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Preserving Nashville’s Soul: A Call for Balanced Growth Amid Broadway’s Zoning Tensions

Updated: Feb 1

*A response by PSN leadership to the January 31, 2025 article in The Tennessean: “Tension with Broadway honky-tonks cited as Nashville's historic zoning scrutinized”


Neon lights and bustling crowds illuminate the vibrant nightlife scene on Broadway in downtown Nashville.
Neon lights and bustling crowds illuminate the vibrant nightlife scene on Broadway in downtown Nashville.

Nashville’s character and identity are built on its rich history, and preserving that legacy is more important than ever. The Preservation Society of Nashville (PSN) strongly values the indispensable roles of the Metro Historical Commission (MHC) and the Metro Historic Zoning Commission (MHZC) in preserving the character, identity, and collective heritage of Nashville.  



After reviewing the recent HDR Historic Zoning Review, we find the study to be narrow in scope and unbalanced, as it primarily reflects the perspectives of downtown Broadway property owners. The resulting recommendations threaten the integrity of historic zoning oversight across Davidson County, risking unchecked development at the cost of the city's unique character.


PSN is committed to working collaboratively with the Mayor’s Office, MHC, MHZC, and stakeholders to find practical, solutions-based approaches that address tensions between preservation efforts and Broadway property owners - solutions that balance preservation and growth.


As Nashville has grown we feel the way we manage oversight of certain districts can evolve as well. However, growth without preservation is shortsighted. We cannot afford to allow excessive development to erode the very fabric of our city. Maintaining the autonomy and integrity of MHC and MHZC is not just about protecting the past—it’s about ensuring that future generations inherit a city that is as vibrant, storied, and culturally rich as the one we cherish today.


History and progress are not at odds. In fact, they go hand in hand. Nashville’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks are powerful economic drivers, fueling tourism, elevating property values, and fostering healthy and vibrant community pride. A city that honors its past while planning for its future attracts both visitors and residents who are invested in its authenticity and sense of place. This is the blueprint for responsible growth. Together, we can steward a Nashville where history and innovation coexist harmoniously, securing a legacy we can all be proud of.


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THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NASHVILLE IS A REGISTERED 501 (C)3 

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