WEHO Residents Welcome Proposed Gateway
Wedgewood Houston Social (WEHO Social) hosted a landmark community gathering last night at the renowned Zeitgeist Art Gallery. The event brought together residents, local business owners, and developers for an evening of art appreciation, neighborhood updates, and exciting announcements about future developments in the area.
Event Highlights
Exclusive viewing of Zeitgeist Gallery’s latest exhibition
Presentation of new mixed-use development plans for Hagan+Chestnut Project
Engaging discussions with community leaders and developers
Interactive Q&A session for resident feedback
Announcement of the next WEHO Social community event
WEHO Social: Fostering Community Connections
Chad DiDonato, president of WEHO Social, kicked off the event with a warm welcome and an overview of the association’s recent achievements and ongoing initiatives.
“WEHO Social was founded with the mission of building strong community connections, supporting local businesses, and guiding sustainable development in Wedgewood Houston,” DiDonato explained. “Tonight’s gathering is a testament to the vibrant, engaged community we’ve cultivated.”
Established in 2020, WEHO Social has quickly become an integral part of the neighborhood’s fabric. Key initiatives include:
Monthly community meetings featuring local speakers and topics of interest
Quarterly neighborhood clean-up events
Annual street festivals celebrating local arts and businesses
Ongoing partnerships with developers to ensure community-oriented growth
Regular communication with Metro Nashville officials to address neighborhood concerns
“Our goal is to maintain the unique character of Wedgewood Houston while embracing positive change,” DiDonato added. “We’re committed to ensuring that every resident has a voice in shaping our neighborhood’s future.”
Next Community Event: October 8th at Jackalope Brewery
DiDonato also took the opportunity to announce WEHO Social’s next community event:
“Join us on Tuesday, October 8th, at the Taproom at Jackalope Brewery for an evening of community bonding and local brews,” he announced. “This event is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of our favorite local spots.”
The event will feature:
A variety of locally crafted beers
Opportunities to meet and mingle with fellow residents
Updates on neighborhood projects and initiatives
A relaxed and welcoming environment for all ages
For more details about this and other upcoming events, please visit www.wehosocial.org.
Zeitgeist Gallery and Manuel Zeitlin Architects: Pillars of the Community
The choice of Zeitgeist Gallery as the venue for this important community event highlights the significant role that Manuel Zeitlin Architects (MZA) has played in shaping the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood. Manuel Zeitlin, founder of both MZA and Zeitgeist Gallery, shared insights into the firm’s history and its impact on the area’s development.
Lain York, Director of Zeitgeist Gallery, added, “Our gallery has always been a space for fostering creativity and community engagement. Hosting WEHO Social’s event here aligns perfectly with our mission to support and showcase local talent and initiatives.”
Innovative Mixed-Use Development
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new mixed-use development project at the intersection of Hagan Street and Chestnut Street. Tim Johnson of Material Ventures presented the innovative plans, which include:
Preservation of the existing Zeitgeist Gallery building
A collection of smaller, low-density buildings with retail and residential spaces
Underground parking to maintain pedestrian-friendly streetscapes
A “Tokyo Alley” concept featuring micro-retail spaces for local entrepreneurs
Extensive landscaping and community spaces
Design Principles and Philosophy
Elam Freeman of Ojas Partners shared insights into the project’s design philosophy, emphasizing the goal of creating a diverse, organic urban environment that complements the existing neighborhood character. Key design principles include:
Organic Growth: The development aims to mimic natural, mixed-species environments rather than monoculture plantations, promoting diversity in both form and function.
Pedestrian-Centric: The design prioritizes walkability and street-level engagement, with varied storefronts and inviting public spaces.
Scale and Authenticity: Building heights are strategically varied, with taller structures pushed to the rear of the site to maintain a human-scale streetscape along Hagan Street.
Material Authenticity: The residential component will utilize mass timber construction, showcasing the structure’s authenticity and quality.
Micro-Retail Opportunities: The “Tokyo Alley” concept provides accessible spaces for local entrepreneurs and artisans, fostering a diverse and dynamic retail environment.
Freeman stated, “Our vision for this development is to create a space that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in the community’s unique character. We want to ensure that every aspect of the design enhances the neighborhood’s vibrancy and walkability.”
Innovative Parking Solutions
The development addresses parking concerns with a creative approach:
All parking will be located underground, accessed via the existing public alley.
This solution eliminates the need for curb cuts on Hagan Street, preserving the pedestrian experience.
The underground parking will provide spaces for both residents and retail visitors, with dedicated stalls to accommodate residential and retail use.
Parking for residential units will be optional, promoting car-free living options.
Gateway to Wedgewood Houston and Fort Negley Connection
Tim Johnson emphasized the project’s role as a gateway to the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood:
The development will create a strong visual anchor at the intersection of Hagan and Chestnut Streets.
Plans include improved connectivity to the adjacent Fort Negley Park, with enhanced crosswalks and a new plaza entrance to the park.
The project aims to complement the ongoing renovations at Fort Negley, creating a seamless transition between the historic site and the vibrant Wedgewood Houston community.
Timeline and Next Steps
Material Ventures outlined the projected timeline for the development:
Q4 Early 2025 Finalize design plans and submit for city approvals
Q4 Early 2026: Potential groundbreaking, subject to city approvals
Next steps include:
Ongoing community engagement sessions to gather feedback and refine plans
Collaboration with local artists and the Wedgewood Houston arts community to integrate public art into the development
Continued discussions with potential retail tenants, with a focus on local businesses and entrepreneurs
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing residents to voice their opinions and contribute ideas to shape the future of Wedgewood Houston.
“Tonight’s event exemplifies what makes Wedgewood Houston special,” said DiDonato. “The engagement we’ve seen, the exciting plans presented, and the announcement of our next community event all point to a bright future for our neighborhood. WEHO Social is committed to ensuring that our community’s growth benefits everyone who calls this vibrant area home.”
For more information about Wedgewood Houston Social and upcoming events, please visit www.wehosocial.org.
About Wedgewood Houston Social: Wedgewood Houston Social is a neighborhood association dedicated to building community connections, supporting local businesses, and guiding sustainable development in the Wedgewood Houston area of Nashville, Tennessee
