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Letter to the Community

From Inaugural Executive Director David Greider




Dear Friends of Nashville, 

 

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I introduce myself as the inaugural Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Nashville (PSN). What a remarkable journey it has been already! In such a short time, we’ve seen incredible growth and success, all thanks to the dedication of our extraordinary board, our passionate community, and each of you who believes in the value of preserving Nashville's unique charm.

 

Our city has a story to tell—one that we must protect and pass on to future generations. PSN has made significant strides in advocacy, education, and preservation efforts. One victory I’d like to highlight is last year’s expansion of the Downtown Historic Preservation Zoning Overlay. With one bold action, over 35 historic downtown properties—including the historic finance and entertainment districts and storied places like Printers Alley—are now safeguarded, ensuring that the heart of our city’s architectural legacy remains intact for decades to come.

 

Having worked in and around economic development for the past 15 years, I have felt the heartbreak that comes with the loss of beloved buildings and businesses. However, Nashville is home to over 4,000 buildings or structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including six National Historic Landmarks designated by the Secretary of the Interior: George Peabody College for Teachers, The Hermitage, Jubilee Hall at Fisk University, Downtown Presbyterian Church, Ryman Auditorium, and the Tennessee State Capitol. Despite these designations, they don’t offer protection from demolition—only our local zoning overlays can do that. So, does Nashville still have anything worth protecting? Absolutely, YES!

 

As we move forward, I want to share three core beliefs that guide our work:

 

  • Preservation is for everyone. It transcends politics, religion, and background. It’s about respecting the places we call home and honoring the identity built by previous generations. 

  • Preservation is the keeper of culture. The very soul of Nashville—its stories, neighborhoods, and architecture—rests in our hands. These are the threads that weave together a community narrative, fostering our unique identity and our sense of connection to one another.

  • Preservation is about the future as much as the past. This is not just about nostalgia. It’s about activating our collective heritage to inform the thoughtful development of our future. 

 

As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to protect and champion the things that make Music City so special. We invite you to join us in this important work, whether through your time, your advocacy, or your financial support. This is a mission for all of us, and every voice matters.

 

Thank you for standing with us as we preserve Nashville’s heritage and shape its future. Here’s to the many successes ahead!

 

Warm Regards, 

David Greider 



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