Second Avenue Rebuild

Project Scope

This high-profile, fast-tracked, and phased project included subsurface infrastructure improvements, including sanitary and stormwater lines, water main and water service reconfigurations, high and low-voltage system adjustments, and removal or deflection around existing utilities. The project also included street-level improvements, including high-emphasis pedestrian crossings, enhanced lighting systems, hardscape/paver bulb-outs for pedestrian-focused spaces, and landscaping. The project also required significant street closures, pedestrian and vehicular traffic coordination, and communication plans for the community and surrounding businesses.

Location:

Nashville, TN

Client:

Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA)

Challenge Faced

On Christmas Day 2020, a bomb exploded on Second Avenue in Nashville, causing significant damage and destruction to more than 65 buildings and displacing residents and businesses. This project required an accelerated schedule and detailed, phased work plans to restore critical infrastructure efficiently, reopen businesses expeditiously, and reimagine a new Second Avenue with upgraded amenities and access while maintaining its original spirit. The most significant challenge, perhaps, was the ability for businesses to remain open while work was being completed.

Solution Provided

Serving as Construction Manager at Risk for this high profile, technically complex project, Reeves Young engaged with MDHA in developing exhaustive communication plans about work phasing and what areas would be impacted. The entire project encompassed three city blocks and was to be completed in three phases. The first phase was the completion of improvements to the north block between Church Street and Union Street, including new storm drain infrastructure, new Dark Sky-approved streetlights, a prominent mid-block pedestrian crossing, and additional landscaping. That portion of Second Avenue reopened in June 2024. The second phase was the south block between Commerce Street and Broadway, which included storm drain infrastructure installation and street improvements and was completed in December of 2024. The third phase, construction on the middle block between Commerce and Church streets, is on schedule for completion by the end of 2025.