Nashville developer turns abandoned hotels into affordable housing

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The affordable housing issue in Nashville is back in the spotlight as community advocates push for more accessible living options in Music City. Responding to these calls, a local developer has taken the important step of converting abandoned hotels into permanent housing units.

Karen Brimer was one of the first residents to move here Wallace StudiosA newly converted apartment complex offering fully equipped units complete with kitchens and bathrooms.

“I was the first person to move in here since they opened,” Brimer said.

She’s grateful to finally have a stable home after years of living in shelters and shelters, including the Mission.

“God, I love this place. I love this place,” he said.

The visionary behind this project is its founder, Adam Rosenberg. AGB Real Estate. His team transformed the once-abandoned motel into a home for more than 130 people, many of whom were experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities or aging out of the foster care system.

Inspired by former Mayor Cooper’s $50 million housing initiative, Rosenberg quickly reached out to the Metro Development and Housing Agency and its network to bring this vision to life.

“The rent is set by HUD, which is called fair market rent. For Davidson County, it’s $1,400, and that includes fully furnished units and all utilities, peer support and security,” he said.

Wallace Studios is just one of many permanent supportive housing projects undertaken by AGB Real Estate.

The former HomeTowne Studios on Murfreesboro Pike has been converted into GreenView Apartments, providing similar supportive living arrangements.

“It was an emotional time,” Rosenberg said. “People who have been on the streets or struggling in difficult situations for months, if not years, can now move into a safe community and call their units home.”

Karen is happy to know she has her own space.

“Mine. “I can do whatever I want with it, however I want, and that’s been a good thing,” he said.

Additionally, AGB Real Estate transformed the former Rodeway Inn into Hermitage Studios, a housing project targeting local workers such as servers and airport staff.

Rosenberg says they are in the process of converting other properties into affordable housing for families.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at ([email protected]).