CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A mixed use development is being considered in Clarksville, which would place a baseball stadium downtown at the Vulcan site.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission had the project listed as one of their current zoning cases. The owners, Charles Hand and his family, are looking to rezone around 30 acres of land from General Industrial District (M-2) to a Mixed Use Planned Unit Development (MXU-PUD).
According to the vision book, the site would be known as the Vulcan Mixed Use and Entertainment District. In addition to a baseball stadium at the heart of the project, plans also include a brand hotel, live performance venues, outdoor recreational spaces and a multi-family residential neighborhood.
Plans also show the inclusion of multiple retail and dining establishments.
The idea behind the development first originated out of Leadership Clarksville, when a group of participants collaborated on what should be placed on the Vulcan site.
One of the program participants, Una Smith, detailed that her group came together at a round table discussion and combined all of their ideas into one. After building the foundation of their idea, the Leadership Clarksville group shared the information with Chris Goodman, who is the current civil engineer on the project.
In addition to Smith, here are the members of the group that originated the idea: Joshua Beal, Nicholas Blalock, Amy Wallace, Chris Casto, Janice Crews, Laura Mercier, Allen Moser, Michelle Newell, Randy Whetsell, Michael Williamson and Kara Zimmer.
Baseball Park
The vision book states that the entertainment district will be centered around the baseball stadium.
The stadium will include “ample seating capacity, premium amenities and cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest level of comfort and entertainment for spectators.”
Not only will the ballpark be used for baseball games, but for other sporting events and community activities.
It has yet to be determined who will be playing games on site, however, there have been internal discussions of a minor league team in Clarksville, whether they are affiliated with Major League Baseball or not.
“The developer learned about Clarksville’s rich history with baseball,” Chris Goodman said. “They knew the city had a minor league baseball team here before, and they know how big baseball is here at all levels. That’s why they thought Clarksville would be a good fit for this.”
Retail and Dining
Retail and dining establishments are expected to surround the ballpark, which will be designed to “cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.”
The vision book listed establishments such as boutique shops, stores of popular brands, specialty stores and a mix of casual and fine dining options to be on the property.
“The emphasis will be on creating a comfortable and memorable experience for visitors and residents.”
Hospitality and Entertainment
To go hand in hand with the local sporting events and community activities, the district will also implement a variety of hospitality and entertainment options.
Options listed include a brand hotel, live performance venues and outdoor recreational spaces.
The thought behind this portion of the project is to create an atmosphere of relaxation and socialization.
Residential Living
The vision book shows that the development will also include a multi-family residential neighborhood to create a “live-play environment.”
“This will include high-quality apartments that will be intended to be financially attainable by the larger Clarksville community. By integrating residential elements, we aim to create a vibrant community where residents, and visitors can seamlessly interact, enhancing the overall vitality of the district.”
Pedestrian-friendly and sustainable
Developers have emphasized the need for a pedestrian-friendly design.
The project is focused on building infrastructure around walkability, which would include wide sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaped plazas and green spaces, according to the vision book.
Another priority for the project is for the practices to be sustainable, which includes the “integration of thoughtful stormwater management techniques in the form of bioretention and raingardens where possible. The goal is to create a project that is an example of responsible design and engineering solutions.”
Vulcan Site
In September of 2020, the Hand family, in partnership with Nashville-based real estate developer, BNA Associates LLC., bought the Vulcan site with the hope of “kickstarting the area.”
The original plans for the site have always included mixed-use apartments and retail locations, according to previous reports. However, what they’re trying to accomplish is on a much larger scale.
The Vulcan site has sat empty for quite some time. The factory closed November of 2018 after 80 years in business. In 2019, the buildings were demolished to make way for new development.
Hand, whose mother once worked at the factory, previously said that he hopes his family’s purchase will bring new life to the area.
“I’ve been there all my life and my mother used to work there as a matter of fact during the war,” said Hand. “That section of the city just needs a little kick to get back in action. I talked to family members and, we decided we would buy it, help get things moving along.”
What’s next
The zoning case will be brought before the Regional Planning Commission at their next meeting on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
During the meeting, the RPC will give their recommendation to the City Council whether or not they believe this zoning case should be considered.
Below is the developer of the property, planner and landscape architect, civil engineer and stadium architect:
- Developer – VP Riverside Development, North Augusta, South Carolina.
- Planner and Landscape Architect – CSDG, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Civil Engineer – Chris Goodman with CSDG, Clarksville, Tennessee.
- Stadium Architect – McMillian Pazdan Smith, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Clarksville Now has reached out to each party for comment.
Clarification: the names of the Leadership Clarksville participants has been added to the story.