Revitalization project underway at historic lumber mill in The Nations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A historic lumber mill in The Nations area of Nashville is being revitalized and turned into a mixed-use building.

The mill is 80,000 square feet, and it will be renamed Silo Studios.

A mural of Mr. Lee Estes looks down upon the 1940's lumber mill. The grandfather of The Nations, a man who's come to represent re-development, is watching his community change.

JC Darby is a commercial real estate broker for Southeast Venture. He said the old mill has served West Nashville for decades, and it will continue doing just that.

"It's become a beacon not only for The Nations but more importantly Silo Bend, and it's kind of put our flag in as if to say this community is coming," Darby said, "The project specifically is a gem, and the reason for that, is the building itself."

Bowstring trusses, a light well, and a grand staircase. The unique architecture was designed by a bridge engineer, and it still stands strong decades later.

"It's one of a kind in Nashville. It is without a doubt, one of those buildings you can't tear down," Darby said, "We have everything from co-working, creative office, small boutique retail shops, we've got breweries looking, we've got distilleries looking, we've got a fitness concept that we are definitely going to commit to in the space."

In Silo Bend, there's an apartment complex, over 100 condominiums being built, and around 45 new homes in the community.

"We're all about community, we're all about coming together, and Silo Studios is going to be the catalyst that brings all these different living entities together in one place," Darby said.

In all, it's a 36 acre development. Eventually, there could be outdoor concerts at Silo Studios, and they have a 'super porch' for events as well.

The developer, Flyway Company, is now accepting tenants ahead of their 2020 opening.