S9 Architecture approaches projects not just as buildings and spaces, but as opportunities to enhance neighborhoods and communities. Their work at Neuhoff is a prime example of putting this philosophy into practice. Once a meat-packing complex in Nashville’s historic Germantown district, Neuhoff is now poised to become an exciting new neighborhood, contributing to the area’s ongoing resurgence. The architects began by taking a holistic approach, carefully analyzing the factors that shaped Neuhoff’s history before embarking on the design process.

Examining the economic, environmental, and contextual elements, they were able to tailor spaces that meet both the client’s requirements and their end user's pragmatic and aesthetic needs. S9 Architecture, one of three architectural firms including HKS (specializing in the new building scope) and Smith Gee (specializing in adaptive reuse scope), has defined a network of spaces articulated through the existing buildings. Then, selective demolition and stabilization of the existing network of buildings allowed for the new office buildings and an “industrial village” to be established. Articulated as stacked office masses and an assembly of buildings defining the residential program of the project, Neuhoff boasts a 1.3-million-square-foot project that houses a mix of office, cultural spaces, residential units, and retail/dining establishments. The project features a connective network of pedestrian pathways, courtyards, public roof terraces, and cantilevered catwalks that create a series of experiences for visitors to the new neighborhood.

The renovated slaughterhouse stands as the focal point of the project, with a porous ground floor that leads to a stunning river bluff overlook. This transformation creates a striking contrast between the old and the new, blending public and private spaces, as well as interior and exterior elements. The building’s structure and architectural features have not only been preserved but are also showcased as historical artifacts. The project’s understated restoration allows visitors to connect with the early history of the buildings while also experiencing the raw, once-abandoned spaces with their ruin-like character. Surrounding the historic meat-packing complex, new buildings form a modern industrial village that prioritizes pedestrian-friendly environments, with shared streets and structured parking placed on the site’s periphery.

With Neuhoff’s re-introduction to Nashville’s urban fabric, the waterfront of this neighborhood can now be described as authentic, additive, and transformative, while also fitting into the local urban context. Neuhoff is not only a testament to the architects’ carefully calculated and executed design but also to their ability to build a vibrant urban neighborhood where people want to work and live.

Project facts

Client: New City Properties
Architect: S9 Architecture
Area: 1300000 ft² (120773 m²)
Location: Nashville
Developers: New City Properties
MEP: I.C. Thomasson Associates
Structural Engineer: Uzun + Case
Landscape Engineer: Future Green Studio
Sustainability & Lighting: Atelier Ten, USA LLC
Civil Engineer: Kimley Horn Associates
Completion year: 2025

Top image ©Seth Parker, courtesy - S9 Architecture

All images © Seth Parker

Diagram Drawing © S9 Architecture

> via S9 Architecture