NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The historic U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center will be revitalized into a new parks, arts and culture center in East Nashville.

The new center will be called Shelby Commons and will include the following:

• A co-working space for arts nonprofits
• Artist studios
• Restaurant and market
• Recreation-focused retail, including affordable kayak and bike rental
• Event venue
• Park amenities, including public restrooms

The announcement of the project was made on Wednesday morning in front of the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center in Shelby Park at 1515 Davidson Street. Representatives from nonprofits Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms and the Arts and Business Council of Greater Nashville, as well as Mayor Freddie O’Connell, made the announcement.

“The Shelby Commons project has the potential to go beyond merely revitalizing an important Metro property,” O’Connell said. “The goal is to make a creative campus that could incorporate studio, performance and gallery spaces for our arts and entertainment community.”

Discussions will be held during upcoming design phases and community meetings before the final approval of the lease agreement by Metro Council and Metro Parks Board. The first public community meeting will be hosted by District 6 Metro Council Member Clay Capp and is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center.

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