Welch College, formerly known as the Free Will Baptist Bible College est. 1942, was located within historic Richland West End. The site sits among one of Nashville’s earliest planned suburban streetcar communities, originally developed in the early 1900s and known for its walkability, character, and enduring neighborhood fabric. The opportunity at Richland Hall was to thoughtfully honor its institutional legacy while reestablishing a historically appropriate community rooted in connection, architecture, and timeless neighborhood design.

As Welch College experienced significant enrollment growth, the economic realities and neighborhood’s preservation engagement left the school with limited options for decades. The vision for Richland Hall had to carefully balance the high land basis while addressing the concerns of neighbors. During this period, Land Innovations served as a trusted advisor and consultant, helping navigate complex public approvals, meaningful community engagement, and finding a builder that would bring the vision to life. Together, with the Welch College advisory board and Ford Classic Homes the effort focused on creating a project that honored the past, responded to the needs of the present, and strengthened the long-term fabric of the community.

The Richland Hall Master Plan is a 7.1-acre infill development includes 47 residential lots composed of a curated mix of brownstones and estate homes, along with the restoration of the historic Williad Oakes Tirrill home that anchors the infill on Richland Avenue. Rather than overwhelming its surroundings, the design focuses on scale, context, and continuity, ensuring that each home contributes to a cohesive neighborhood that respects the architectural language of the area while introducing new life and vitality. The result is a balanced community that bridges history and modern living through intentional, place-based design.

Intersection of Richland Avenue, Craighead Avenue, and West End Avenue