Time to move. Historic Merritt Mansion Update.
August 23, 2024 - AJ Capital Partners has announced plans to relocate the historic Merritt Mansion this fall, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Nashville's Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. The relocation is part of a larger mixed-use development project that aims to preserve the area's rich history while fostering community growth.
"The restoration and adaptive reuse of the Merritt Mansion is part of a larger strategy to retain the scale and character of the neighborhood while opening historic spaces to the community," stated AJ Capital Partners. "Thoughtful and careful preservation of the building's historic nature remains paramount throughout the repositioning process."
Nashville-based W.P. Camp & Sons has been enlisted to oversee the relocation of the home, which has seen several iterations and relocations throughout its history. The mansion received its federal-style facelift in 1870.
Recent progress on the Wedgewood Village project includes obtaining a key permit for a new office and retail building on Houston Street, and securing luxury fashion brand Hermès as a tenant in the May Hosiery Mills complex, set to open its first Tennessee location next year.
While the project has faced some challenges, including delays caused by the South Nashville Action People (SNAP), as final design details had less green space than earlier versions, AJ Capital maximized accessibility for community members that have limited mobility.
Chad DiDinoto, spokesperson for the Wedgewood Houston Social, expressed support for the project: "This development represents a unique opportunity to blend our neighborhood's rich history with its vibrant future. While we understand there may be some short-term inconveniences, we believe the long-term benefits for Nashville and Wedgewood-Houston are substantial. We ask our residents to be patient with any temporary noise pollution in the immediate area as we work towards creating a more dynamic and inclusive community space."
The Wedgewood Houston Social, a neighborhood association approve by Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Government, serves as a platform for community engagement and advocacy, working to ensure that neighborhood development aligns with residents' needs and preserves the area's unique character.
In light of these developments and resident interest, Wedgewood Houston Social will be hosting its next community meeting on September 10, 2024, at the contemporary gallery Zeitgeist. Tim Johnson of Material Ventures will be the keynote speaker, offering insights into a new flagship development being considered for the area. This meeting presents an opportunity for residents to learn about and discuss upcoming projects that could further shape the neighborhood's future.
Residents are encouraged to attend this important community gathering to stay informed about the ongoing transformation of Wedgewood-Houston and to voice their opinions on future developments.
As the relocation of Merritt Mansion and the surrounding development progresses, AJ Capital Partners remains committed to balancing historic preservation with community growth, setting a new standard for thoughtful urban development in Nashville.
About AJ Capital Partners: AJ Capital Partners is a Nashville-based real estate and hospitality firm led by Ben Weprin, specializing in adaptive reuse and community-focused development projects. The Tennessee Historical Commission has been closely monitoring the developments in Wedgewood-Houston, ensuring that the area's rich history is preserved throughout the transformation process.
