Neighborhood Spotlight: West End Corridor
The West End Corridor winds between a few Nashville neighborhoods, starting on West End Avenue at Centennial Park and continuing to the intersection of Woodmont Boulevard. This three-mile stretch houses universities, hospitals and retail stores and is home to many Nashvillians.
History in and around the West End Corridor
In 1844, the Richland Turnpike Company was chartered, and William Giles Harding, owner of Belle Meade plantation was a principal stockholder. He largely led the construction of the turnpike, and by the Civil War, the road was referred to as Harding Pike. The road served as a major transportation route in the era of horses and buggies. Harding Pike still holds its name today, and it turns into West End Avenue where it crosses Cherokee Road.
Along West End Avenue, before it turns to Harding Pike is Washington Hall. Nestled behind Elmington Park, Washington Hall was previously home to former senator and founder of the Tennessean, Luke Lea. Built c. 1914 by John B. Daniels, inspiration for Washington Hall was drawn from Jefferson’s Monticello and Lord Burlington’s Chiswick House in London. Lea resided in Washington Hall until his death in 1945, upon which he donated 868 acres of land to the people of Nashville. This land is now designated as Percy Warner Park.
What’s in West End Corridor?
The West End Corridor can seem like just an “in-between” zone, neighboring major sections of Nashville like Green Hills, Sylvan Park and Midtown. However, the area’s hospitals and universities, shopping centers, parks and places of worship show that it deserves its own distinction.
Top-of-the-line healthcare is available at Vanderbilt University Hospital or Saint Thomas West Hospital, which is part of the largest not-for-profit hospital system in Middle Tennessee.
The area along West End Avenue between the crossroads of I-440 and Woodmont Boulevard is the heavily residential section of West End Corridor. You can find an array of housing options, churches and synagogues. Harding House Condominiums, Metropolitan Apartments and many other apartment complexes are conveniently located near this parkway and US-70 South.
Residents can visit the Hill Center at Belle Meade, a newer shopping center housing a Publix, Moe’s Southwest Grill and other eateries located at the Intersection of Harding Pike and White Bridge Pike. Richland Creek Greenway also resides behind the shopping complex, and offers 3.8 miles of biking and walking trails, surrounding the McCabe Golf Course.
Along West End Avenue there are also a variety of options to curb your sweet tooth like NoBaked Cookie Dough, Sweet Cece’s Frozen Yogurt or Cakepop Heaven. For more savory selections head over to Hugh Baby’s, BrickTop’s, or Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe. If all you’re in need of is a caffeine fix, try Nashville favorite, Three Brothers Coffee.
To get some fresh air and vitamin D, you can find a lively outdoor environment strolling through Centennial Park. With its close proximity to Vanderbilt University, you can always find coeds socializing or staying active in this 132-acre complex. Within Centennial Park you can also take in the architectural beauty of the Parthenon – a replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. It’s one of Nashville’s art museums, housing the Cowan Collection of American Art, as well as rotating exhibitions in the east and west galleries. The Parthenon also hosts educational programs for kids K-12 and other events. Most recently, Carrie Underwood held a free concert there during this year’s CMA awards.
Additionally, head over to the dog-friendly Elmington Park to embrace the beautiful summer weather with Nashville Scene’s Movies in the Park. If you just want some open greenspace for a summer day picnic or a game of frisbee Fannie Mae Dees Park is nearby as well.
Although the West End Corridor isn’t easily curated in a Nashville Guru tab or a clearly defined neighborhood of Nashville, it houses remarkable art, historical landmarks and living attractions. The joy found in a new supermarket or a walk on a greenway are easily accessed within the confines of this corridor.
