Hill Center is a 290,000-square-foot mixed-use lifestyle center containing retail, dining and office facilities in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, Tenn. Opened in 2009 on the site of a former parking lot, the RTKL Associates Inc.-designed project provides a pedestrian-friendly environment and gathering place for shoppers and workers in the area.
Modeled after a traditional tree-lined main street, the Hill Center design incorporates small-scale “pocket parks” that increase connectivity between the two surrounding arterial roads while engaging the buildings in a cohesive environment.
RTKL leveraged several existing conditions to create an authentic neighborhood rather than a staged setting. These included a canal and a bank that needed to be accommodated within the new plan. The result is a diverse streetscape that includes a range of architectural and landscape features including seven commercial and retail buildings and a four-level parking deck.
The project is fully leased and has successfully attracted an impressive roster of high-end retailers including Whole Foods Market, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and West Elm.
Based on its extensive environmentally-friendly elements including rainwater harvesting practices, native landscaping features, and pedestrian-friendly amenities, Hill Center has been selected to participate in the Sustainable Sites Initiative, a partnership of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the University of Texas and the United State Botanic Garden, in a pilot rating system for sustainable landscapes.
The project was also recently awarded the ULI Nashville - Excellence in Development Award.
Project Name: Hill Center
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Square Footage: 290,000 square feet
Architects: RTKL & Associates
Landscape Architect: Hawkins Partners
Lighting Design: RTKL, T. Kondos
Structural Engineer: EMC Engineers
Civil Engineer: Barge Cauthen & Associates
Parking Garage: Walker Parking
MEP Engineer: Smith Seckman Reid
Contractor: Hoar Construction
Masonry: Alley-Cassetty Companies