Joey Garrison

USA Today Network - Tennessee

Mayor Megan Barry’s administration has formally launched the search for a developer to remake Nashville’s old Greer Stadium site with the intent of green space and affordable housing anchoring a future mixed-use project.

As part of a bidding process that opened Monday, the city says it wants publicly accessible open space on the 21-acre, city-owned site to be the “focal point of the development” and to provide connections to nearby greenways and the parks system.

Other objectives outlined by Metro for the makeover include providing affordable and workforce housing; bringing new retail to the area; creating a design that is sensitive to nearby Fort Negley, a Civil War-era historic site; drawing neighbors into the revamped area; and limiting Metro’s financial participation.

Metro issued a request for quotation on Monday seeking bids from developers for the rehabilitation of the closely watched real estate. The bidding process closes March 1. Barry does not have a timeline for the site's redevelopment.

Developers must be capable of being the master development team for the project and have a successful track record with similar undertakings, according to the guidelines. The chosen developer would need to enter into a lease agreement with Metro that would be subject to Metro Council approval.

Parks department recommends Greer Stadium demolition

Nashvillians propose dog parks, tennis at Greer Stadium

Greer Stadium, south of downtown on Chestnut Street and the former home of the Triple-A baseball Nashville Sounds, has remained vacant for more than two years after the Sounds moved to First Tennessee Park. Parks officials last year recommended the demolition of the dilapidated, 1977-era Greer Stadium, opening the door for a complete overhaul of the property.

Barry, in a statement, said she covets a “private-public partnership” for the site’s redevelopment that benefits the community by providing jobs and preserving open and recreational space.

“Opportunities to re-imagine a community space so close to the downtown core that’s also an important part of a thriving neighborhood don’t come by often,” she said in an emailed statement. “My hope is that we will receive proposals that fit the RFQ in a way that is sensitive to Fort Negley, while providing affordable and workforce housing, open space, sports and recreation, and entertainment that will be enjoyed by Nashvillians and visitors alike.”

The 30-page RFQ has singled out open space, with a mixture of active and passive recreation areas, as the primary use on the site. Affordable and workforce housing, which could include housing specifically for seniors, is another priority.

From there, the scope of the project is broader, meaning a wide range of ideas for the site are still in play. The document cites a desire of the surrounding neighborhood for new retail uses, potentially commercial space for artists, and to make the site a community asset; after-school programs and workforce development opportunities; recreational and educational offerings for children such as tennis, baseball and soccer facilities; and opportunities to learn about the site's history.

The RFQ also mentions possible entertainment activities for the property that, in addition to sports facilities, could include a skate park, an outdoor amphitheater, public art, event space, new Civil War museums to complement Fort Negley, and arts venues for the use of neighborhood artists.

"I think the question is what other kind of uses can complement that green space," said Councilman Colby Sledge, who represents the surrounding Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. He added that he's hoping for proposals that "tie the whole area together."

Nashvillians propose dog parks, tennis at Greer Stadium

During a pair of community meetings on the future of the stadium, Nashvillians floated a range of ideas for the site, including many of the components written into the RFQ.

In recent years, a minor league soccer team from Harrisburg, Pa., a rodeo operator and a grocery story chain have inquired about the site, which is managed by the Metro Parks Department.

This past year, the city has fielded inquires from the United States Tennis Association about building tennis courts on the property. Some have pitched youth baseball for the Greer property, while others have suggested clearing the site altogether to return the area to its Civil War-era look.

Tommy Lynch, who's set to depart the parks department in March after a long career in Metro, said the addition of affordable housing at the site would further accelerate the area's transformation as a budding hotbed for residential homes. He said the green space would make the area more attractive for residents.

"I just think it can be an economic engine for that area," Lynch said of the property's rehab.

Reach Joey Garrison at 615-259-8236 and on Twitter @joeygarrison.