Entity
Former U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
The Former U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center in Nashville, Tennessee, is a historically significant building located at the western entrance of Shelby Park. Designed by architect Edwin Keeble in 1948, the structure showcases the "Nautical Moderne" architectural style, resembling a ship's prow. It functioned as a training facility for the U.S. Navy until its decommissioning in 2009, after which ownership transferred to Metro Parks.
In 2011, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and military significance. Despite its landmark status, the center remained vacant for over a decade, leading to deterioration.
In 2023, a collaborative effort between Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms and the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville initiated plans to transform the facility into Shelby Commons, a community hub dedicated to arts and culture. The envisioned 19,000-square-foot space aims to include co-working areas for arts nonprofits, artist studios, event venues, and recreational amenities such as kayak and bike rentals. The project seeks to revitalize the historic structure while enhancing community engagement within Shelby Park.