Building detail

805 Lea

805 Lea

Awards Category  : :  Large Project (over 25,000 sf)

805 Lea seeks to marry past and present, context and culture. The design of the building takes its inspiration from the site’s history and the active rail line that runs through downtown Nashville, and also evokes the vibrant music scene that has become synonymous with the Nashville of today.

805 Lea seeks to differentiate itself in Nashville’s quickly evolving skyline and itself as an instantly-recognizable icon using timeless materials, unique design, and simple, understated details.

The 29-story residential tower is divided into three unique sections. The tower’s podium is clad in metal panels punctuated with patterns adapted to create a unique screen over the parking garage while at once creating an inviting space for street-level retail and outdoor dining. A central core, clad with an ever-changing iridescent metal that grounds the structure and radiates a sense of weight and playfulness, as it anchors the project both structurally and aesthetically. Standing at the crossroads of the three sections, it also acts as a beacon that transforms in color from muted tones to dazzling gold as the sun moves across the sky.

The remaining two wings comprise the third section of the composition. Balconies punctuate the southern and western wings and silver panels whose pattern is derived from a birds-eye view of the adjacent rail cars stacked, waiting, and moving on the nearby tracks. 805 assembles its form and language from authentic local sources, turning it into an icon that’s instantly recognizable in Nashville’s growing skyline. Every residence within the tower offers views thanks to expansive windows that frame the city.

As this remarkable tower reshapes the city’s skyline, its interiors redefine modern sophistication. The restrained color pallet creates an ambiance of timeless elegance. The seventh floor introduces numerous social amenities, from a vibrant outdoor pool to cozy fire-pits, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, and a welcoming club room. On the 29th floor, a lounge and sky deck offer an awe-inspiring perspective of the city.

805 Lea is not just a building; it’s a living testament to Nashville’s past, present, and future. Its design narrative intertwines history, artistic innovation, and modern comfort to create an extraordinary space and provides a fresh take on the spirit of Music City.


Date of Completion:   November 2021

Client:   Key Real Estate Company

General Contractor:  Turner Construction

Consultants:   Structural Engineer
Uzun + Case
Dan Kokan
678.553.5223
dkokan@uzuncase.com
1230 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2500
Atlanta, GA 30309-3571

MEP Engineer
BLUM Consulting Engineers
Ken Smith
214.373.8222
ken@blumeng.com
8144 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75231

Civil Engineer
RaganSmith
Brad Slayden
615.244.8591
bslayden@ragansmith.com
315 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206

Landscape Architect
HDLA
Richie Jones
615.327.4447
rjones@hodgsondouglas.com
507 Main Street
Nashville, TN 37206

Concrete
Fly N’ Form
K. Allen Lindsey
843.353.0483
alindsey@flyandform.com
2265 Clements Ferry Road, #201
Charleston, SC 29492

Metal Panel
John W. McDougall Co.
John Sousa
615.321.3900
jsousa@jwmcd.com
3731 Amy Lynn Drive
Nashville, TN 37218

Brick
Alley Cassetty
Tim Pedigo
615.244.0440
tpedigo@alley-cassetty.com
P.O. Box 23305
Nashville, TN 37203


Photography Credits: 

© Alan Karchmer Photography for all images

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