HailSolve

In 2020 Manuel Zeitlin Architects was tapped to design the renovation of 1513 16th Ave S by HailSolve for their new office space. Built around 1920, this 2-1/2 story foursquare is typical of many single-family homes in the Music Row neighborhood which have been converted to music studios, music-related businesses, professional offices and multifamily residences.

Prior to renovation, the house had been empty for a couple years and stood in a state of disrepair. Floors sagged, roofs leaked, windows were broken or inoperable. A door had been cut into the north side of the house where a window once was. A vinyl-sided rear addition was struggling to stay connected to the original building. The bones of a once-proud home were still in good shape though and the design team helped the owners visualize an opportunity to repurpose the building in a way that maintains a balance between the building's history and 21st century office needs.

The original monumental stair at the front entry was, from the project's conception, considered a "showpiece" and was preserved and repainted. The lead glass at the front door transom and sidelights were restored. All windows were replaced. Original 3-wythe brick walls were exposed on the interior, repointed and sealed. The existing interior oak floors were refinished. The attic space was "made legal" and the alley-side dormer of the attic was removed and reconnected to the new rear addition, adding functionality to the pyramidal space and bringing in daylight. Exterior wood trim was either restored or replaced to match existing, including column capitals, brackets and soffits. New copper gutters and downspouts replaced the existing painted steel ones. A stone front walkway was added to replace the cracked concrete, and a new front stair was installed.

The project's success ensures the 100+ year old building remains both a viable and valuable part of the neighborhood's fabric. The project can serve as a paradigm for other would-be renovators. Very few compromises had to be made due to the building's age and "status". Instead of fighting against the building's idiosyncrasies, many were celebrated. The end result is a success for the owners, the neighborhood, and Nashville.

Photos by Andrew Keithly.