Location:

Nashville, Tennessee

Status: 

Completed Summer 2022

Size:

4,300 SF

Client:

Tennessee Baptist Mission Board

Shop Team:

James Kennon
Cary Sweat
Lacey Hanneman

Project Collaborators:

General Contractor:
Flow Construction
MPE Engineering:
DF+H Services
Landscape Architect:
Studio Topography

Photography:
Seth Parker  

Awards:

Originally built in 1964, the building served decades of students as a place for social, academic, and spiritual interface. When Vanderbilt removed the alleyway behind the building to create a pedestrian greenway, increased student traffic transformed the ‘backside’ of the building into an important access point. This inspired the reorientation of the building to connect the north and south entrances and facilitate movement through the building.

Embracing the site slope, the building divides internal functions into two distinct levels. It was important for BCM staff to create a positive and equitable environment by facilitating the flow of students within the building with a transition other than the original stairs. The expansive ramp needed to accommodate the change between levels led the team to embrace the ramp as a spatial and functional element. It became its own opportunity to sit, study, or gather. By removing walls enclosing centralized toilets, the continuous arched structure was exposed creating visual and physical connectivity.

From the streetside, the comfortably scaled living room-like space was updated with new finishes and furniture while maintaining the original fireplace and curved stone wall. In the gathering space, new lighting, flooring, and interior finishes provide a revitalized space while respecting the original character. The former student assistant apartment was reconfigured as the new north entrance, reception area, and accessible toilet rooms. Care was taken to select lighting and materials that were consistent with and complimented the original design while updating for current energy codes and environmental concerns.

In consideration of these advancements, the revitalization of this building beautifully merges its rich history with modern functionality. It now stands as a welcoming space, symbolizing adaptability and inclusivity for generations of students to come.