As Nashville continues to grapple with rapid growth and rising housing costs, new models are emerging to ensure longtime residents aren’t left behind. Jennifer Horne, CEO of Urban Campus and Core, speaks here about the vision behind Northview, a development designed to support active seniors who remain vital to the city’s workforce yet face increasing housing instability. Through an innovative partnership and a focus on community, Northview offers a compelling example of how thoughtful, place-based development can foster connection, stability, and long-term belonging in a changing city.
Urban Land. Northview is generating a lot of buzz. What makes this development different from other housing projects in Nashville right now?
Jennifer Horne: Northview stands out because it was intentionally designed from day one to serve an often-overlooked group, active seniors who are still working but whose incomes haven’t kept pace with Nashville’s rapid growth.
This is a population deeply connected to the fabric of our communities yet increasingly vulnerable to displacement. Northview responds to that challenge by offering high-quality, thoughtfully designed housing paired with spaces that support social connection, wellness, and continued engagement.
It’s not just housing, it’s also a model for how we can support residents in staying rooted, connected, and thriving as our cities evolve.
UL. Can you share the story behind how Northview came to life, particularly the partnership with the Born Again Church?
Horne: ULI and its network have played a meaningful role in my development journey, and Northview is a great example of that impact in action.
The partnership began through a connection with fellow ULI Pathways member Chad Jones, of STG Design, who is also the project’s architect. During a conversation about our goals, I shared my vision of creating housing for active seniors in North Nashville.
Chad recognized a natural alignment and introduced me to the leadership at Born Again Church.
What made the partnership so powerful is that the church had long held a vision for supporting seniors in their community. They had also been deeply engaged in local conversations around growth and development, making them an ideal and values-aligned partner.
Together, we were able to turn a shared vision into something tangible for the community.
UL. What are one or two design and development decisions you’re especially proud of that visitors should look out for during the tour?
Horne: We were very intentional about creating a place that feels both welcoming and aspirational, somewhere residents are truly proud to call home.
One of the things I’m most excited about is how we activated the rooftop spaces. We often say we wanted everyone to feel like they have a penthouse view, so we created shared rooftop areas where residents can enjoy some of the best views of Nashville’s skyline.
We also prioritized spaces that support wellness and social connection—a craft room, music room, and rooftop garden planters, because we know that aging well is about more than housing. It’s also about community, creativity, and connection.
UL. For people considering joining the Lewis Center Sustainability Forum, what will they experience at Northview that they wouldn’t get from just reading about it?
Horne: In addition to the incredible views, visiting Northview in person gives you a real sense of the broader context; the growth of the corridor; the pace of change; and why thoughtful, intentional development matters.
You’ll be able to experience firsthand how we’re approaching senior-focused workforce housing, not just as a concept but also as a built environment designed to support stability, connection, and long-term community presence.
It’s something that’s hard to fully grasp until you walk the site and see how it all comes together.
UL: What do you hope Northview signals about the future of housing and partnerships in Nashville?
Horne: I hope Northview signals that the future of housing in Nashville can be both innovative and inclusive.
It shows that when developers, community institutions, and mission-aligned partners come together, we can create solutions that not only respond to market demand but also support long-term community stability.
More broadly, I hope it encourages more partnerships like this, where development is not just about growth but also about ensuring that the people who have contributed to the city’s success can continue to be part of its future.