Illustrated aerial view of a mixed-use urban development featuring modern mid-rise buildings, tree-lined streets, a central parking structure, public green spaces, and a nearby river with a ferry boat. Dusk view of a modern townhouse-style apartment complex with a mix of red brick, mustard yellow, and metal siding, featuring large windows and well-lit entrances. Daytime street view of contemporary townhomes with red brick exteriors and a bold purple accent building, blending playful design with urban minimalism. Nighttime street-level view of a modern apartment building with balconies and lit windows, framed by trees and light trails from passing cars. Elevated twilight view of a large apartment complex with lit balconies, a central courtyard featuring green space, outdoor seating, and a glowing resort-style pool. Street corner view of a contemporary mixed-use apartment building with balconies and yellow accent walls, located at an urban intersection with traffic signals.

Rolling Mill Hill

Smith Gee Studio master-planned four blocks in downtown Nashville’s historic Rolling Mill Hill district, formerly home to Nashville’s General Hospital. The Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency (MDHA) and SWH Residential partnered to develop a cohesive mix of affordable and market-rate housing blended with retail and office storefronts. The result is a high-density, mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood of pedestrian-friendly tree-lined streets, vibrant new public spaces overlooking the Cumberland River with easy access to the heart of downtown and the Rolling Mill Hill Greenway.

The first to open, Ryman Lofts (2013), offers 60 affordable units specifically designed for artists. SGS hosted multiple artist focus groups to survey and solicit input on various artists' needs. Open flexible floor plans, durable fixtures and materials, and abundant daylight have served all types of artists, including singers and songwriters, musicians, videographers, and even a quilt maker, a stand-up comedian, and a claymation artist. Developed by MDHA, Ryman Lofts was awarded LEED for Homes Silver certification for its sustainable design.

Developed by SWH Residential, Terra House is a 194-unit garage-wrap, luxury apartment community that began leasing in 2015. Designed for modern, eco-conscious living, it includes ground-floor retail and restaurant space and achieved LEED for Homes Gold certification.

Completed in 2017 for SWH, River House delivers 247 luxury apartments and a 300-car podium garage, with a two-level amenity deck. It also earned LEED for Homes Silver certification, continuing the district’s commitment to sustainability.

YEAR:

2013, 2016, & 2017

LOCATION:

Nashville, TN

CLIENT:

Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) and SWH Residential

SERVICES:

Master Planning, Architecture, Interior Design

AWARDS:

Ryman Lofts

2013 ULI Nashville, Excellence in Development Award

2013 Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville - Davidson County, Commendation

2015 NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry, Best Affordable Apartment Community of the Year

Terra House

2016 Nashville Downtown Partnership Award (1 of 8 Awards Given)

2017 American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Tennessee Chapter, Honor Award

River House

2018 Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Tennessee, Excellence in Construction

2020 Aurora Awards, Silver Honor – Best MF Housing Community (5 Stories or More for Rent)