Clifton Innovation District, 20-acre area unveiled for potential redevelopment

A rare and expansive opportunity has emerged in Nashville’s urban core as a Colorado-based developer unveils a 20.35-acre site, branded the Clifton Innovation District, for potential redevelopment. This substantial property, strategically located just one mile west of downtown Nashville and two blocks north of Charlotte Avenue, has been meticulously assembled over five years and is now ready to shape the city’s future skyline.

Image: Clifton Innovation District, STG Design

The assemblage, spearheaded by Brad Cummings of Commonwealth Avenue Capital Partners, required a series of complex off-market transactions involving multiple parcels, tenant relocations, and creative problem-solving. What began as a single purchase quickly expanded into a network of acquisitions, ultimately culminating in a site of unmatched scale and potential.

This unique site, currently zoned for industrial use, presents the possibility of creating a vibrant, mixed-use district that could exceed 2.7 million square feet. Conceptual plans envision a dynamic urban neighborhood with residential, retail, office, and community spaces seamlessly integrated into the surrounding area. The Clifton Innovation District’s design, informed by input from STG Design, prioritizes connectivity to Nashville’s planned Greenway extension, linking Centennial Park to the Gulch, while fostering walkability and a sense of place.

Positioned along the Charlotte Pike corridor, the site boasts proximity to both Midtown and downtown Nashville, offering unparalleled access to major transit routes, established neighborhoods, and nearby economic hubs.

Image: Clifton Innovation District, STG Design

With zoning allowing for office, industrial, and multifamily uses—with the potential for expanded options through Nashville’s Specific Plan process—the Clifton Innovation District is poised to offer a transformative development opportunity.

As Nashville continues to embrace innovative, mixed-use projects, the Clifton Innovation District stands out as a blank canvas for ambitious developers. Its sheer size, prime location, and connectivity to key areas make it a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape the urban landscape.

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