements and promotes Eagleville.
"We wanted quality rather than quantity," he added. "That's bottom line."
Tune said the farm was established right after the Revolutionary War.
The owner received a war grant to establish what was then a plantation.
The Tunes don't know exactly how large it was originally. They've been told it had anywhere from 1,000 acres to 5,000 acres.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the farm was the site of horse shows and galas. They said it was considered a prestigious farm.
The Tunes, who bought the property two years ago, hope Eagleville's proximity to Franklin, Nashville and Murfreesboro will attract buyers to their development.
They hope Magnolia Valley Estates becomes a "Southern status symbol."
Sam Tune along with other Eagleville business leaders started organizing an Eagleville Business and Community After Hours in January. Similar to the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours, the Eagleville event brings local business and community members together.
Their latest event was Thursday. Many of those in attendance are excited about what's going on in the community.
The town of about 500 residents will soon have a few new restaurants and businesses.
The Billy Goat Cafe, which is owned by Chris Wood, deputy chief of the town's fire department, and his father, Doyle, is under construction at the intersection of highways 99 and 41-A.
On the corner adjacent to the intersection, Keith Crowson, 38, of Murfreesboro, is planning to open three business — a dry cleaners and two furniture stores.
He has started setting up a showroom for the hotel furniture portion of his business, Main Street Hotel Liquidators. Crowson sells sets of used furniture for home stages, lounges and smaller hotels. He hopes to open that business in the coming weeks.
His second business, Main Street Interiors, will feature antiques. Crowson hopes to open his third shop, Main Street Cleaners, in early October.
"The focus is quality over quantity and superior service," he said.
Crowson said he loves Eagleville and its "small town, family culture."
"Eagleville is steeped in its history," he said. "Its got its eye looking forward progressive to the future."
For example, the portion of Highway 99 that runs into Eagleville is being widened. It will run behind Eagleville High School, branch off the existing road near Swamp Road, and join U.S. 41 Alternate south of Eagleville. The existing section of Highway 99 will also be improved between Eagleville and Rockvale.
The community will celebrate the start of the last phase of the highway's construction on July 23.
Sun Country, a tanning salon located at 163-A N. Main St., recently opened. The Eagle Roost Smokehouse & Grill, which is also owned by the Woods, will be downstairs of the salon. It is expected to open this summer.
Rhonda James, owner of The Lamp Shop & Supply, said she's seen a lot of businesses come and go along Main Street. In the three years she's been there, she said two businesses were at the intersection of highways 99 and 41-A before the building was torn down. Now the Billy Goat Cafe is being built there.
She said she opened a business in Eagleville because her family could afford to buy property there. James, of Smryna, believes the town has great potential, but it's lacking something.
"If the sewer system would come, business would come," she said.
The town currently operates on septic tank systems.
"Eagleville has refused growth," James said.
Mayor Barham said the city's planning commission heard a presentation last year of a STEP system for implementing a sewer system through Consolidated Utility District.
"I'm more concerned about the health issue as opposed to growth," he said. "The eastern side of Eagleville is just an area where there aren't perk sites (to install a sewer system). I think when you have a sewer system, it obviously invites growth and also invites business and that's positive to the area. (Having) a sewer system has always been a concern and hasn't been neglected."
Meanwhile, James is glad to see the tanning salon and other businesses open.
"Folks like that are willing to make it happen," James said.
Carol Jack, owner of the Kandle Kitchen in Eagleville and Franklin, said she's seen growth in new business in Eagleville.
"It's quite promising," Jack said. "Eagleville is growing and the surrounding areas are growing."
She said lower property taxes, cheaper homes and less traffic are draws of the community.
"I don't see how it can't grow," Jack said.
The Daily News Journal • July 13, 2008
EAGLEVILLE — Upscale housing and country living are becoming one in Rutherford County's smallest town.
Sam and Mary Tune are turning 114 acres of their 366-acre Eagleville farm at 2133 Allisona Road into Magnolia Valley Estates.
Described as an upscale, equine development, the Tunes are selling 38 lots ranging from 1.1 acres to 6.5 acres for $99,500 to $199,000.
Sam Tune estimates the average home will cost $350,000 to $1 million. The Tunes have a preferred builder, Blake & Wells Custom Homes, but buyers can hire their own custom builder.
"We have a top-notch horse training facility," Mary Tune said. "That's going to be a key factor in our development."
Typically, residents of such a community pay a fee for the facility whether they use it or not, but the Tunes said the residents will have an option.
Four lots are under contract.
"I think it's a very nice development," said Nolan Barham, Eagleville's mayor. "It has potential for success."
The Tunes have been working on plans for the development for the past year and a half. In April, the Rutherford County Planning Commission approved their plans. The property is outside of Eagleville's city limits.
The Tunes expect all of the property will be sold within 24 months, and construction of the first home will begin this fall.
"That's when the roads and utilities will be completed," Mary Tune said.
The Tunes, who are also the project's developers, are having about a mile-long road built that will circle the development.
Mary Tune said they had the engineers reroute the layout of the road several times to maintain the land's natural flow.
The farm land is not typical Rutherford County land but it's comparable to Williamson County, the Tunes said.
"The rolling hills, quality of the soil, character of the entire farm, deep-well drained soil" are some of the property's attributes, Sam Tune said.
Some lots are clear while others have wooded areas.
"No two lots are alike," Mary Tune said. "We request that they (buyers) would not destroy trees if possible. (That's) usually not a problem because most people want trees."
They say some of the houses won't even be seen because they will be nestled by trees.
"It's almost like a hidden development," Mary Tune said.
Sam Tune said they could have built 200 homes on the property, but "we wanted to do something different."
The couple hopes their development complements and promotes Eagleville.
"We wanted quality rather than quantity," he added. "That's bottom line."
Tune said the farm was established right after the Revolutionary War.
The owner received a war grant to establish what was then a plantation.
The Tunes don't know exactly how large it was originally. They've been told it had anywhere from 1,000 acres to 5,000 acres.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the farm was the site of horse shows and galas. They said it was considered a prestigious farm.
The Tunes, who bought the property two years ago, hope Eagleville's proximity to Franklin, Nashville and Murfreesboro will attract buyers to their development.
They hope Magnolia Valley Estates becomes a "Southern status symbol."
Sam Tune along with other Eagleville business leaders started organizing an Eagleville Business and Community After Hours in January. Similar to the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours, the Eagleville event brings local business and community members together.
Their latest event was Thursday. Many of those in attendance are excited about what's going on in the community.
The town of about 500 residents will soon have a few new restaurants and businesses.
The Billy Goat Cafe, which is owned by Chris Wood, deputy chief of the town's fire department, and his father, Doyle, is under construction at the intersection of highways 99 and 41-A.
On the corner adjacent to the intersection, Keith Crowson, 38, of Murfreesboro, is planning to open three business — a dry cleaners and two furniture stores.
He has started setting up a showroom for the hotel furniture portion of his business, Main Street Hotel Liquidators. Crowson sells sets of used furniture for home stages, lounges and smaller hotels. He hopes to open that business in the coming weeks.
His second business, Main Street Interiors, will feature antiques. Crowson hopes to open his third shop, Main Street Cleaners, in early October.
"The focus is quality over quantity and superior service," he said.
Crowson said he loves Eagleville and its "small town, family culture."
"Eagleville is steeped in its history," he said. "Its got its eye looking forward progressive to the future."
For example, the portion of Highway 99 that runs into Eagleville is being widened. It will run behind Eagleville High School, branch off the existing road near Swamp Road, and join U.S. 41 Alternate south of Eagleville. The existing section of Highway 99 will also be improved between Eagleville and Rockvale.
The community will celebrate the start of the last phase of the highway's construction on July 23.
Sun Country, a tanning salon located at 163-A N. Main St., recently opened. The Eagle Roost Smokehouse & Grill, which is also owned by the Woods, will be downstairs of the salon. It is expected to open this summer.
Rhonda James, owner of The Lamp Shop & Supply, said she's seen a lot of businesses come and go along Main Street. In the three years she's been there, she said two businesses were at the intersection of highways 99 and 41-A before the building was torn down. Now the Billy Goat Cafe is being built there.
She said she opened a business in Eagleville because her family could afford to buy property there. James, of Smryna, believes the town has great potential, but it's lacking something.
"If the sewer system would come, business would come," she said.
The town currently operates on septic tank systems.
"Eagleville has refused growth," James said.
Mayor Barham said the city's planning commission heard a presentation last year of a STEP system for implementing a sewer system through Consolidated Utility District.
"I'm more concerned about the health issue as opposed to growth," he said. "The eastern side of Eagleville is just an area where there aren't perk sites (to install a sewer system). I think when you have a sewer system, it obviously invites growth and also invites business and that's positive to the area. (Having) a sewer system has always been a concern and hasn't been neglected."
