Rutledge Flats

In 2019, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency reported that over 45% of Nashville renters are housing-cost-burdened: spending more than 30% of their income on housing-related expenses. With rents rising 15% in the past year alone and a projected 50,000-unit deficit by the year 2030, Nashville’s housing crisis shows no signs of slowing.

By combining 174 micro-units (of approximately 200 square feet each) with shared common areas spaces such as the kitchen, lounge/living room and outdoor spaces, the project creates a co-living model centered around community and affordability. The unique balance of shared public spaces with smaller private spaces brings to market a model of affordable housing options for downtown living in one of Nashville’s oldest neighborhoods.

Inclusive of utilities, internet and furnishings, this development provides Nashvillians that fall under 80% of the Area Median Income, such as young professionals, artists, musicians, service workers, and teachers an affordable, modern and comfortable place to call home.

This project was able to achieve its affordability goal with 100% private funding by using this micro congregate housing model. Through the vision and corresponding strategic design, Rutledge Flats successfully brings to market this hyper-efficient and economical project.

The concepts of disruption and community that shape the architecture of Rutledge Flats are embedded in the historic Rutledge Hill neighborhood itself and the street grid that shapes it. One of the oldest planned areas in Nashville, it has been divided, combined, and exquisitely interrupted by connectors and alleys as it adapted to changes in the community. Rutledge Flats similarly seeks to adapt the multi-family housing model to a new way of urban living that is reflective of the needs, lifestyle, and work of today.