Vanderbilt University Anchor Park Innovation District Development Advisor
Vanderbilt University
HR&A advised Vanderbilt University in developing a plan to transform 40 acres of underutilized campus land into an innovation district that will catalyze Nashville’s innovation ecosystem and support research needs. We supported the university to develop a vision and land use program for a dynamic mixed-use neighborhood that strengthens both academic excellence and regional economic development. HR&A managed the master planning process and is currently supporting Vanderbilt in selection of a development partner to move the project towards implementation.
Vanderbilt’s ambitious vision required a deep understanding of Nashville’s evolving real estate market and careful coordination of multiple urban planning and architectural disciplines. HR&A conducted market analysis to evaluate demand for innovation office, lab, residential, retail, and hotel uses. We guided the selection of master planner Bjarke Ingels Group and landscape architect Field Operations and managed the design process, working with university leadership to translate market findings into a land use program and strategy to leverage underutilized land to advance the university’s goals.
Our financial feasibility analysis ensured a strong foundation for implementation of the project. HR&A developed detailed multi-year financial models incorporating land use programming, infrastructure needs, phasing strategies, and potential funding sources across various development scenarios. This analysis, combined with supplemental studies on parking and housing affordability, enabled Vanderbilt to refine programming and partnership strategies as it sought entitlement approvals from the City of Nashville. HR&A is currently supporting the university in developer solicitation through a RFQ/RFP processes. Collectively, HR&A’s work has positioned the new innovation district to become a catalyst for research commercialization and economic development, benefiting both Vanderbilt and the broader Nashville region.
