William Edmondson Homesite
Most Recent Update
2026Focus Area
Parks + Greenways
Partners
Existing Conditions
Physical: Lack of lighting and water
Social: WE Fest, youth third space, and sports teams
Environmental: Certified arboretum, unsafe fields
Demographic / behavior
Families with toddlers: Playgrounds, mornings and afternoons in small or family groups.
12-18yo sport players: after school, evenings, younger kids come from library, soccer, and basketball
16-30yo team sports: Women’s Football, ultimate frisbee, groups of 20+
20-50yo Dog Owners: All day, primarily single
History
1937
William Edmondson’s sculpture is displayed in NYC. He became the first African American to have a solo show at the MOMA.
1990s
The Organized Neighbors of Edgehill created a community garden and park on the grounds of Edmondson’s home and studio.
1950s
Nashville Housing Agency, as part of Urban Renewal, cleared the homes that stood on the southern end of the park (including William Edmondson’s home) and built the Murrell Elementary School.
2018
The city announced its intention to sell the property to private developers. The Save the William Edmondson Homesite Coalition was quickly formed.
2001
Community Development Block Grant from Metro established the park and its current amenities, including the playground site, walking trails, and picnic pavilions.
2018
Led by Council Member Colby Sledge, Metro Council voted nearly unanimously to stop the sale of the property
2018
The Friends of the Edmondson Homesite was established to preserve, protect, enhance, and activate the Park and Gardens as a living legacy
2020
The Friends group planted 50+ trees with the Nashville Tree Foundation to qualify as a state arboretum.
Projects
Resources
Civic Design Center: Egehill Neighborhood Findings and Recommendations (2003)
Metro Nashville Planning Department: Egehill Neighborhood Plan (2024)
“This here stone and all those out there in the yard—came from God. It’s the work of Jesus speaking his mind in my mind. I must be one of His disciples. These here is miracles I can do. Can’t nobody do these but me. Jesus has planted the seed of carving in me.”
— William Edmondson, 1937