Meanwhile, James is glad to see the tanning salon and other businesses open.
"Folks like that are willing to make it happen," James said.
Carol Jack, owner of the Kandle Kitchen in Eagleville and Franklin, said she's seen growth in new business in Eagleville.
"It's quite promising," Jack said. "Eagleville is growing and the surrounding areas are growing."
She said lower property taxes, cheaper homes and less traffic are draws of the community.
"I don't see how it can't grow," Jack said.
Historic home will have new guests
Bed & breakfast planned for West End Park home
The Tennessean • July 11, 2008
The Metro Planning Commission recently approved a proposal that will bring a bed and breakfast to the West End Park neighborhood.
The request to apply a historic bed and breakfast overlay district to property at 3137 Long Blvd., just north of Mason Avenue, allows for three or fewer furnished guest rooms within a private, owner-occupied historically significant structure. Meals may be provided to overnight guests, and the maximum stay is 14 days.
Ben and Lisa Anderson looked for a way to preserve their historic home. In recent years houses in the West End Park neighborhood have been replaced with an influx of condominium developments.
"The neighborhood is upside down with people tearing down houses and building condos," Ben Anderson said. "We were looking for the best use of the house. Developers have approached us about selling, but for us this is the best financial use of the property."
Neighbors won't have to worry about an influx of traffic, because the approval allows no more than one off-street parking space for each guest room. Also, no signs will be permitted for advertising.
Metro Planning determined the historic bed and breakfast overlay request was consistent with the 31st and Long urban design overlay and the West End Park Detailed Neighborhood Design Plan.
The bed and breakfast will have no more than three people there at a time, Anderson said. The house, formerly a YWCA Shelter, is larger than many homes in the neighborhood.
"I've stayed at a bed and breakfast when I was traveling, and I think people would like to have one in their neighborhood," Ben Anderson said. "It can attract people visiting those living in the nearby condos."
The proposal passed on second reading in the Metro Council on July 1.
The Tennessean • July 11, 2008
The Metro Planning Commission recently approved a proposal that will bring a bed and breakfast to the West End Park neighborhood.
The request to apply a historic bed and breakfast overlay district to property at 3137 Long Blvd., just north of Mason Avenue, allows for three or fewer furnished guest rooms within a private, owner-occupied historically significant structure. Meals may be provided to overnight guests, and the maximum stay is 14 days.
Ben and Lisa Anderson looked for a way to preserve their historic home. In recent years houses in the West End Park neighborhood have been replaced with an influx of condominium developments.
"The neighborhood is upside down with people tearing down houses and building condos," Ben Anderson said. "We were looking for the best use of the house. Developers have approached us about selling, but for us this is the best financial use of the property."
Neighbors won't have to worry about an influx of traffic, because the approval allows no more than one off-street parking space for each guest room. Also, no signs will be permitted for advertising.
Metro Planning determined the historic bed and breakfast overlay request was consistent with the 31st and Long urban design overlay and the West End Park Detailed Neighborhood Design Plan.
The bed and breakfast will have no more than three people there at a time, Anderson said. The house, formerly a YWCA Shelter, is larger than many homes in the neighborhood.
"I've stayed at a bed and breakfast when I was traveling, and I think people would like to have one in their neighborhood," Ben Anderson said. "It can attract people visiting those living in the nearby condos."
The proposal passed on second reading in the Metro Council on July 1.
What will Brentwwod's Town Center finally look like?
Brentwood 'Town Center' plan depends on who's defining it
In every (Brentwood) 2000 or 2020 plan, the major concern was "I wish we had a town center," not "I wish we had another commercial-looking Maryland Farms office park that we could call a 'town center.' " We want it to have a character, a charm about it, be pedestrian-friendly and have a "pattern" to it. So, we went to the expense and trouble to say we have a "pattern book." We established a different zoning classification to distinguish commercial buildings in this part of "town" from any other part of town.
Last week's debate centered around the architectural style of a building that would fit in other C-zoning areas without much debate. Think about that for a moment. Why separate the C-4 "Town Center" area building criteria from any other C-zone if the buildings do not have to have a different character?
If the bank building in question is no different in design from any other C-zone, why have we established the C-4 to begin with? I thought we had a "Town Center" pattern book to avoid the contemporary nature of commercial architecture you could find elsewhere. I thought the whole idea was to have a set-aside area that was unique in character. The thought process that we are to avoid a monolithic look is valid but needs to be in context with the purpose. For example, the other building proposed is not monolithic in materials or aesthetic style but at the same time has an identity of character throughout.
There is nothing unusual about communities or developments having a pattern book, a set of design standards, if you will. There is nothing unusual about having an architectural review board as oversight. Why do those communities do that? It sure would be easier not to care. What's the point?
We ask Walgreens to put window panes in their windows for a less commercial look and put up a rock wall for that "rural" hometown feel. Why? We talked the developers into saving the old Ward home place because it was the character of Brentwood we like and want to keep even though the developer didn't want to at all. Why?
We save every rock wall possible. Brentwood loves the "farm" or "estate" look and feel. It's character and charm and small-town America — not commercial-town America. I thought we wanted a Town Center with character and charm.
If unique architectural freedom is the goal for the "Town Center," why have a pattern book? Is the goal of the pattern book to establish a commercial section that in style is not different from other commercial zoning? If the goal of Town Center is to have buildings with "an edge" and architectural freedom, then why have a "pattern book"?
The goal is not to have a Town Center defined by a particular building but an overall "pattern" of buildings that together define a "Town Center." Every developer will come to us with a plan they have a vested interest in. We understand that, but our vested interest is only what is best for our city. They always say, "If you don't approve this, the whole project falls apart." If an $8 million project is so fragile that making a few changes in one building scraps the whole project, then something else is wrong.
This last discussion was about what depicts the nature of a "Town Center" that was put in place to 1) revitalize and rebuild an area run down; 2) provide as best we can a "Town Center," a Town Center patterned for a cultural feel that for 40 years of planning residents want to see; and 3) a pedestrian-friendly charm and small, hometown character.
In my mind it wasn't supposed to be the "city town center" or "commercial-looking town center," or "The Pinnacle Bank Town Center," but "village-looking town center." Our village. Our town we never had.
In every (Brentwood) 2000 or 2020 plan, the major concern was "I wish we had a town center," not "I wish we had another commercial-looking Maryland Farms office park that we could call a 'town center.' " We want it to have a character, a charm about it, be pedestrian-friendly and have a "pattern" to it. So, we went to the expense and trouble to say we have a "pattern book." We established a different zoning classification to distinguish commercial buildings in this part of "town" from any other part of town.
Last week's debate centered around the architectural style of a building that would fit in other C-zoning areas without much debate. Think about that for a moment. Why separate the C-4 "Town Center" area building criteria from any other C-zone if the buildings do not have to have a different character?
If the bank building in question is no different in design from any other C-zone, why have we established the C-4 to begin with? I thought we had a "Town Center" pattern book to avoid the contemporary nature of commercial architecture you could find elsewhere. I thought the whole idea was to have a set-aside area that was unique in character. The thought process that we are to avoid a monolithic look is valid but needs to be in context with the purpose. For example, the other building proposed is not monolithic in materials or aesthetic style but at the same time has an identity of character throughout.
There is nothing unusual about communities or developments having a pattern book, a set of design standards, if you will. There is nothing unusual about having an architectural review board as oversight. Why do those communities do that? It sure would be easier not to care. What's the point?
We ask Walgreens to put window panes in their windows for a less commercial look and put up a rock wall for that "rural" hometown feel. Why? We talked the developers into saving the old Ward home place because it was the character of Brentwood we like and want to keep even though the developer didn't want to at all. Why?
We save every rock wall possible. Brentwood loves the "farm" or "estate" look and feel. It's character and charm and small-town America — not commercial-town America. I thought we wanted a Town Center with character and charm.
If unique architectural freedom is the goal for the "Town Center," why have a pattern book? Is the goal of the pattern book to establish a commercial section that in style is not different from other commercial zoning? If the goal of Town Center is to have buildings with "an edge" and architectural freedom, then why have a "pattern book"?
The goal is not to have a Town Center defined by a particular building but an overall "pattern" of buildings that together define a "Town Center." Every developer will come to us with a plan they have a vested interest in. We understand that, but our vested interest is only what is best for our city. They always say, "If you don't approve this, the whole project falls apart." If an $8 million project is so fragile that making a few changes in one building scraps the whole project, then something else is wrong.
This last discussion was about what depicts the nature of a "Town Center" that was put in place to 1) revitalize and rebuild an area run down; 2) provide as best we can a "Town Center," a Town Center patterned for a cultural feel that for 40 years of planning residents want to see; and 3) a pedestrian-friendly charm and small, hometown character.
