Nashville-Davidson County Main Library

When the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, initiated a $117 million library building program, the agency responsible for the project, the Metropolitan Housing and Development Agency (MHDA), turned to Heery for program management. The program includes five branch libraries, renovations of three additional branch libraries, and an $81 million, 300,000 SF main library in downtown Nashville, designed by Robert A.M.Stern Architects of New York and Hart Freeland Roberts of Brentwood TN, after a nationwide design competition. The winning design combines an urban architectural landmark with state-of-the-art educational and cultural resource, as well as providing a showcase for public art.

While most central library buildings take approximately five years to construct, Nashville’s main library was completed in only three and one-half years, despite $3 million in privately-funded scope changes.  At the dedication on June 9, 2001, thousands of local citizens showed up to preview the new space and enjoy downtown Nashville.