Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cheekwood Parking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cheekwood presents design for hillside parking pavilion; supporters say it will improve access
Summary
Cheekwood officials showed renderings of a three-and-a-half-level, below‑grade parking pavilion and described traffic-management and fundraising steps; public commenters and designers said the structure will improve accessibility and reduce pedestrian–vehicle conflicts.
Cheekwood officials on the Metro Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation meeting presented renderings and a progress update for a proposed parking pavilion and welcome plaza intended to replace parking currently located on park land.
The project, described by Jane McLeod, president and CEO of Cheekwood, aims to “replace parking previously provided on Parks property,” improve the visitor experience and “nestle the structure into the landscape as much as possible,” said William Hastings, the project designer who walked the board through the plans.
Why it matters: Cheekwood says the covered, mostly below‑grade structure would shorten the walk to the gardens, add elevators and covered parking for visitors with mobility needs, and reduce the current mix of pedestrians and vehicles at the historic gate. Board members heard public comments from longtime visitors who said accessibility has limited visits for families with small children and elderly relatives.
Design and operation details: Hastings said the pavilion will be “a three and a half level below grade parking garage” sited on Cheekwood property to use the steep hillside. The design shown includes a green roof intended to reduce the building’s visual height, a central entry pavilion with ticketing, elevators and stairs, and a modified vehicle entry that Hastings described as an “elongated roundabout” to let cars enter and exit while minimizing pedestrian–vehicle conflicts. Hastings said the historic gate would be protected and that Cheekwood is creating a new primary point of arrival that will include accessible pickup/drop‑off.
Traffic management and fundraising: McLeod told the board Cheekwood has begun several operational changes while fundraising continues. She said the organization has initiated parking fees for nonmembers with rideshare discounts, added off‑site parking and shuttle service, increased bike racks, added information and WeGo (public transit) links on its website, and established a neighborhood liaison. On fundraising, McLeod said Cheekwood is working with Vision Philanthropy and expects a quiet phase of major‑donor solicitations through September, a public campaign beginning in the fall and a campaign wrap‑up around May 2026.
Public comments and community response: Toby Balzer, identifying himself as “a parent, a teacher, a gardener, and a longtime member of Cheekwood,” said, “The parking facility will make it easier for everyone to visit Cheekwood.” Mary Keith, who described herself as “a Nashville mom of 3 kids,” said, “Simply put, I love bringing my family to Cheekwood,” and added that the new facility would ease trips with a stroller and improve school‑trip access.
Next steps and scope limits: Cheekwood presented the project as work the institution will carry out on its property; Hastings said changes to the gate and entry will fit within Cheekwood’s boundary and “it's not something we would be asking for parks.” McLeod and Hastings did not present a construction schedule, final budget or permit approvals required; board members asked clarifying questions about the entry, circulation and property boundaries.
What to watch for: Cheekwood indicated it will continue fundraising, return with additional updates as design and permitting advance, and coordinate with Metro Parks on any items that affect park property or operations.