In my mind it wasn't supposed to be the "city town center" or "commercial-looking town center," or "The Pinnacle Bank Town Center," but "village-looking town center." Our village. Our town we never had.
July 11, 2008
Single family homes slated for Berryville community
Builder turned down for duplexes, so he'll build single-family homes
The Tennessean • July 11, 2008
A builder has plans to construct two single-family homes on lots in Old Hickory's Berryville community and said he's interested in more neighborhood properties.
Matt Manson tried to obtain a zoning change for the two properties he's building on to allow for two unattached units on each lot close enough together to be called duplexes or split duplexes. That rezoning attempt failed, said Councilman Darren Jernigan.
But the zoning already allows the single-family homes.
The neighborhood opposed multiple units on a lot, feeling it did not fit the rest of the community. But neighbors seem more at ease with the single-family homes.
"I don't think people would have a problem with him building a 1,200- to 1,300-square-foot (single-family) home," said Berryville resident Randy Hudgins, who signed a petition against the duplexes. "That's what it's zoned for. I checked him out, and he builds a nice house. I think his intentions were good. I think people would welcome him building what's already here.''
Berryville is a small community extending about six blocks along Old Hickory Boulevard from 6th Street to 2nd Street. All the streets in Berryville funnel into Woods Street, residents said.
Manson thought the duplexes would give the area new construction priced at about $110,000, with about 900 square feet and 1½ bathrooms.
The single-family homes he'll build instead are estimated in the $140,000 price range, with 1,100 square feet and three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Hudgins estimated the average price range of existing homes in the neighborhood to be $80,000 to $100,000. Most lots are small, Hudgins said.
Manson acknowledged approaching other property owners about purchasing and building on vacant lots they own, even if zoning is relegated to the single-family homes already in place.
Some homeowners have a home on one property and a vacant lot next to it for additional space, said Manson, Hudgins and Berryville resident Angela Carr. Hudgins said he owns several lots in the neighborhood and has been approached by others to sell as well.
"This doesn't change the zoning,'' Carr said. "And there are more lots (in Berryville) and my personal fear is if they rezone one, what's to stop … (rezoning) other lots when they become available? We just don't want a big community.''
The Tennessean • July 11, 2008
A builder has plans to construct two single-family homes on lots in Old Hickory's Berryville community and said he's interested in more neighborhood properties.
Matt Manson tried to obtain a zoning change for the two properties he's building on to allow for two unattached units on each lot close enough together to be called duplexes or split duplexes. That rezoning attempt failed, said Councilman Darren Jernigan.
But the zoning already allows the single-family homes.
The neighborhood opposed multiple units on a lot, feeling it did not fit the rest of the community. But neighbors seem more at ease with the single-family homes.
"I don't think people would have a problem with him building a 1,200- to 1,300-square-foot (single-family) home," said Berryville resident Randy Hudgins, who signed a petition against the duplexes. "That's what it's zoned for. I checked him out, and he builds a nice house. I think his intentions were good. I think people would welcome him building what's already here.''
Berryville is a small community extending about six blocks along Old Hickory Boulevard from 6th Street to 2nd Street. All the streets in Berryville funnel into Woods Street, residents said.
Manson thought the duplexes would give the area new construction priced at about $110,000, with about 900 square feet and 1½ bathrooms.
The single-family homes he'll build instead are estimated in the $140,000 price range, with 1,100 square feet and three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Hudgins estimated the average price range of existing homes in the neighborhood to be $80,000 to $100,000. Most lots are small, Hudgins said.
Manson acknowledged approaching other property owners about purchasing and building on vacant lots they own, even if zoning is relegated to the single-family homes already in place.
Some homeowners have a home on one property and a vacant lot next to it for additional space, said Manson, Hudgins and Berryville resident Angela Carr. Hudgins said he owns several lots in the neighborhood and has been approached by others to sell as well.
"This doesn't change the zoning,'' Carr said. "And there are more lots (in Berryville) and my personal fear is if they rezone one, what's to stop … (rezoning) other lots when they become available? We just don't want a big community.''
Mold smelling dogs?!?
Inspections go to the dogs
For Williamson A.M. • July 11, 2008
FRANKLIN — The newest home inspection service in Williamson County is one that should have no trouble distinguishing itself from the competition. It uses trained dogs to sniff out three different kinds of home problems.
Mattie, a Dutch shepherd, and Sky, a chocolate Labrador retriever, are the star employees of Dog Inspectors LLC.
The pair is specifically trained to detect the presence of 31 different kinds of harmful mold in a home or commercial building, as well as termites and bedbugs.
And the beauty of this concept, owner Chuck Nelson said, is that the dogs don't have to see the problem to uncover it.
"They can smell through the walls," he said. "There's no need to cut into the walls to find the problem."
From rigorous training and their natural ability to smell thousands of times better than humans, the dogs' detection "reports" are "very, very accurate," said handler Diana Sosa, a professional dog trainer with 20 years of experience.
Mattie, who is 14 months old, reports the presence of mold by pointing with her nose, then sitting and looking up at Sosa. She reports termites by scratching at the floor or baseboard. Her reward is a chance to play with a special toy.
Twenty-one-month-old Sky reports the presence of bedbugs by sitting and pointing.
The two dogs were trained for this work at the Iron Heart Training Center in Kansas City, Kan.
Master trainer Tom Brenneman trains canines for professional detection and investigation work, including bombs, arson, narcotics, search and rescue, tracking and general police service as well as personal protection. His client list includes actress Cybill Shepherd and the king of Jordan.
Training took 700 hours
Mattie and Sky completed 600 hours of specialty training and 100 hours of obedience training to earn certification by the World Detector Dog Organization.
To be certified, the dogs and Sosa had to pass an extensive field test with 95 percent accuracy. In addition, the dogs and Sosa will have to be re-certified every 12 months to maintain the designation.
Mattie and Sky were selected not only because of their natural smelling abilities, but also for their superior instincts and temperament, Brenneman said.
"We do selection tests on the dog for four 'drives,' which are their natural instinctive drives," he said. These are the prey, tracking, hunt and scent. The training center looks for dogs that exhibit not only superior drives, but trainable temperaments, he said.
"We don't want an alpha dog," he said. Dogs with an "alpha" temperament are not as accepting of human leadership and therefore harder to train, he explained.
"We look for a dog with stable nerves, dogs who are calm in their work. We don't want anything frantic or challenging of the (human) leadership," Brenneman said.
Nelson, who is also a real estate agent, said his is the first home inspection company in Tennessee to utilize detection dogs, although there are numerous such companies elsewhere in the United States and Europe, he said.
Mattie has already gone out on three jobs; Sky has not completed a professional assignment yet, having just arrived in Franklin last week after Brenneman personally drove her from Kansas City.
Square footage sets cost
Dog Inspectors charges 15 cents per square foot to inspect a home and $20 per room for hotels or university dormitories, which are among the target clients for Sky's bedbug detection skills.
Bedbugs are reportedly making a comeback because of the ban on the pesticide DDT. A flat, dark brown bug, they resemble ticks, and although they get their name from their tendency to live in bedding, they can also be found in carpets, under wallpaper, behind baseboards and in small cracks and crevices throughout a room, according to the National Pest Management Association.
Professional extermination services are typically needed to rid a building of them.
Although they do not carry disease, bedbugs do bite humans to feed off blood.
A person who has been the bedbugs' victim will have swollen spots the next morning, similar to those received from mosquito bites.
Though bedbug infestations occur more commonly in hotels and dormitories, the little bugs can infest a house by traveling home inside the luggage or clothing of a traveler who has spent the night in an infested building.
"They can even travel in your cell phone or laptop computer," Sosa said.
For Sky's daily training exercises, she keeps two small vials of live bedbugs. For Mattie's daily training sessions, Sosa keeps several vials of mold samples and a couple of small boxes containing live termites.
Dog Inspectors sells no repair or remediation services; after the dogs have been taken through a building, the company furnishes clients with a written report showing exactly where the dogs have detected problems.
In the case of a mold finding, Dog Inspectors does provide an air sampling service in which the samples are sent for laboratory testing to receive more information on the type and quantity of mold present.
Otherwise the client can use the dogs' reports to contract for mold removal or pest control services.
To learn more about the service, the company's Web site is doginspectors.com.
For Williamson A.M. • July 11, 2008
FRANKLIN — The newest home inspection service in Williamson County is one that should have no trouble distinguishing itself from the competition. It uses trained dogs to sniff out three different kinds of home problems.
Mattie, a Dutch shepherd, and Sky, a chocolate Labrador retriever, are the star employees of Dog Inspectors LLC.
The pair is specifically trained to detect the presence of 31 different kinds of harmful mold in a home or commercial building, as well as termites and bedbugs.
And the beauty of this concept, owner Chuck Nelson said, is that the dogs don't have to see the problem to uncover it.
