Building detail

Hillside Flats

Hillside Flats

Awards Category  : :  Residential

This affordable housing project features 290 units in four stories of Type VA construction with a Type IIA structured parking garage, a fitness center, business center, mailroom, leasing offices and 10,000 SF dedicated to Salama Urban Ministries, a nonprofit extended childcare service.

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, TN, Hillside Flats addresses the demand for affordable housing solutions in an urban setting. This 290-unit project blends practicality, aesthetics, and community-centric design, offering holistic living for diverse residents' needs.

Originally mid-century low-income housing, Hillside Flats undertakes a transformative role by both relocating residents and revitalizing the community. It stands as a cornerstone within a comprehensive redevelopment strategy for the Reservoir community. Employing a build-first approach, Hillside Flats minimizes displacement and relocates residents while adjacent parcels undergo redevelopment. This proactive initiative not only revives the neighborhood but also nurtures a sense of belonging among residents.

The project's scope encompasses the construction of 290 apartments, each carefully designed to cater to the needs of families falling below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The project’s commitment to inclusivity resonates through the provision of 10,000 square feet to Salama Urban Ministries, a nonprofit extended childcare service, enabling parents to pursue their livelihoods with peace of mind.

Thoughtfully embracing its surroundings and capitalizing on proximity to a historic reservoir, community parks, and educational institutions, the project seamlessly integrates into the urban context. Enhanced streetscapes and welcoming stoop frontages create an urban townhome atmosphere. Stormwater management integrated into the courtyards enhances aesthetics and sustainability, while public art plazas with inviting bench-seating foster community engagement and elevate the environment.

The project's overall design seamlessly blends into the fabric of the neighborhood. Dark siding and white-painted brick pay homage to the existing single-family housing in the neighborhood, while large windows infuse each unit with natural light. The design leverages the site's topography to conceal an additional story, achieving a harmonious streetscape that complements its surroundings.

Hillside Flats radiates social, cultural, and community relevance. Its strategic location near Nashville's downtown core and major university campuses addresses the need for affordable housing near vital hubs of activity. The project's embrace of Salama’s after-school care program highlights its commitment to nurturing communal ties, while the enhancement of the adjacent greenway trail underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship.

Hillside Flats excels in multi-family affordable housing, redefining urban living through innovative design, inclusivity, and community enrichment. It offers a blueprint for equitable urban landscapes, and vibrant futures.


Date of Completion:   2021

Client:   Elmington Capital

General Contractor:  Elmington Capital

Consultants:   EMC Structural Engineers (Structural Engineer)
Phillips Gradick Engineering (MEP)
Kimley-Horn (Civil Engineer)
Kimley-Horn (Landscape Architect)


Photography Credits: 

Photos by Kaltenbach Photography

Share by: