Potential Historic Zoning Overlays
First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 113 8th Avenue South, Historic Landmark
The First Evangelical Lutheran Church building at 113 8th Avenue South was designed by Marr & Holman Architects, who designed Nashville’s main U.S. Post Office (now the Frist Center for the Visual Arts), the Tennessee Supreme Court Building, Municipal Auditorium, and other significant buildings in Nashville. The neo-Gothic style church was dedicated in 1951 while the church was under the pastorship of Reverend I. W. Gernert. The building was constructed of Briar Hill stone from Glenmont, Ohio with white Indiana limestone trim. The design included 12 stained glass windows, half of which were brought from the church’s previous building located on North Summer Street. On April 15, 2026, the Historic Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of the Historic Landmark overlay. The item will be considered on May 28, 2026 at the Planning Commission. It will have its Metro Council first reading on July 7, second reading on August 4, and third reading on August 18, 2026. These dates are subject to change.
Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 3411 Albion St
Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church was constructed in 1954, designed by the world-renowned architectural firm of McKissack & McKissack, and built by Nashville construction firm Fred Wright Company. McKissack & McKissack was the first architectural firm in the country with Black architects and draftsmen and is the oldest minority-owned architecture and engineering firm in the United States. The architects designed the church in the Colonial Revival style. During the Civil Rights movement, the church served as an important strategy center. The Metro Historic Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to create a Historic Landmark overlay at 3411 Albion on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 2pm at the Sonny West Conference Center 700 President Ronald Reagan Way. The Planning Commission and Metro Council meetings have not yet been scheduled.
Belle Meade Theater Historic Landmark Overlay
The theater/commercial strip was planned and constructed between 1938 and 1940. It is significant as an excellent example of the Streamline Moderne architectural style, common of movie theaters of the era, for its Marr & Holman design, and for its representation of the Golden Age of Hollywood (1920-1940) in Nashville. Review by the Historic Zoning Commission, Planning Commission, and Council is expected late summer 2026. Please confirm dates, times and locations with the relevant commission/council agendas.
Green Hills East Neighborhood Conservation Zoning Overlay
The first subdivision in the Green Hills area is exploring the possibility of a neighborhood conservation zoning overlay. (Previous legislation was filed and cancelled.) The neighborhood and Councilmember Preptit have hosted a series of seven meetings. The councilmember plans to send a survey to residents of Green Hills Dr., Bonner Ave, Eden Ave, N and S Observatory Drives, Observatory Court and Burton Ave. This district is the namesake for the larger Green Hills area and is significant for its representation of the national initiative to promote home ownership and educate about modern materials and construction practices, beginning in the late 1920s.