"They can smell through the walls," he said. "There's no need to cut into the walls to find the problem."
From rigorous training and their natural ability to smell thousands of times better than humans, the dogs' detection "reports" are "very, very accurate," said handler Diana Sosa, a professional dog trainer with 20 years of experience.
Mattie, who is 14 months old, reports the presence of mold by pointing with her nose, then sitting and looking up at Sosa. She reports termites by scratching at the floor or baseboard. Her reward is a chance to play with a special toy.
Twenty-one-month-old Sky reports the presence of bedbugs by sitting and pointing.
The two dogs were trained for this work at the Iron Heart Training Center in Kansas City, Kan.
Master trainer Tom Brenneman trains canines for professional detection and investigation work, including bombs, arson, narcotics, search and rescue, tracking and general police service as well as personal protection. His client list includes actress Cybill Shepherd and the king of Jordan.
Training took 700 hours
Mattie and Sky completed 600 hours of specialty training and 100 hours of obedience training to earn certification by the World Detector Dog Organization.
To be certified, the dogs and Sosa had to pass an extensive field test with 95 percent accuracy. In addition, the dogs and Sosa will have to be re-certified every 12 months to maintain the designation.
Mattie and Sky were selected not only because of their natural smelling abilities, but also for their superior instincts and temperament, Brenneman said.
"We do selection tests on the dog for four 'drives,' which are their natural instinctive drives," he said. These are the prey, tracking, hunt and scent. The training center looks for dogs that exhibit not only superior drives, but trainable temperaments, he said.
"We don't want an alpha dog," he said. Dogs with an "alpha" temperament are not as accepting of human leadership and therefore harder to train, he explained.
"We look for a dog with stable nerves, dogs who are calm in their work. We don't want anything frantic or challenging of the (human) leadership," Brenneman said.
Nelson, who is also a real estate agent, said his is the first home inspection company in Tennessee to utilize detection dogs, although there are numerous such companies elsewhere in the United States and Europe, he said.
Mattie has already gone out on three jobs; Sky has not completed a professional assignment yet, having just arrived in Franklin last week after Brenneman personally drove her from Kansas City.
Square footage sets cost
Dog Inspectors charges 15 cents per square foot to inspect a home and $20 per room for hotels or university dormitories, which are among the target clients for Sky's bedbug detection skills.
Bedbugs are reportedly making a comeback because of the ban on the pesticide DDT. A flat, dark brown bug, they resemble ticks, and although they get their name from their tendency to live in bedding, they can also be found in carpets, under wallpaper, behind baseboards and in small cracks and crevices throughout a room, according to the National Pest Management Association.
Professional extermination services are typically needed to rid a building of them.
Although they do not carry disease, bedbugs do bite humans to feed off blood.
A person who has been the bedbugs' victim will have swollen spots the next morning, similar to those received from mosquito bites.
Though bedbug infestations occur more commonly in hotels and dormitories, the little bugs can infest a house by traveling home inside the luggage or clothing of a traveler who has spent the night in an infested building.
"They can even travel in your cell phone or laptop computer," Sosa said.
For Sky's daily training exercises, she keeps two small vials of live bedbugs. For Mattie's daily training sessions, Sosa keeps several vials of mold samples and a couple of small boxes containing live termites.
Dog Inspectors sells no repair or remediation services; after the dogs have been taken through a building, the company furnishes clients with a written report showing exactly where the dogs have detected problems.
In the case of a mold finding, Dog Inspectors does provide an air sampling service in which the samples are sent for laboratory testing to receive more information on the type and quantity of mold present.
Otherwise the client can use the dogs' reports to contract for mold removal or pest control services.
To learn more about the service, the company's Web site is doginspectors.com.
Avalon Community will have shopping
Medieval-themed development turns focus to commercial
Avalon Square will include boutiques, pharmacy and condos
Williamson A.M. • July 4, 2008
FRANKLIN — After seven years of planning and construction, Avalon is nearly complete. The huge, King Arthur-themed subdivision off Cool Springs Boulevard was designed with five distinct neighborhoods.
Two of those — The Village and The Hamlet — are essentially built out, according to Avalon developer Richard Johnson. These two sections of 83 single-family homes were built in prices that ranged from $525,000 to $1 million.
The Meade, a neighborhood of 257 townhouses and single-family homes being built by Newmark Homes, is about 75 percent finished, he said. Homes there were built in the $325,000-$550,000 price range.
Only four lots are still available in The Vale of Avalon, a neighborhood of 51 homes ranging in price from $800,000 to more than $2 million.
Last but certainly not least is the Tors of Avalon, "tors" being an Old English word for hilltop. When it is complete, the Tors will have 55 custom-built homes, Johnson said. There are 13 lots available for sale in this hilltop section; four of them are premium, multiacre lots that range in price from $1.1 million to $1.6 million. The smallest of these is five acres.
The developers are beginning to turn their attention to the creation of Avalon Square, which will be across Cool Springs Boulevard at the corner with McEwen Drive.
This final phase of Avalon is envisioned as a shopping village that includes a food market and pharmacy, as well as boutique shops.
Avalon Square will also include luxury townhomes and condominiums with appeal to empty nesters who want to downsize, as well as people who work from their homes.
That project is expected to get under way as the construction of McEwen Drive reaches completion. The Principals Group is developing Avalon Square in partnership with Parkes Construction.
See well past Cool Springs
"This is the last development (in Franklin) that will have hilltop lots," Johnson said, noting that from some of these locations, a homeowner will have a view extending miles beyond Cool Springs. The completion of this $300 million development has been reached in a remarkably short time, considering the large size of the subdivision, which will have 446 townhouses and single-family homes when totally finished.
The first homeowners did not move in until 2005.
Johnson and his business partner at The Principals Group LLC, David Schwab, were experienced in neighborhood development before Avalon. They developed The Governors Club in Brentwood, an upscale enclave built around an Arnold Palmer signature golf course, and two equestrian neighborhoods in Williamson County, Lynnwood Downs and Brandon Park Downs.
In creating Avalon, the pair accented the streetscape with structures that repeat the medieval imagery, including stone walls and bridges built throughout the green spaces, and maintained the theme with street names such as Knights of the Round Table Road.
Within Avalon, the entrances to the different neighborhoods are marked by turrets with gates. The neighborhood also incorporates miles of walking trails with meditation parks. Almost half of the 645 acres that comprise Avalon are being left in their natural, wooded state.
Avalon Square will include boutiques, pharmacy and condos
Williamson A.M. • July 4, 2008
FRANKLIN — After seven years of planning and construction, Avalon is nearly complete. The huge, King Arthur-themed subdivision off Cool Springs Boulevard was designed with five distinct neighborhoods.
Two of those — The Village and The Hamlet — are essentially built out, according to Avalon developer Richard Johnson. These two sections of 83 single-family homes were built in prices that ranged from $525,000 to $1 million.
The Meade, a neighborhood of 257 townhouses and single-family homes being built by Newmark Homes, is about 75 percent finished, he said. Homes there were built in the $325,000-$550,000 price range.
Only four lots are still available in The Vale of Avalon, a neighborhood of 51 homes ranging in price from $800,000 to more than $2 million.
Last but certainly not least is the Tors of Avalon, "tors" being an Old English word for hilltop. When it is complete, the Tors will have 55 custom-built homes, Johnson said. There are 13 lots available for sale in this hilltop section; four of them are premium, multiacre lots that range in price from $1.1 million to $1.6 million. The smallest of these is five acres.
The developers are beginning to turn their attention to the creation of Avalon Square, which will be across Cool Springs Boulevard at the corner with McEwen Drive.
This final phase of Avalon is envisioned as a shopping village that includes a food market and pharmacy, as well as boutique shops.
Avalon Square will also include luxury townhomes and condominiums with appeal to empty nesters who want to downsize, as well as people who work from their homes.
That project is expected to get under way as the construction of McEwen Drive reaches completion. The Principals Group is developing Avalon Square in partnership with Parkes Construction.
See well past Cool Springs
"This is the last development (in Franklin) that will have hilltop lots," Johnson said, noting that from some of these locations, a homeowner will have a view extending miles beyond Cool Springs. The completion of this $300 million development has been reached in a remarkably short time, considering the large size of the subdivision, which will have 446 townhouses and single-family homes when totally finished.
The first homeowners did not move in until 2005.
Johnson and his business partner at The Principals Group LLC, David Schwab, were experienced in neighborhood development before Avalon. They developed The Governors Club in Brentwood, an upscale enclave built around an Arnold Palmer signature golf course, and two equestrian neighborhoods in Williamson County, Lynnwood Downs and Brandon Park Downs.
In creating Avalon, the pair accented the streetscape with structures that repeat the medieval imagery, including stone walls and bridges built throughout the green spaces, and maintained the theme with street names such as Knights of the Round Table Road.
