Second reading at Metro Council next for Elmington’s plans on Demonbreun Hill.

Elmington Capital Group’s plans for a mixed-use project at Demonbreun Street and 16th Avenue South in Midtown took a step forward Thursday with a favorable recommendation from the Metro Planning Commission.

But the commissioners’ approval of specific plan, mixed-use zoning came with one condition: the first phase of the redevelopment project planned for 3.38 acres must include a grocery store, which reports suggested could be a Publix. If not, Elmington would have to go back before the commission for another review.

In a separate vote, commissioners also approved Elmington’s request to cancel 12 properties within the footprint of its Demonbreun Hill project from under the existing Music Row Urban Design Overlay district.

“We’re pleased with the unanimous approval and look forward to moving the project forward,” Dominic Zabriskie, Elmington’s director of asset management, said afterward. One commissioner abstained.

Next up are second and third readings before the Metro Council with the planning commission’s favorable recommendation having created an easier path to approval.

During hearings Thursday at the Planning Commission, various stakeholders spoke for and against the project. Support came from groups such as the Music Industry Coalition. Some area residents, including Emily Schneller, who lives in an adjacent condo tower, raised concerns about safety of residents and pedestrians and potential for increased traffic.
“We felt like some concerns were addressed and there’s still some to room to compromise,” Schneller said, citing hopes that after more discussions stakeholders can go before Metro Council with some type of agreement.

Elmington’s plans call for up to 590 residential units, up to 640 hotel rooms, up to 103,000 square feet of retail space and up to 420,000 square feet of office space for the site near the Music Row Roundabout.

The Nashville-based investment firm has said that the redevelopment project with a maximum 22-story height would be built out in phases over at least five to 10 years.

The project would start with a 200-space public parking garage at 1514 Demonbreun, which today includes a surface parking lot. Another parking garage is planned at 16th and McGavock atop the building with the 30,000-square-foot grocery. Apartments would be built on top of that garage.

The first phase won’t affect tenants of the retail strip on Demonbreun, which include Off Broadway Shoes, First Citizens Bank and Tin Roof.

Also on Thursday night, the Planning Commission approved specific plan zoning for a mixed-use project at the corner of Broadway and 20th Avenue South, including the location of Noshville restaurant. Real estate investor Ardavan Afrakhteh’s Land Development.com plans condos, apartments, a hotel and retail space for the site.

Commissioners also approved a request from developer Mainland Cos. for a preliminary specific plan to permit a mixed-use development with up to 75 residential dwelling units in Germantown. Mainland has a contract to purchase the targeted tract at the northeast corner of Seventh Avenue North and Madison Street from nonprofit organization Centerstone.