AIA Award Shelby Bridge

Nashville Civic Design Center shares a "Tennessee AIA Design Award" for its role in the redevelopment of the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge

The preservation of the historic Shelby Street Bridge provides a new and vital link in Nashville. As one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world, it is an important revitalized recreational transit corridor and a popular destination. Its dramatic new lighting enhances the structure of the bridge and has created an instant icon for the City and a beloved place for an evening stroll and weekend events. The design is a collaborative effort between the City of Nashville, The Nashville Civic Design Center and a team of architects, urban designers, lighting designers and engineers.

The lighting design reinforces the renewed sense of vitality and optimism in the Shelby Street Bridge as the most visible and new pedestrian link in Nashville. The implementation of this design literally brings to light the positive results of place making in the city and the celebration of historic urban infrastructure.

The Shelby Street Bridge, built 1907-1909, is on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance as one of Nashville’s best examples of modern technology and engineering at the turn of the century. Almost one hundred years later, in poor condition, the bridge faced an uncertain future. Public sentiment to preserve its place in Nashville history, its valuable connection between East Nashville and downtown, and the spectacular skyline views inspired a new use both day and night.

Owner/Client: Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

Architect of Record: Frederic Schwartz Architects and Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon

Project Team:

BWSC - Mike Williams, Glen Redmond

Nashville Civic Design Center - Mark Schimmenti

DGA - Domingo Gonzalez, Mi Seon Lee

FSA - Frederic Schwartz, Douglas Romines

Consultants: Domingo Gonzalez Associates and BWSC

General Contractor: Ray Bell Construction Company

Electrical Contractor: Stansell Electric Co, Inc.

Photographers: Dave Anderson, Daxophoto and Douglas Romines, FSA