Within Avalon, the entrances to the different neighborhoods are marked by turrets with gates. The neighborhood also incorporates miles of walking trails with meditation parks. Almost half of the 645 acres that comprise Avalon are being left in their natural, wooded state.
July 9, 2008
Condo median price surpasses single family home median price
Condo median price sets record, comes in higher than single family price
Nashville Business Journal - July 9, 2008
For the first time in the city's history, the median price of condominiums surpassed the median price of single family homes in Nashville.
Realtors say that's because many downtown condos, which cost more and are more upscale than others in Nashville, closed in June.
The median prices for a home in June was $183,615 and the median price of a condo was $185,500, according to the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors.
That represents at 6 percent drop in home prices from $196,000 last June, but a 19 percent increase in condo prices from $155,800.
Encore and Adelicia condos closed in June, says Richard Courtney, past president of GNAR. He says he sold several Adelicia condos a few weeks ago, and knows of seven condos bought by people who want to live in them. Four of those buyers paid cash.
"People are actually buying these to live in," he says.
He expects the median price of condos to continue to report higher than homes in the next several months, as Icon, Terrazo and the Rhythm all close their units.
"We have more and more condos over $186,000 (the median single family price)," Courtney says.
The drop in single family prices could be due to economic factors of people deciding to buy a smaller home or lower-priced home than they would have otherwide, says Mark Deutschmann, president of Village Real Estate.
Downtown condos have helped raise prices for condos in suburbia as well because the same price can get your larger square footage, Courtney says.
Overall, home sales were down 27.8 percent in June to 2,591 homes sold compared to 3,588 last year. That percentage drop is in line with past months this year.
Year-to-date closings are down 28 percent with 12,997 homes selling compared to 18,070 in the first half of 2007.
Inventory at the end of June was up to 24,935 properties from 21,236 last year with farms, lands and lots have the largest increase in properties on the market.
"Clearly, the inventory in the region has increased significantly in recent years," said GNAR President Mandy Wachtler. "Buyers in the area have plenty from which to choose. In order to be attractive to buyers, homes need to be priced, prepared and presented well."
Home sales for the first half of 2008 dropped the most in Robertson County with a 37 percent decline. Maury County had a 32 percent decline in home sales as did Rutherford County. Williamson County saw a 31 percent drop in sales and Dickson County had a 30 percent drop.
Richard Exton, principle appraiser at Manier & Exton, says he sees weakness in outlying market like Murfreesboro and Smyrna, where a lot of construction has happened, and a lot of inventory remains.
The median price of a single family home increased 4 percent in Sumner County but dropped 2.6 percent in Williamson County. Wilson County reported a 3 percent rise in median home prices while Davidson had a 1.5 percent increase.
Nashville Business Journal - July 9, 2008
For the first time in the city's history, the median price of condominiums surpassed the median price of single family homes in Nashville.
Realtors say that's because many downtown condos, which cost more and are more upscale than others in Nashville, closed in June.
The median prices for a home in June was $183,615 and the median price of a condo was $185,500, according to the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors.
That represents at 6 percent drop in home prices from $196,000 last June, but a 19 percent increase in condo prices from $155,800.
Encore and Adelicia condos closed in June, says Richard Courtney, past president of GNAR. He says he sold several Adelicia condos a few weeks ago, and knows of seven condos bought by people who want to live in them. Four of those buyers paid cash.
"People are actually buying these to live in," he says.
He expects the median price of condos to continue to report higher than homes in the next several months, as Icon, Terrazo and the Rhythm all close their units.
"We have more and more condos over $186,000 (the median single family price)," Courtney says.
The drop in single family prices could be due to economic factors of people deciding to buy a smaller home or lower-priced home than they would have otherwide, says Mark Deutschmann, president of Village Real Estate.
Downtown condos have helped raise prices for condos in suburbia as well because the same price can get your larger square footage, Courtney says.
Overall, home sales were down 27.8 percent in June to 2,591 homes sold compared to 3,588 last year. That percentage drop is in line with past months this year.
Year-to-date closings are down 28 percent with 12,997 homes selling compared to 18,070 in the first half of 2007.
Inventory at the end of June was up to 24,935 properties from 21,236 last year with farms, lands and lots have the largest increase in properties on the market.
"Clearly, the inventory in the region has increased significantly in recent years," said GNAR President Mandy Wachtler. "Buyers in the area have plenty from which to choose. In order to be attractive to buyers, homes need to be priced, prepared and presented well."
Home sales for the first half of 2008 dropped the most in Robertson County with a 37 percent decline. Maury County had a 32 percent decline in home sales as did Rutherford County. Williamson County saw a 31 percent drop in sales and Dickson County had a 30 percent drop.
Richard Exton, principle appraiser at Manier & Exton, says he sees weakness in outlying market like Murfreesboro and Smyrna, where a lot of construction has happened, and a lot of inventory remains.
The median price of a single family home increased 4 percent in Sumner County but dropped 2.6 percent in Williamson County. Wilson County reported a 3 percent rise in median home prices while Davidson had a 1.5 percent increase.
Harlinsdale park work finally begins
Work on Harlinsdale park finally begins
The Tennessean • July 9, 2008
FRANKLIN — The ponies and earthmovers are now running neck and neck — so to speak — at Harlinsdale Farm.
After months of sitting fallow, development of The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is now in earnest as crews are completing a $2.3 million project to install a new access road and parking areas.
Purchased for $8 million in 2004, the 200-acre park facing Franklin Road is now moving closer to opening permanently to the public. City Parks Director Lisa Clayton said the public would be able to begin using the park again next spring.
"We're moving right along," Clayton said. "I'm ready to have a parking area, I'm ready for people to be on the property and I'm ready for people to be using it."
But this construction is only the latest part of the project that will likely take years to complete. The cost of this current phase increased by $839,080 from $1.51 million to $2.35 million.
For now, Clayton is beaming about the current work. Crews are uprooting the green pastureland — for the time being — to grade the former grass to install the new roadway as well as underground water and sewer utilities.
Rest assured, she said, that the farm's horses are not in danger of being hurt by any of the machinery.
But the crews are taking "green" construction measures, using a pervious concrete that allows water to flow through it, unlike traditional asphalt, she said. And storm water will flow toward the Harpeth River and a new retention pond that's being installed on the rear of the property near the city's wastewater treatment plant.
"We'll constantly have water in (the pond), and that will serve as irrigation," Clayton said.
Questions linger
Though the new road and parking areas are changing the farm's look, Clayton said the farm's barn isn't going anywhere, though its condition has been a source of concern. It has been considered for possible use as the park's visitors center.
"The reason the city bought it was to preserve it. We're not going to demolish any building," she said.
Built in 1935, the two-story barn is the farm's horse stable and would be the park's centerpiece, able to accommodate tours while continuing as a walking-horse stable.
However, the structure is not up to fire codes, needs roof work and has termite damage, among other problems.
Clayton wants $100,000 from the city to replace the barn's roof, but she may have to wait for the funding. Last month, aldermen voted 5-1 to wait to approve $1.6 million for installing new restroom facilities at the park until they could discuss all the city's capital improvement projects.
Alderman Dan Klatt was the only alderman who voted against deferring the project, saying it was not "reasonable or fair" to ask construction crews to wait until later this summer to start.
Alderman Ann Petersen, who led the motion to defer, said she wants the work deferred to part of the larger discussion about all the city's capital projects.
Meanwhile, construction at the former walking-horse breeding operation has drawn attention from passersby concerned about the effect on the land.
"I had a resident call me and she said, 'You're really disturbing the property,' " Clayton said. "We sure are. But you're seeing more of the top of the grass pasture come off first because we've had to put in new utilities. . . . All of that will be pastureland again."
The Tennessean • July 9, 2008
FRANKLIN — The ponies and earthmovers are now running neck and neck — so to speak — at Harlinsdale Farm.
After months of sitting fallow, development of The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is now in earnest as crews are completing a $2.3 million project to install a new access road and parking areas.
Purchased for $8 million in 2004, the 200-acre park facing Franklin Road is now moving closer to opening permanently to the public. City Parks Director Lisa Clayton said the public would be able to begin using the park again next spring.
"We're moving right along," Clayton said. "I'm ready to have a parking area, I'm ready for people to be on the property and I'm ready for people to be using it."
But this construction is only the latest part of the project that will likely take years to complete. The cost of this current phase increased by $839,080 from $1.51 million to $2.35 million.
For now, Clayton is beaming about the current work. Crews are uprooting the green pastureland — for the time being — to grade the former grass to install the new roadway as well as underground water and sewer utilities.
Rest assured, she said, that the farm's horses are not in danger of being hurt by any of the machinery.
But the crews are taking "green" construction measures, using a pervious concrete that allows water to flow through it, unlike traditional asphalt, she said. And storm water will flow toward the Harpeth River and a new retention pond that's being installed on the rear of the property near the city's wastewater treatment plant.
