The Gulch Master Plan

Manuel Zeitlin, along with Visionary Developer Bill Barkley, developed the original concepts for the thirty-five acre redevelopment of the Nashville Gulch.  Subsequently MZA participated as part of the master planning team for the Gulch redevelopment and designed the first two major bookend projects that were constructed in the Gulch, Mercury View Lofts and 1100 Demonbreun followed by Terrazzo and designs for Griffin Plaza.

The development program of the mixed-use neighborhood known as the Gulch called for approximately three million square foot of building space featuring an integrated mixture of land and structure uses. Green spaces, bike lanes, restaurants, retail, offices and modern condos have transformed this formal rail yard into an anchor of urban life in Nashville.

In 2009 the Gulch was awarded silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. The project was recognized for its proximity to mass transit, friendliness to pedestrian traffic, dense layout, green construction techniques and other factors. Only 13 neighborhoods worldwide have achieved LEED certification under the program.

The master plan was recipient of a 2002 Metro Nashville Excellence in Development Award. Team members include MZA, Hawkins Partners, Inc., Looney Ricks Kiss and Bill Barkley.