Broadwest
It’s hard to imagine now, but in the early ‘90s there were fewer than a thousand people living in the entirety of downtown Nashville. What a difference 30 years makes.
The city’s skyline is now studded with gleaming spires—and increasingly, they are filled with full-time residents. Countless condo buildings have been planted as Nashville’s metropolitan core became one of the nation’s most vibrant, and three new additions are reaching lofty heights in luxury. First with the 505, and soon with Broadwest and the Four Seasons Private Residences, affluent homeowners are migrating downtown for both the high-end amenities and the high-energy ambiance.
Kerry Woo
505
The 505 already illustrates what these “high”-end clientele will find. Opened at the corner of 5th and Church in 2018, it now shares dominance of the city’s airspace, towering 45 stories and featuring more than 500 elegantly-appointed condos and apartments. Included with prices from $495k to $5 Million (or $1,450/month with no rent due until January 2021) are some of the loftiest views in the city, and a long list of amenities. But just a few years ago, the project would not have been possible.
505’s developer, Tony Giarratana, started the high-rise trend with the 1998 opening of Nashville’s first residential tower, The Cumberland, and says a culture shift is behind it.
Kerry Woo
505
“Of course, the answer is ‘It’s the view, stupid,’” he says with a laugh, explaining why Nashvillians are increasingly choosing high-rise living. “But beyond that is walkability and community. Everybody [in the building] knows each other and there’s stuff to do. You can go to sporting events, concerts, dinner, drinks, everything is there, and you have built-in friends to enjoy it with. And finally, there’s security.”
Those perks are hard to top for Nashville’s emerging professional class – who on average are less interested in the car-centric lifestyle of previous generations. They want to work and live downtown, Giarratana explains, so buildings like 505 need to offer plenty of bang for their buck.
“We turned three quarters of an acre on a roof into a recreation space,” he says of the building’s ample outdoor attractions. “We have a full-size tennis court, full size pickleball court, bocce ball, the biggest rooftop pool in downtown Nashville, the sun shell, the dog park, grilling stations, fire pits, it’s nuts."
505
“It doesn’t really hit you how big three quarters of an acre is until you get up there,” he goes on, adding that inside, the building boasts a spa and fitness center “that looks like something where Rocky Balboa would show up and start punching a bag.”
Just up the road at the Broadway/West End split lies another option, Broadwest, rising boldly out of the hole-in-the-ground that for years was derided as “Lake Palmer.” But that’s in the past, and Broadwest aims to beat 505 in luxe-living style – with lavish fits and finishes matching upscale price tags which start north of 500k for a one bedroom.
Broadwest
Herringbone hardwood floors, top-of-the-market appliances, motorized window shades and more are all standard, plus a group of 34th floor rooftop amenities that bring the Beverly Hills to Music City. Along with incredible views of downtown, there’s a fitness center with steam room and sauna, resort-style pool, golf simulator and a bar/lounge that spills out into the pool. But buyers here are offered something extra – 24/7 room service provided by the Conrad Nashville, which shares its site with Broadwest.
“I remember meeting with a developer early on and asking about upgrade packages,” says Broadwest listing agent, Brian Stolzfus. “And he was like ‘We’re not doing upgrades. That implies we’re not giving the best.’ And I loved that.”
Broadwest
The building is expected to open at the end of 2021 with 196 dream-home units, but according to Stolzfus, the market could support even more.
“It’s the natural progression of a growing city” he says. “Honestly, we need more inventory—especially now that it seems like Nashville could be the beneficiary of some of the COVID-related exits from the bigger, more-dense cities. Some people are realizing they could work from anywhere, and they’re used to this high-end lifestyle with lots of amenities. I’ve already talked to several folks who are looking at Broadwest from Chicago and New York.”
That phenomenon can be seen at the very top of the luxe market as well, soon to be occupied by the Four Seasons Private Residences. Rising now on First Avenue just south of the Pedestrian Bridge, it will top out at 40 stories with amazing views and all the usual bells and whistles, but the added draw of engineered exclusivity.
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The Four Seasons
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The Four Seasons
“There are only 45 Four Seasons Residences worldwide, so to get one is exceptionally difficult,” says Marie-Laure Frère, Director of Sales for Four Seasons Private Residences Nashville. “But if you look at what Nashville has done as a city, it’s exceptionally sophisticated, and I think that’s overlooked.”
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The Four Seasons
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The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons will be the only five-star hotel and residence in town, with appointments and amenities that likewise rival their counterparts. But Frère acknowledges the name comes with great expectations.
“Your life is supported by a culture of service that is sought after worldwide,” she says of the brand’s sterling reputation. “That’s the biggest difference. It’s not the building at all. ... When you walk in to a Four Seasons you have your own dedicated staff, trained to recognize and remove the little annoyances that take away from time people would rather spend on family and friends. You know you have whatever you need, even if it’s a Benadryl for your child at three in the morning, or a last-minute ride to the airport.”
With 143 residences planned, the Four Seasons is set to open its doors in 2022 – and its pricing is sure to reflect its market position. But any skeptics of Nashville’s ultra-luxe future have already been silenced. Frère’s team recently broke a one-day record for the city, doing $80 million of sales in 24 hours – and that was after only five weeks of gallery showings. They plan to open another sales window in early 2021 ... this time with penthouse suites up for bidding.
All that demand for exceptional luxury is certainly driven by job growth in Nashville’s commercial core, with coastal executives arriving to take top posts at AllianceBernstein, Amazon, and more. But in a good sign for the trend’s long-term prospects, most of the interest Frère has seen actually came from within Nashville itself. All those families who moved to leafy suburbs like Belle Meade and Franklin generations ago, are now looking downtown.
“Just shy of 90 percent of sales came from Nashville, and that speaks volumes,” Frère says. “They’re saying things like ‘Our lives are changing, and we want to simplify. What does it mean to truly be able to close my door and hop on a flight? What does it mean to have a staff and have my home managed?' I think people’s mindsets are shifting to how can they truly spend more time with friends and family, and this is it.”
Amenities:
The 505
505
- Saltwater pool with 50 ft. sunbathing terrace
- Tennis court
- Pickleball court
- Fire-pit lounge
- Grilling trellis
- Dog park/dog grooming
- Fitness center with massage treatment
- Wine tasting room and vault storage
- Library
Broadwest
Broadwest
- Resort-style pool with sun terrace and in-pool chaise lounges
- Fitness center with steam room and sauna
- Catering kitchen and private dining room
- Golf simulator
- Library with private conference room
- Lounge and bar
- Outdoor green terrace with fire table, gaming lawn, and grills
- Cold storage for grocery and meal service delivery
- Coffee Bar
- Hospitality services via Conrad Nashville
Four Seasons
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The Four Seasons
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The Four Seasons
- 14th floor “Sky Garden”
- Pool with sun deck and cabanas
- Concert space
- Residents’ lounge with private dining
- Spa with steam rooms and hydrotherapy accommodations
- Fitness center with private trainer
- Pet spa and dog walking
- Childcare and babysitting
- Secretary service
- Transportation services including black car and airline reservations