NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The sprint to the finish line for the Global Mall Project in Antioch is still underway.
The next step in the redevelopment of the former Hickory Hollow Mall — now called the Global Mall at the Crossings — is tearing down the current mall's interior.
Organizers for the project said that along with the Global Mall, they’re working on a transportation hub with WeGo Public Transit. That plan includes creating an express bus from Antioch to downtown Nashville.
Organizers acknowledged that residents in the Antioch area want action on the promised improvements to Bell Road. Project officials have said that nine mobility improvement recommendations are in place to improve the area around Bell Road.
Now that the mall project is past its beginning stages, the Tennessee Department of Public Transportation (TDOT) can properly address issues in the area.
“I know everyone wants Bell road to get fixed, but it has to make sense. A part of that is having activity on this site,” said Metro Councilwoman Joy Styles. “That really helps for TDOT to say 'There’s a need for us to get involved' and really address Bell Road because this is no longer a dormant site.”
“To transform the mall site and study area into a lively mixed-use walkable center and regional destination that enriches quality of life, expands economic opportunities and life pack and celebrates diversity shared community for Antioch, Nashville and the greater region.”
New vision statement for the project
The plan would keep the library, community center, community college, KIPP school and Ford Ice Center. Cultural museums, art galleries, and a theater would be added to the site.
Today’s conversation involved the next steps in transforming the site into a mixed-use walkable center and regional destination. Those new developments include rezoning Metro-owned properties that still align with the vision of the project.
"In addition to the planned document, Metro determined that one of the best next steps we can do is to rezone the Metro-owned properties with a specific plan that aligns the rezoning and vision set up in the policy document,” said Katie Kemezis, project manager for the global study.
The next public comment meeting is Thursday, July 11 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. That meeting will be at the Southeast Library, located at 5260 Hickory Hollow Parkway. The updated proposal will be headed to the planning commission on July 25.