NASHVILLE, TN – July 8, 2025 – SometaRoad, led by Principal Andrew Donchez, presented the refined Martin & Merritt development proposal to the Wedgewood-Houston community on July 7, 2025, showcasing substantial modifications made in response to neighborhood input over the past eight months. The mixed-use project, pending before Metro Planning Commission on July 24, represents a significant evolution from initial proposals with reduced building heights, enhanced affordable housing commitments, and comprehensive infrastructure improvements.

Project Overview

The Martin & Merritt development will be located between Martin, Merritt, and Hamilton Streets in Wedgewood-Houston's Character District One. The project includes:

• 150-key boutique hotel (7 stories, 75 feet maximum)

• Up to 175 residential units with 25 affordable housing units

• 8,000 square feet of new restaurant space

• $2+ million in infrastructure improvements

• 241 parking spaces in hidden structured garage

Major Community-Driven Changes

Building Height Reductions

The development team has significantly reduced building heights in response to community feedback:

• Hotel: Reduced from 8 stories/90 feet to 7 stories/75 feet

• Residential: Capped at 4 stories maximum, with 3 stories along Hamilton Street

• Character District One: Reduced from 5 stories to 3 stories on Merritt Street

"We've listened carefully to our neighbors and refined this project to respect the scale and character of the surrounding residential community," said Andrew Donchez, Principal of SometaRoad. "The final design uses the natural 50-foot grade change of this challenging site to minimize visual impact while creating a thoughtful transition between downtown Wedgewood-Houston and the residential neighborhoods."

Affordable Housing Commitment

The project includes Nashville's first privately-initiated affordable housing commitment through deed restrictions:

• 25 affordable units reserved for households earning up to 80% of Area Median Income

• Deed-restricted commitment filed with neighborhood organizations

• Units 151-175 designated as affordable housing within the 175-unit development

"This affordable housing commitment represents a new model for private development in Nashville," said Council Member Terry Vo. "While state law limits what Metro can officially require, this developer has voluntarily committed to deed restrictions that will ensure these units remain affordable."

Infrastructure and Safety Improvements

The project includes extensive off-site improvements benefiting the broader community:

Pedestrian Infrastructure:

• Complete sidewalk buildout along Hamilton Street (north and south sides)

• Extended sidewalk connections to Pillow Street and western connections

• New crosswalks and intersection improvements

• Right-of-way dedication for street widening

Transit Enhancements:

• WeGo bus stop upgrades at three locations

• Site positioned within quarter-mile of four existing transit stops

• Future transit stop consideration at Martin and Merritt intersection

Traffic and Safety:

• Enclosed loading area to minimize noise and visual impact

• No additional curb cuts on steep Merritt Street grade

• Construction access restricted from residential alleyway

• Complete alleyway repaving upon project completion

Innovative Design Solutions

The development addresses one of Nashville's most challenging development sites with creative solutions:

Hidden Parking Structure

A 241-space parking garage will be completely hidden within the hillside, serving as a retaining wall while eliminating visual impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

Alleyway Preservation

Rather than relocating the existing residential alley, the project creates a T-head turnaround that improves access for current residents while eliminating any development-related traffic.

Rooftop Activity Controls

• Hotel and residential pools close at sundown with no overhead lighting

• Rooftop bar operated exclusively by hotel (not third-party lease)

• Compliance with all noise ordinances

Economic and Community Impact

Local Business Support

The project includes the existing Mill building with 25,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, ensuring continuity for current tenants while adding new dining options.

Construction Commitments

• Pre-construction surveys for all properties within blasting radius

• Dedicated construction parking plan

• Restricted construction access away from residential areas

• Compliance with all work hours and noise ordinances

Operational Safeguards

• Prohibition of short-term rentals through zoning restrictions

• Elimination of noxious industrial uses from permitted uses

• Transparency requirements including dedicated project website

Community Engagement Process

The project represents nearly two years of community engagement:

• Multiple community meetings since 2023

• Neighborhood organization partnerships with SNAP and WeGo Social

• City Council collaboration with Council Member Terry Vo

• Planning Department coordination resulting in staff recommendation for approval

"This level of community engagement and responsive design modifications sets a new standard for development in Nashville," noted a local resident and business owner during the July 7 meeting.

Planning Process and Timeline

Current Status

• Planning Commission Review: July 24, 2025

• Staff Recommendation: Approval

• Case Number: 2025-SP-005-001

• Public Comment Deadline: July 22, 2025

Next Steps

Following Planning Commission review, the project will proceed to City Council for final approval, with public hearings expected in September and October 2025.

Project Details

Hotel Specifications

• 150 keys (minimum viable size for quality operator partnership)

• Boutique hotel operation with local restaurant concepts

• Rooftop amenities with community-friendly operating restrictions

• Height lower than adjacent Refinery and T3 developments

Residential Program

• Mix of market-rate and affordable units

• Likely for-sale condominiums based on market conditions

• Structured parking hidden within hillside

• No short-term rental permissions

Commercial Space

• 8,000 square feet of new restaurant space

• Integration with existing Mill building uses

• Focus on neighborhood-serving amenities

Community Input Opportunities

Community members can participate in the approval process through:

• Written comments to Planning Commission (deadline July 22)

• Planning Commission meeting attendance on July 24

• Project website review at martinmerritt.com

• Direct developer contact through published channels

Quotes

Andrew Donchez, Principal, SometaRoad: "This project represents everything we've learned about thoughtful development in Nashville. The site's challenges became opportunities to create something that truly serves both our future residents and the existing community."

Council Member Terry Vo: "The developer's willingness to make substantial modifications and commitments shows how community engagement can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved."

Nealy Glenn, Small Business Owner: "Having a hotel in walking distance will be tremendous for our event space and the broader business community in Wedgewood-Houston."

About SometaRoad

SometaRoad is a Nashville-based development company specializing in mixed-use projects that enhance urban neighborhoods while respecting community character. Previous projects include developments throughout Nashville's urban core.

Media Contact

Project Information:

• Website: martinmerritt.com

• SP Case: 2025-SP-005-001 (Metro Planning)

• Developer: Andrew Donchez, SometaRoad

Public Process:

• Council Member Terry Vo's Office

• Metro Planning Commission

• Community Organizations: SNAP, WEHO Social

The Martin & Merritt development proposal will be considered by the Metro Planning Commission on July 24, 2025, Public comments are encouraged and should be submitted by July 22, 2025