NEUHOFF PACKING COMPANY

Nashville, Tennessee

Firm: Kimley-Horn | Role: Local Lead Landscape Architect | Years Active: 2019-2021 | Project Status: Under Construction

Over four decades have passed since the Neuhoff Packing Company shut down operations as a meatpacking plant. Settled in downtown Nashville in the historic Germantown neighborhood, the plant brought in pigs and cattle, and with it, jobs. Neuhoff was one of the largest and most important meatpacking plants in the Southeast when it opened in 1905. Since its closing in the 1970’s, the owners retained just a few small businesses and studios onsite. The building’s distinctiveness attracted artists and musicians to fill portions of its echoing halls, including country-folk legend, John Prine. The property’s remaining industrial structures stand as one of Nashville’s few examples of historical architecture. Neighborhoods full of mid-century row homes were demolished over the past few decades, replaced by strip malls. Charming brick warehouses were replaced with parking lost as vehicular needs grew. The once vital Neuhoff meatpacking plant has thankfully been saved countless times from destruction but, by 2019, the time had come for Neuhoff to enter the 21st century.

Photo credits: Smith Gee Studio and Neuhoff