Jubilee Bridge Area

Revitalization Project

Built in the early 1980's, the Jubilee Singers Memorial Bridge in North Nashville was needed to safely and efficiently get traffic across at least two sets of active trains tracks. This was especially important to Nashville community members who were making their way to the earlier Meharry-Hubbard Hospital, now Nashville General. Driving from the midtown Nashville area, this active bridge is also the thoroughfare that transports dozens to and through the "sacred ground" that is home to Historic Black College and Universities, Fisk University and Meharry Medical College, toward Historic Jefferson Street. 

Like many marginalized communities of color across the U.S., North Nashville also suffered economically and socially, as a result of a major highway being built right through its thriving heartbeat--The Jefferson Street and Buchanan Street communities. And according to research by the Brookings Institute, zip code 37208 has produced the largest number of inmates in all of the U.S...North Nashville's zip code--this same area--IS 37208. This information is very disheartening and is very much a concern. North Nashville is one of many areas that has suffered systemic injustices, and it is time to invest well-deserved time, energy and resources into this community, and do what we can to create positive opportunities for change.

In most recent years, Nashville has seen an enormous boom in development and redevelopment--all of which have continuously bypassed this particular section, and most of North Nashville. However, much of what this community is slowly seeing, as far as redevelopment, has been more of the profit-led gentrification that removes the cultural footprint that existed long before.

It is, therefore, time to make a change, giving the community that houses Fisk and Meharry--two of our nation's oldest HBCU's--and nearby HBCU Tennessee State University, a much-deserved facelift, reignited cultural pride, and renewed vitality that will reflect those who built this community, while benefitting the generations who continue to uphold its legacy.

This “placekeeping” project proposes updates to the following surrounding areas:

• Jubilee Singers Memorial Bridge (D.B. Todd Blvd)
  
• 19th Avenue Parking lot
• Herman Street Underpass
• Inactive Rail Corridor
• (and although not yet confirmed nor approved by the University) the Former Fisk Steam Plant is a part of this vision and is either connected to or is adjacent to these proposed project sites.

Envisioned redevelopment to these spaces will beautify and transform these focus areas into more accessible, functional public destinations that creatively, intentionally and thoughtfully reflect the historic significance and contributions of African descendants—past and present—to the Greater Nashville area, while attracting more equitable opportunities that will support the community in which it is exists. 

A very special component to this overall vision is the Black Heritage Walk. These spaces will creatively highlight the history and contributions of African descendants to the Greater Nashville area, especially that which has originated within North Nashville communities.

**More details will be shared, as we continue our development process

with our public-private-community partners.