Vanderbilt Innovation District zoning clears major council hurdle

A zoning measure allowing Vanderbilt University to move forward with its planned 43-acre Innovation District is advancing through Metro Council.

The council approved the legislation on its second of three readings Aug. 5 following a lengthy public hearing, which saw both pushback and support from Nashvillians. The proposed legislation acts as a specific plan zoning request to allow for the multi-building mixed-use Innovation District planned by Vanderbilt, in partnership with the Nashville Innovation Alliance (for which Mayor Freddie O'Connell sits on the steering committee). The district is billed as a hub for entrepreneurship as well as a venue for arts and retail businesses, residential buildings and restaurants.