Rutledge Flats | Nashville, Tennessee | 2022

Architects: Hastings Architecture
Lead Architects: David Powell
Landscape Architects: Hodgson Douglas
General Contractor: R.C. Mathews Contractor
Client: Eagle Rock Ventures/ The Mathews Company
Photographers: Nick McGinn

Rutledge Flats introduces a pioneering micro-unit, congregate housing concept aimed at addressing Nashville's pressing housing affordability challenges. Designed to cater to residents earning below 80% of the Area Median Income, this innovative project reimagines urban living by emphasizing community, walkability, and economic feasibility.

As of 2019, Nashville faces a critical housing crisis, with over 45% of renters burdened by housing costs exceeding 30% of their income. The city has seen a 15% rise in rents within the past year alone, with projections indicating a shortfall of 50,000 housing units by 2030. Rutledge Flats responds to these challenges by offering 174 micro-units, each approximately 200 square feet, complemented by shared common areas like kitchens, lounges, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. This co-living model not only fosters a sense of community but also provides an affordable housing option in the heart of one of Nashville's oldest neighborhoods.

The development includes utilities, internet, and furnishings, making it financially accessible to a diverse demographic including young professionals, artists, musicians, service workers, and teachers. By eliminating parking spaces and promoting walkability, Rutledge Flats encourages sustainable urban living while maintaining affordability through its innovative housing model.

Funded entirely through private investment, Rutledge Flats represents a paradigm shift in urban architecture and community integration. Inspired by the historic Rutledge Hill neighborhood and its intricate street grid, which has evolved over time to meet community needs, the project adapts the traditional multi-family housing model to suit contemporary lifestyles and work dynamics. This approach not only addresses the immediate housing crisis but also contributes to the revitalization and sustainability of Nashville's urban fabric.