Holladay Properties Redeveloped Nashville Donelson Plaza

The 1961 shopping center underwent a transformation to add residential units and a city library branch.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Commercial

Screen-print poster illustration of a modern residential building featuring geometric lines and warm tones, evoking Nashville's mixed-use urban renewal. — Holladay Properties has completed the redevelopment of Nashville's historic Donelson Plaza, integrating new residential units and a branch of the city library. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Holladay Properties redeveloped the historic Donelson Plaza in Nashville, which originally opened in 1961. The project, which followed the firm's 2016 purchase of the property, focused on adding housing and public services to the site.

Why it matters

The redevelopment addressed the need for additional residential housing in the neighborhood while attempting to restore the site as a vibrant community gathering place. It represents a significant shift from the property's original retail-heavy design.

The redevelopment project integrated 102 rental apartments and townhomes into the former retail space. The site, which originally opened with Castner Knott as an anchor store, now also hosts a Metro Nashville library branch.

The players

Holladay Properties

This real estate development and management firm focuses on mixed-use, office, and industrial projects across the United States.

Metro Nashville

This local government body manages public services and infrastructure projects for the city of Nashville and Davidson County.

WeGo Public Transit

This regional agency provides public transportation services and is planning a new transit center near the Donelson area.

H.G. Hill

This local company is a long-standing developer involved in upcoming public-private partnership initiatives near the Donelson transit station.

The details

Holladay Properties reduced the available retail footprint of the plaza to make space for the new residential units. Metro Nashville partnered with the firm to anchor the center with a modern library branch, further shifting the plaza from a strictly commercial space to a mixed-use community hub.

Donelson Plaza first opened to the public in 1961.
Holladay Properties acquired the plaza property in 2016.
The Donelson neighborhood has experienced continued growth over the last 10 years.

Culture Shift

The redevelopment of Donelson Plaza follows a pattern set by the nationwide shift toward mixed-use suburban redevelopment in major U.S. cities. This move reflects a broader societal shift away from traditional, retail-only strip centers toward density-focused community hubs.

Residents in the Donelson area now have access to 102 new housing units and an integrated public library facility. The addition of these units and community resources changes the daily traffic and utility of what was once a legacy retail location.

The takeaway

The project demonstrates how legacy commercial properties can be repurposed to meet contemporary residential demands. Homeowners and renters in the area should monitor upcoming transit developments, which may further influence local property values and commute options.