"We'll constantly have water in (the pond), and that will serve as irrigation," Clayton said.
Questions linger
Though the new road and parking areas are changing the farm's look, Clayton said the farm's barn isn't going anywhere, though its condition has been a source of concern. It has been considered for possible use as the park's visitors center.
"The reason the city bought it was to preserve it. We're not going to demolish any building," she said.
Built in 1935, the two-story barn is the farm's horse stable and would be the park's centerpiece, able to accommodate tours while continuing as a walking-horse stable.
However, the structure is not up to fire codes, needs roof work and has termite damage, among other problems.
Clayton wants $100,000 from the city to replace the barn's roof, but she may have to wait for the funding. Last month, aldermen voted 5-1 to wait to approve $1.6 million for installing new restroom facilities at the park until they could discuss all the city's capital improvement projects.
Alderman Dan Klatt was the only alderman who voted against deferring the project, saying it was not "reasonable or fair" to ask construction crews to wait until later this summer to start.
Alderman Ann Petersen, who led the motion to defer, said she wants the work deferred to part of the larger discussion about all the city's capital projects.
Meanwhile, construction at the former walking-horse breeding operation has drawn attention from passersby concerned about the effect on the land.
"I had a resident call me and she said, 'You're really disturbing the property,' " Clayton said. "We sure are. But you're seeing more of the top of the grass pasture come off first because we've had to put in new utilities. . . . All of that will be pastureland again."
Save the Franklin Theatre has a focus group
Save the Franklin Theatre focus groups set
The Tennessean, July 9, 2008
FRANKLIN -- Preservation advocates hope to attract people with interest or expertise in music, film, entertainment, lighting, sound, event planning and catering, along with potential users or audience groups, to a series of community meetings charting the direction of the Franklin Theatre reuse effort. “We want all interested citizens to share their thoughts and ideas so that the Franklin Theatre project can embrace community input to make the Franklin Theatre the best it can be,” said David Garrett, president of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.
All meetings will be held in the Franklin City Hall Boardroom. The first, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on July 23, will focus on the stage: the lighting, sound, seating, screen projection and design.Event and catering, bar and food service professionals, are being sought for the second session, 10 to 11:30 a.m. on July 29, which will focus on food service options.From 1:30 to 3 p.m. that same day, companies interested in making in-kind contributions to the project will be heard. Dovetail Design Works, Lee Company, ADS Security and others already have stepped forward.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m. on July 30, experts from Hastings Architecture Associates and members of the Save the Franklin Theatre Steering Committee will be fielding suggestions to determine what type of programs and films potential patrons would like to see at the Franklin Theatre.
No reservations are required for the meetings but anyone who has questions can call Damon Rogers at 591-8500 ext 11 or Mary Pearce at ext 15. Pearce said the fundraising effort is half way to its $7 million goal."The next three and half million will come from everyone reaching into their pockets and contributing, large, small or in-kind, toward the goal of saving this beloved landmark," Pearce said.
The Tennessean, July 9, 2008
FRANKLIN -- Preservation advocates hope to attract people with interest or expertise in music, film, entertainment, lighting, sound, event planning and catering, along with potential users or audience groups, to a series of community meetings charting the direction of the Franklin Theatre reuse effort. “We want all interested citizens to share their thoughts and ideas so that the Franklin Theatre project can embrace community input to make the Franklin Theatre the best it can be,” said David Garrett, president of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.
All meetings will be held in the Franklin City Hall Boardroom. The first, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on July 23, will focus on the stage: the lighting, sound, seating, screen projection and design.Event and catering, bar and food service professionals, are being sought for the second session, 10 to 11:30 a.m. on July 29, which will focus on food service options.From 1:30 to 3 p.m. that same day, companies interested in making in-kind contributions to the project will be heard. Dovetail Design Works, Lee Company, ADS Security and others already have stepped forward.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m. on July 30, experts from Hastings Architecture Associates and members of the Save the Franklin Theatre Steering Committee will be fielding suggestions to determine what type of programs and films potential patrons would like to see at the Franklin Theatre.
No reservations are required for the meetings but anyone who has questions can call Damon Rogers at 591-8500 ext 11 or Mary Pearce at ext 15. Pearce said the fundraising effort is half way to its $7 million goal."The next three and half million will come from everyone reaching into their pockets and contributing, large, small or in-kind, toward the goal of saving this beloved landmark," Pearce said.
Green Hills - Ten Thousand Villages area to expand
Ten Thousand Villages plans to expand
The Tennessean• July 9, 2008
With the planned renovation and construction at Hillsboro Plaza slated to begin later this year, Ten Thousand Villages has no desire to relocate.
In fact, with renewed lease in hand, officials are in the process of drawing up some plans of their own. According to store manager Lisa Pierce, a Green Hills resident, the store hopes to expand.
"We want to be able to offer more of a selection," Pierce said. "Although we are still very early in the planning stages, we are very excited about some of the ideas being discussed for the project." Although it is one of 150 nationwide, the Green Hills store is the only Ten Thousand Villages in Tennessee.
"This store is unique to the Nashville market," Pierce said. "Jewelry and personal accessories are our top departments, but we have everything from home décor to musical instruments."
Change is coming David Crabtree, executive vice president of Brookside Properties, says the corner of Hillsboro Road and Richard Jones Road will change dramatically to a pedestrian-friendly, accessible, connected, highly landscaped, mixed-use development called Greenbrier Village of Green Hills.
The property will look significantly different by the end of 2009, and the project will be completed in 2011, he said.
Crabtree has been renewing leases for some of the current tenants, including Donut Den and Levy's. He has also spoken to some of the retailers to be displaced about moving to another part of the property once the construction is completed, but it's not clear who's staying and who's going.
The building housing Donut Den, which also houses Ten Thousand Villages, will be completely renovated, Crabtree said.
Some buildings are scheduled to be torn down, and construction will start in the fall for renovations to Green Hills Office Park, 2002 Richard Jones.
For Ten Thousand Villages, the changes are coming on the heels of an international award.
The company was recognized last month as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by The Ethisphere Institute and Forbes Magazine.
The Tennessean• July 9, 2008
With the planned renovation and construction at Hillsboro Plaza slated to begin later this year, Ten Thousand Villages has no desire to relocate.
In fact, with renewed lease in hand, officials are in the process of drawing up some plans of their own. According to store manager Lisa Pierce, a Green Hills resident, the store hopes to expand.
"We want to be able to offer more of a selection," Pierce said. "Although we are still very early in the planning stages, we are very excited about some of the ideas being discussed for the project." Although it is one of 150 nationwide, the Green Hills store is the only Ten Thousand Villages in Tennessee.
"This store is unique to the Nashville market," Pierce said. "Jewelry and personal accessories are our top departments, but we have everything from home décor to musical instruments."
Change is coming David Crabtree, executive vice president of Brookside Properties, says the corner of Hillsboro Road and Richard Jones Road will change dramatically to a pedestrian-friendly, accessible, connected, highly landscaped, mixed-use development called Greenbrier Village of Green Hills.
The property will look significantly different by the end of 2009, and the project will be completed in 2011, he said.
Crabtree has been renewing leases for some of the current tenants, including Donut Den and Levy's. He has also spoken to some of the retailers to be displaced about moving to another part of the property once the construction is completed, but it's not clear who's staying and who's going.
The building housing Donut Den, which also houses Ten Thousand Villages, will be completely renovated, Crabtree said.
Some buildings are scheduled to be torn down, and construction will start in the fall for renovations to Green Hills Office Park, 2002 Richard Jones.
For Ten Thousand Villages, the changes are coming on the heels of an international award.
The company was recognized last month as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by The Ethisphere Institute and Forbes Magazine.
Spring Hill hopes to have a new Main Street Farmers Market
Main Street market may open bimonthly through September
The Tennessean• July 2, 2008
SPRING HILL — A few shopkeepers hope some fresh produce will lure some fresh faces downtown.
Owners at Utopia Coffee and sign shop What's Your Sign are looking for area farmers to help them start Hardin Alley Farmers Market in their parking lot on Main Street.
"We have a prime spot for something like this," said Utopia Coffee's Christine Leininger, who is teaming with April Caldwell. "And with gas prices, people wouldn't have to drive to Franklin or Columbia to go to the farmers markets there."
The two business owners have applied for a city business permit for the market and are trying to line up additional parking, per a request from city officials.
They've already talked to some farmers and are looking for others who will want to participate. Leininger said it's something they'd like to offer twice monthly through September.
"I'm excited about it," she said. "And hopefully it will add something to Spring Hill and generate more shopping in the downtown (area)."
The Tennessean• July 2, 2008
SPRING HILL — A few shopkeepers hope some fresh produce will lure some fresh faces downtown.
