Chestnut Hill’s New Mural and Circle
By Joe Mayes, Project and Operations Director
2 min read: The Civic Design Center works with Chestnut Hill Neighbors to install an artistic traffic calming project.
Installation image with the new paint and tires installed, creating a new “gutter space” in the road to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic.
For more than a decade, the Civic Design Center’s TURBO team (Tactical Urbanism Organizers) has worked alongside Nashville neighborhoods to bring community-driven ideas to life. Through temporary, low-cost interventions, we help residents and city partners test solutions that make streets safer, more welcoming, and more people-focused. These projects allow neighbors to try out bold ideas, evaluate what works, and build momentum for long-term change.
A vibrant new energy has arrived at the intersection of Wharf, Chestnut, and Trimble. Through a collaborative effort between the Civic Design Center, NDOT, local residents, and Councilmember Vo, we are proud to debut a tactical urbanism installation designed to prioritize safety and community.
Why This Matters
For over a year, our team has been studying this intersection. During the design process alone, multiple accidents occurred in the area. This project is a direct response to those safety concerns, aimed at slowing down speeding traffic and reclaimed the street for the people who live here.
Key Project Improvements
Tactical Traffic Circle: We’ve transformed a traditional street layout into a traffic circle to naturally calm vehicle speeds.
Enhanced Crosswalks: New, highly visible markings to ensure pedestrian safety.
Community Artwork: The installation features a stunning mural by artist Hailey Beiden, bringing color and identity to the asphalt.
A Community Effort
This wasn't just a municipal project—it was a neighborhood celebration. Over 25 community members, including Councilmember Vo, rolled up their sleeves to help paint the mural and install the physical improvements. The process started in June of 2024 when Nashville Design Week launched it’s Community Design Project, where local artists were paired with community projects to promote positive changes to public spaces across Nashville. Each project focused on how design can improve public space, celebrate our communities, and inspire beautiful and functional places across the city. For this installation, muralist Hailey Beiden and Woodworker JJ Galipeau worked to make the design, and create planter boxes for the project.
At the same time, the Chestnut Hill Neighborhood Group identified this intersection as a location where they experienced some of the worst speeding issues, so the Design Center started creating designs to improve the space.
This installation is a "living" prototype. It will remain in place for 6+ months to test the effectiveness of the design before the permanent reconstruction of Chestnut Street begins.
We Need Your Voice
Your experience living and driving in Chestnut Hill is the most valuable data we have. As you navigate the new pattern, please share your thoughts:
How to give feedback: Visit Hub Nashville to voice your thoughts on the future of this street.
This project was made possible through support by:
