Commission approves infill house at 108 South 13th Street as part of larger redevelopment of former church site

The Metro Nashville Historic Zoning Commission approved a preservation permit for a new infill house at 108 South Thirteenth Street, the first of four houses planned for the parcel that once held the East End United Methodist Church.

Staff explained the overall redevelopment plan, noting the church was destroyed by a 2020 tornado and the rectory building remains and is contributing. The developer subdivided the parcel to create multiple lots; Lot 32 (108 South Thirteenth) sits down a slope with roughly a 10‑foot drop between alley and street. Staff reviewed a grading plan showing stepped retaining walls and terraces to manage the slope and found the proposed grading generally appropriate given the unique site conditions caused by the demolition and existing grades. Staff also reviewed the proposed house massing and said the planned height and width are consistent with an extended historic context that includes two‑and‑a‑half‑story houses on 50‑foot lots; staff recommended approval with standard conditions for materials and utility locations.

Architect Michael Ward and developer Aaron Armstrong described the site work needed to transition existing stone walls and to manage the depression left by the church footprint; they said the design team worked to minimize retaining wall heights while providing drainage and usable yards. There was no public testimony in person; the meeting record includes a letter from a public commenter (Mister Tisdale) that was provided to the commission.

A commissioner moved approval of the application with staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried.