Fontanel makeover: Artistic resort planned for former Barbara Mandrell estate

Sandy Mazza | Nashville Tennessean

Fontanel, the sprawling north Nashville tourist destination anchored by the log mansion where Barbara Mandrell formerly lived, may be coming back to life with a new vision soon.

The new Chicago-based owner presented a proposal to more than 100 community members Thursday night reimagining the 167-acre wooded site that has been closed since the summer.

A lagoon and beach would replace the amphitheater and a "makers village" would welcome local artists and craftspeople.

"I think we're creating something unique that plays well with the rural atmosphere here," said Tim Farrell, managing partner of owner BlueRoad Ventures. "In my mind, Nashville is a very creative market. We're adding an artisan village full of creative experiences to this resort."

New owners plan for resort, artists space, fitness center

BlueRoad bought the complex for $14.5 million in February in its first Nashville venture.

The company is backed by Dick Portillo, who made his fortune building the successful Portillo's restaurant chain that specialize in hot dogs and Italian Beef sandwiches. He has focused on real estate since selling the chain.

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Metro Planning and Council members must first sign off on changes to Fontanel's zoning standards before construction can begin.

But Farrell and his team of local architects and designers won tentative community support Thursday, despite ongoing concerns about loud music and traffic.

They want to build 150 one-bedroom cabins, bungalows and "yurts" throughout the property. Most of those would be integrated into the wooded area toward the back by the mansion.

Tours of Mandrell's unique 30,000 square-foot mansion would not continue and the space will instead be used only for special events.

The Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater would be shut down. In its place would be a resort-style lagoon, beach and restaurant.

The beach and lagoon would be only for resort guests, though visitors may be able to buy a pass. The public would continue to have access to the greenway and trails, restaurants, shops and events, as well as a new fitness facility.

Planners address noise, traffic concerns

Live music would still take place at a smaller stage. Performances for more than 750 people would be limited to 14 events per year.

"The whole idea is this is a low impact approach to preserve the natural features," said architect John Haas. "We’re trying to use the input you’ve given us in the past. We think this is an incredible enhanced vision."

They hope to start building in mid-2020 and finish 18-24 months later.

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In 2016, community members objected to a plan from former owners Marc Oswald and Dale Morris to build a hotel complex at the front of the site along Whites Creek Pike.

The hotel plans were approved but never came to fruition.

Neighbors said they have struggled for years with loud music and traffic piling up on the two-lane road fronting Fontanel.

"The noise level was horrific and the traffic," said Carol Ford, who lives next door. "When Willie Nelson played, I could smell the pot. (The owners) promised they were going to cut down the noise but it never ceased."

Ford said she likes the resort plan but wants them to reduce the number of large concerts.

Farrell wants to transform the entrance at 4125 Whites Creek Pike into the resort check-in area and "makers village."

Hotel guests would valet their cars and drive a golf cart to go to their cabins. Nearby, artists and craftspeople would have work spaces and possibly offer art classes to the community.

Prichard’s Distillery and the Inn at Fontanel bed and breakfast would remain, under the proposal.

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The winery and tasting room would be turned into a community fitness center open to the public.

Adventure Works Ziplines and the greenway trails are the only areas that are still open. They will not be impacted by the redevelopment.

"As we get into programming, we'll develop a plan for community events and fundraisers," Farrell said. "We'll have something that engages with and works with the community. I don't know those details yet."

Sandy Mazza can be reached via email at smazza@tennessean.com, by calling 615-726-5962, or on Twitter @SandyMazza.