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Capping The Interstate

Capping The Interstate

Cities across the US are revisiting the functionality of interstate highways in downtown areas to better connect neighborhoods bisected from mid-century infrastructure. Areas with existing interstates below the grade of a city’s primary street grid have the potential to be capped with a more functional addition, reconnecting the two sides of the interstate. Most examples accomplish this by creating a new public space, in the form of a park, or by constructing a larger bridge to accommodate new liner buildings.

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Preserving History & Culture in The Jefferson St corridor
Jefferson Street Eric Hoke Jefferson Street Eric Hoke

Preserving History & Culture in The Jefferson St corridor

Over the last two decades the city of Nashville has experienced unprecedented growth. According to population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, the region grew by an average of one hundred people, per day, over a twelve-month period, ending in July 2016. Due to population increase, among additional factors, Nashville neighborhoods have enjoyed rapid development. Some neighborhoods, however, have remained stagnant. The Jefferson Street corridor is one of many unique communities in Nashville that, despite historic contributions to the city’s culture and history, has not shared in recent growth. From the booming music venues to esteemed colleges and universities, this neighborhood has been a vital part of making Nashville the “it” city it is today. Despite its historical significance, some development around Jefferson Street has further stalled growth. The 1960s construction of the I-40 interstate bisected the corridor’s main commercial district. Since then, the neighborhood has struggled to recover.

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