Owners at Utopia Coffee and sign shop What's Your Sign are looking for area farmers to help them start Hardin Alley Farmers Market in their parking lot on Main Street.
"We have a prime spot for something like this," said Utopia Coffee's Christine Leininger, who is teaming with April Caldwell. "And with gas prices, people wouldn't have to drive to Franklin or Columbia to go to the farmers markets there."
The two business owners have applied for a city business permit for the market and are trying to line up additional parking, per a request from city officials.
They've already talked to some farmers and are looking for others who will want to participate. Leininger said it's something they'd like to offer twice monthly through September.
"I'm excited about it," she said. "And hopefully it will add something to Spring Hill and generate more shopping in the downtown (area)."
New company expected for Cool Springs
Franklin aldermen spend $60,000 to bring new company to Cool Springs
The Tennessean • July 9, 2008
FRANKLIN — Franklin aldermen did their part Tuesday night to bring in a yet-to-be-named financial company and an estimated 500 new jobs for Cool Springs.
Aldermen voted 8-0 to spend $60,000 to help get the project moving forward. While specific details are being kept under wraps, the company would open a customer service center here, spending approximately $11 million, if they agree to come.
An announcement about the company’s commitment and the project is expected soon.
“We think we’ll know within a week,” said Russ Truell, interim city administrator.
An announcement about the company’s commitment and the project is expected soon.“We think we’ll know within a week,” said Russ Truell, interim city administrator.
The Tennessean • July 9, 2008
FRANKLIN — Franklin aldermen did their part Tuesday night to bring in a yet-to-be-named financial company and an estimated 500 new jobs for Cool Springs.
Aldermen voted 8-0 to spend $60,000 to help get the project moving forward. While specific details are being kept under wraps, the company would open a customer service center here, spending approximately $11 million, if they agree to come.
An announcement about the company’s commitment and the project is expected soon.
“We think we’ll know within a week,” said Russ Truell, interim city administrator.
An announcement about the company’s commitment and the project is expected soon.“We think we’ll know within a week,” said Russ Truell, interim city administrator.
July 8, 2008
Monroe Harding 20 acre tract is on the market
20-acre Green Hills site up for sale for development
Some neighbors concerned about future of land owned by nonprofit Monroe Harding
The Tennessean • July 2, 2008
Green Hills-based Monroe Harding, Inc., a local non-profit serving at-risk youth, has placed about 20 undeveloped acres of its 30-acre campus up for sale in an effort to further its mission.
"Our goals, decisions and actions are all guided by the desire to provide the best services and programs possible to the communities we service, especially the youth," said Patty Harman, president and CEO of Monroe Harding Inc.
The land, located at the corner of Glendale Lane and Scenic Drive, was placed on the real estate market last month by CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (CBRE).
"This is a scary time for us and those who live near us who are all accustomed to the large open green space," Harman said. "We all need to continue to pray for the guidance to work through this transition."
Harman said Monroe Harding would insist that the development of the land fit in with the current community, but the pending sale has some neighbors worried.
Ronna Rubin has lived near Monroe Harding for more than 20 years.
"To say that this is a neighborhood nightmare doesn't even come close," Rubin said. "This is the largest piece of untouched green space remaining in Green Hills. For CEO Patty Hartman to say . . . that 'the development must be compatible to the neighborhood' is a laugh. So they plan on constructing 60-year-old single-story ranch and Cape Cod homes? Right."
Monroe Harding wants to know plans, too
Rubin also cites existing traffic issues along Glendale Lane during rush hours as a potential future problem with development as well as the location of the land.
"I'm thinking that folks in the market for a brand new $1 million home might not be too keen on having . . . at-risk youth in their back yard," she said.
The community surrounding the site features diverse residential units, varying from multi-family to large-lot and estate suburban development. The land is currently zoned for residential development, suitable for low-medium density residential, requiring a minimum 20,000-square-foot lot and is intended for single- and two-family dwellings. About 7.5 of the 20 acres are in a flood plain and cannot be developed, which means the land will yield about 25 lots.
"We are not doing anything to change the zoning," Harman said. "As the biggest neighbor to this property, we do not want retail placed there. It is one of our biggest criteria for the sale. We want to know exactly what the buyer plans to do with the property."
So far, Harman said she hasn't seen any proposals for the property. She said, depending on the interest, the property size could remain at about 20 acres or be lowered to about 16 acres.
Land should be high in demand
The land is close to Lipscomb University and within short traveling distance to the recently completed Hill Center at Green Hills and The Mall at Green Hills, two high-end shopping destinations.
"This is a very rare opportunity to purchase acreage of this size in the Green Hills community," said Douglass Johnson, senior vice president, who, along with Morgan Hillenmeyer, an associate with the Nashville Private Client Group of CBRE, will handle the sale for Monroe Harding.
"There are very few undeveloped sites remaining in this extremely desirable area of Nashville."
Hillenmeyer added, "We anticipate that this highly desirable property will attract local and national interest."
Monroe Harding was founded in 1893 and has been located at its present Green Hills location, 1120 Glendale Lane, since 1934. It was established to provide a home for orphaned children. Throughout the years, Monroe Harding has served more than 13,000 youths. The current programs not only provide a home for youth as well as growth in education, vocation, life skills and relationship building.
Some neighbors concerned about future of land owned by nonprofit Monroe Harding
The Tennessean • July 2, 2008
Green Hills-based Monroe Harding, Inc., a local non-profit serving at-risk youth, has placed about 20 undeveloped acres of its 30-acre campus up for sale in an effort to further its mission.
"Our goals, decisions and actions are all guided by the desire to provide the best services and programs possible to the communities we service, especially the youth," said Patty Harman, president and CEO of Monroe Harding Inc.
The land, located at the corner of Glendale Lane and Scenic Drive, was placed on the real estate market last month by CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (CBRE).
"This is a scary time for us and those who live near us who are all accustomed to the large open green space," Harman said. "We all need to continue to pray for the guidance to work through this transition."
Harman said Monroe Harding would insist that the development of the land fit in with the current community, but the pending sale has some neighbors worried.
Ronna Rubin has lived near Monroe Harding for more than 20 years.
"To say that this is a neighborhood nightmare doesn't even come close," Rubin said. "This is the largest piece of untouched green space remaining in Green Hills. For CEO Patty Hartman to say . . . that 'the development must be compatible to the neighborhood' is a laugh. So they plan on constructing 60-year-old single-story ranch and Cape Cod homes? Right."
Monroe Harding wants to know plans, too
Rubin also cites existing traffic issues along Glendale Lane during rush hours as a potential future problem with development as well as the location of the land.
"I'm thinking that folks in the market for a brand new $1 million home might not be too keen on having . . . at-risk youth in their back yard," she said.
The community surrounding the site features diverse residential units, varying from multi-family to large-lot and estate suburban development. The land is currently zoned for residential development, suitable for low-medium density residential, requiring a minimum 20,000-square-foot lot and is intended for single- and two-family dwellings. About 7.5 of the 20 acres are in a flood plain and cannot be developed, which means the land will yield about 25 lots.
"We are not doing anything to change the zoning," Harman said. "As the biggest neighbor to this property, we do not want retail placed there. It is one of our biggest criteria for the sale. We want to know exactly what the buyer plans to do with the property."
So far, Harman said she hasn't seen any proposals for the property. She said, depending on the interest, the property size could remain at about 20 acres or be lowered to about 16 acres.
Land should be high in demand
The land is close to Lipscomb University and within short traveling distance to the recently completed Hill Center at Green Hills and The Mall at Green Hills, two high-end shopping destinations.
"This is a very rare opportunity to purchase acreage of this size in the Green Hills community," said Douglass Johnson, senior vice president, who, along with Morgan Hillenmeyer, an associate with the Nashville Private Client Group of CBRE, will handle the sale for Monroe Harding.
"There are very few undeveloped sites remaining in this extremely desirable area of Nashville."
Hillenmeyer added, "We anticipate that this highly desirable property will attract local and national interest."
Monroe Harding was founded in 1893 and has been located at its present Green Hills location, 1120 Glendale Lane, since 1934. It was established to provide a home for orphaned children. Throughout the years, Monroe Harding has served more than 13,000 youths. The current programs not only provide a home for youth as well as growth in education, vocation, life skills and relationship building.
Home History Workshop
Workshop teaches how to research house's history
The Metropolitan Government Archives of Nashville and Davidson County will offer a house genealogy workshop 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Metro Archives, 3801 Green Hills Village Drive.
Guided by an archivist, budding "history detectives" will learn how to trace the history of a house, previous residents and the property on which it is located with maps, plat books, deed books, title abstracts and other materials housed at the archives.
A registration fee of $5 covers handouts and photocopies. To register, call 862-5880 or visit online at www.library.nashville.org.
The Metropolitan Government Archives of Nashville and Davidson County will offer a house genealogy workshop 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Metro Archives, 3801 Green Hills Village Drive.
Guided by an archivist, budding "history detectives" will learn how to trace the history of a house, previous residents and the property on which it is located with maps, plat books, deed books, title abstracts and other materials housed at the archives.
A registration fee of $5 covers handouts and photocopies. To register, call 862-5880 or visit online at www.library.nashville.org.
New apartment complex in Franklin is well underway
'Dwell' takes shape in McEwen center
New apartment development hopes to capitalize on influx of workers
The Tennessean• July 8, 2008
FRANKLIN — Development on Williamson County's first apartment community in 10 years is under way in Cool Springs just off the McEwen interchange on I-65.
The 10-acre development, to be known as Dwell, will include 14 apartment buildings and 258 upscale units in the middle of Southern Land Company's mixed-use McEwen development.
Southern Land Company officials credit booming growth in Franklin and the surrounding area for its plans to build the company's first multi-family rental units.
During the next four years, nearly 6,000 new people will call Franklin home, bringing the population to 58,306, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A large portion of that number will come from the influx of 2,600 workers that Nissan and Verizon Wireless plan to bring with their new Franklin headquarters.
Michael McNally, Southern Land Co. senior project manager, says Dwell will court those employees specifically to the development, where one-, two- and three-bedroom units will average 1,100 square feet and will rent for $950 to $2,200 per unit.
Although Dwell at McEwen isn't slated to be complete until December, McNally says the company already is being inundated with calls from interested renters. Southern Land Co. will begin leasing Aug. 1.
Franklin alderman-at-large Clyde Barnhill says apartments are exactly what the market is calling for as new residents enter the area.
"We've got to provide a variety of housing opportunities, and the apartments are one of those," he said.
Although Dwell at McEwen is the first apartment community to be built in 10 years, more are down the pike. Planning director Jaime Groce said two other apartment projects have been approved since 2004.
McEwen's prime location, along Mallory Lane at the intersection of McEwen Lane in the middle of retail mecca Cool Springs, is one of its main draws, according to Jim Cheney, spokesman for Southern Land Company.
But the project is designed so that Dwell residents won't have to leave the development for shopping and dining options. The 93-acre McEwen development will include a six-floor, 190,000-square-foot building filled with retail, restaurants and office space.
The town center is expected to finish in January 2010.
Other Dwell amenities will include a saltwater pool and cabana, hot tub, private courtyard areas, fitness center, yoga and Pilates center, and an outdoor teaching kitchen designed for residential cooking classes or personal cooking.
Inside, the units will be fitted with 10-foot ceilings, granite countertops, gourmet kitchen islands and designer brushed nickel plumbing and light fixtures.
"It will have a very urban feel," McNally said.
New apartment development hopes to capitalize on influx of workers
The Tennessean• July 8, 2008
FRANKLIN — Development on Williamson County's first apartment community in 10 years is under way in Cool Springs just off the McEwen interchange on I-65.
The 10-acre development, to be known as Dwell, will include 14 apartment buildings and 258 upscale units in the middle of Southern Land Company's mixed-use McEwen development.
Southern Land Company officials credit booming growth in Franklin and the surrounding area for its plans to build the company's first multi-family rental units.
During the next four years, nearly 6,000 new people will call Franklin home, bringing the population to 58,306, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A large portion of that number will come from the influx of 2,600 workers that Nissan and Verizon Wireless plan to bring with their new Franklin headquarters.
Michael McNally, Southern Land Co. senior project manager, says Dwell will court those employees specifically to the development, where one-, two- and three-bedroom units will average 1,100 square feet and will rent for $950 to $2,200 per unit.
Although Dwell at McEwen isn't slated to be complete until December, McNally says the company already is being inundated with calls from interested renters. Southern Land Co. will begin leasing Aug. 1.
Franklin alderman-at-large Clyde Barnhill says apartments are exactly what the market is calling for as new residents enter the area.
"We've got to provide a variety of housing opportunities, and the apartments are one of those," he said.
Although Dwell at McEwen is the first apartment community to be built in 10 years, more are down the pike. Planning director Jaime Groce said two other apartment projects have been approved since 2004.
McEwen's prime location, along Mallory Lane at the intersection of McEwen Lane in the middle of retail mecca Cool Springs, is one of its main draws, according to Jim Cheney, spokesman for Southern Land Company.
But the project is designed so that Dwell residents won't have to leave the development for shopping and dining options. The 93-acre McEwen development will include a six-floor, 190,000-square-foot building filled with retail, restaurants and office space.
The town center is expected to finish in January 2010.
Other Dwell amenities will include a saltwater pool and cabana, hot tub, private courtyard areas, fitness center, yoga and Pilates center, and an outdoor teaching kitchen designed for residential cooking classes or personal cooking.
Inside, the units will be fitted with 10-foot ceilings, granite countertops, gourmet kitchen islands and designer brushed nickel plumbing and light fixtures.
"It will have a very urban feel," McNally said.
July 6, 2008
Spring Hill moves forward with property tax
Taxes allow great cities to flourish
The Tennessean, July 3, 2008
So Spring Hill has a property tax again. Good for Spring Hill.
Somewhere along the lines, the city made the mistake of thinking that its golden goose would always lay eggs. That regardless of economy and build-out, Spring Hill would always have enough growth to constitute eliminating taxes for the very people causing all the growth.
It apparently never occurred to anyone — OK, it occurred to some, including Alderman Eliot Mitchell — that all those people would one day expect a decent offering of services.
Sidewalks. Parks. Recreation. Decent roads. Pretty, clean surroundings.
In other words, all the things that drive people to Williamson County in the first place.
Together, we are a community that mostly shuns "big government," but it's not because we're necessarily opposed to taxes. It's the federal income tax that tends to turn us off. Many of us object to the ways our money is spent, on things we don't necessarily prioritize politically.
But a lot of people — politicians, journalists, bloggers, etc. — assume that means we're flat out opposed to any sort of tax.
That isn't the case. While there are a fair number of folks who do object to any tax at any time, as a general rule we're OK with spending money in our own communities.
We want them to look nice, with quality amenities and good schools, because we care about our quality of life, our children's education and our own personal property values.
How many people move to Spring Hill because there's no property tax? I dare say none. How many people move to Spring Hill because they want their kids to be in Williamson County schools? That's a much bigger number.
Another number I'd be interested to know is how many people who live in Spring Hill would rather live in Franklin. When I lived there, I certainly did. Even though the taxes were much higher. Maybe even because of it.
What we get for our money in Franklin is lovely surroundings, terrific recreation opportunities, good roads with convenient connectivity, and the retail options that abound in a city willing to spend money on economic recruitment.
I know some folks in Spring Hill are furious that the city has reinstituted its property tax. But you know what? I imagine that tax — if administered correctly and spent wisely — will ultimately pay off in an increase in property value.
And maybe Spring Hill will one day be a destination because of what it has instead of what it doesn't have.
The Tennessean, July 3, 2008
So Spring Hill has a property tax again. Good for Spring Hill.
Somewhere along the lines, the city made the mistake of thinking that its golden goose would always lay eggs. That regardless of economy and build-out, Spring Hill would always have enough growth to constitute eliminating taxes for the very people causing all the growth.
It apparently never occurred to anyone — OK, it occurred to some, including Alderman Eliot Mitchell — that all those people would one day expect a decent offering of services.
Sidewalks. Parks. Recreation. Decent roads. Pretty, clean surroundings.
In other words, all the things that drive people to Williamson County in the first place.
Together, we are a community that mostly shuns "big government," but it's not because we're necessarily opposed to taxes. It's the federal income tax that tends to turn us off. Many of us object to the ways our money is spent, on things we don't necessarily prioritize politically.
But a lot of people — politicians, journalists, bloggers, etc. — assume that means we're flat out opposed to any sort of tax.
That isn't the case. While there are a fair number of folks who do object to any tax at any time, as a general rule we're OK with spending money in our own communities.
We want them to look nice, with quality amenities and good schools, because we care about our quality of life, our children's education and our own personal property values.
How many people move to Spring Hill because there's no property tax? I dare say none. How many people move to Spring Hill because they want their kids to be in Williamson County schools? That's a much bigger number.
Another number I'd be interested to know is how many people who live in Spring Hill would rather live in Franklin. When I lived there, I certainly did. Even though the taxes were much higher. Maybe even because of it.
What we get for our money in Franklin is lovely surroundings, terrific recreation opportunities, good roads with convenient connectivity, and the retail options that abound in a city willing to spend money on economic recruitment.
I know some folks in Spring Hill are furious that the city has reinstituted its property tax. But you know what? I imagine that tax — if administered correctly and spent wisely — will ultimately pay off in an increase in property value.
And maybe Spring Hill will one day be a destination because of what it has instead of what it doesn't have.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)