DONELSON, Tenn. (WKRN) — An abandoned hospital in Donelson may soon get a major makeover, with new plans mentioning apartments, retail space and grocery stores.

Built in the 1960s, Donelson Hospital on Lebanon Pike closed in the late '90s. Since then, it has had several owners before becoming vacant following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Hermitage resident Brittany McCann explained that there are concerns about a lack of infrastructure to support more people.

"I think that Donelson Hospital is great the way it is," McCann said.

However, developers see a different future for the 21-acre property. The property is zoned for 435 apartment units. A new rezoning request could transform it into a mixed-use development with two possible options.

The first option includes a grocery store, 250 multifamily units, 80 single family homes for sale and retail space.

"There are several new neighborhoods, including mine, including a lot along Dodson Chapel that would definitely utilize that grocery store," Metro Councilmember Jordan Huffman, whose district includes the site, told News 2.

"I know the community is raving for a Trader Joe's and another grocery store," McCann stated.

If no grocery store is able to be secured, the second option includes 390 multifamily units, 80 single family homes and retail space.

"This is going to be massive just simply because regardless of what plan, we will have retail space. There will be a restaurant there as well," Huffman said. "These are things I campaigned on. There's not a ton of restaurant options in my district."

Some neighbors worry about what else could come, like added traffic.

"It's going to be really bad," McCann said. "There are several accidents within that short little stretch in front of the shopping center, and our commute times to downtown are just going to be so much worse."

Huffman told News 2 that he was already looking at smart traffic signals to help ease congestion.

"How that will come in useful is if traffic is backing up in the mornings, the light will stay green longer," Huffman added.

While this project is still in its early stages, supporters said it could fill a long-time gap in the Donelson and Hermitage area.

"Development should be done for us and not to us, and this is a perfect example of that," Huffman added.

Huffman said the plan is to have another public meeting on this proposal in September, followed by a Metro Council vote on it around October. He hopes to see work begin some time in early 2026.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/redevelopment-proposed-for-site-of-former-donelson-hospital/