Bringing Life to the heart of Midtown

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View looking at Buddy Killen Circle

Roundabouts create prominent gateways

With the Musica statue at its center, there is already a notable sightline that is rooted in the rich history of Music Row when Nashvillians enter Buddy Killen Circle. This roundabout creates a gateway to Music Row and provides a daily crossroads to Midtown, however in its current condition, it is treated more as a pass-through than somewhere to spend time. This project aims to transform Buddy Killen Circle into an activated public space that goes beyond its “gateway” identity.

This project supports our Guiding Principles for Neighborhood Identity and Public Art. Check out the Guiding Principles to learn more about our goals.

Why Now

Schematic concepts for the new bikeway at Buddy Killen Circle prior to implementation

For more than a decade, Nashville’s plans for Midtown and Music Row have called for a more walkable, connected area with better streets and public spaces. The Midtown Study (2015) created a long-term plan for how the area should grow and develop. The Music Row Vision Plan (2019) focused on preserving Music Row as a center for music, creativity, and Nashville’s cultural identity.

Since then, new homes, hotels, businesses, and destinations have brought more people and activity to Midtown. Newer transportation plans and Metro Planning’s Design and Development Strategy are looking at how Nashville can respond to this growth and make it safer and easier for people to get around, especially surrounding Buddy Killen Circle.

In terms of connectivity, NDOT has worked with community members on traffic and safety around the Circle and implemented a new bikeway for Demonbreun Street and the roundabout. Choose How You Move will also continue to study Demonbreun Street’s part in the transportation network.

On the other hand, the Design and Development Strategy will expand on the Midtown Study to focus on creating standards for great places in one of the densest neighborhoods in our urban core. The Fountains of Musica Foundation is also developing a vision for water activation, revived green space, and a stronger setting for Musica.

Combined, these efforts create an opportunity to look at Buddy Killen Circle as one connected place rather than a collection of separate projects and the time is right to involve the community in this cohesive vision. Through a survey, public events, a design workshop, and conversations with local stakeholders, we will gather input about how the Circle works today and what people want to see in the area. That input will help shape a shared vision and recommendations for the future of Buddy Killen Circle and its surrounding public spaces.