Urban Redevelopment and Placemaking Take Center Stage at Nashville Downtown Partnership Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon
Nashville, Tenn. – The Nashville Downtown Partnership is teaming up with Vanderbilt University to bring a leading voice in public space redevelopment and placemaking, George M. Roberts, to downtown’s biggest business event. The Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, where downtown’s most impactful new developments will also be recognized, takes place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Guests can expect a keynote presentation on the transformative possibilities of “parks-oriented development” and investing in urban green spaces in downtown communities. A native of Detroit, Roberts led public space redevelopment and parks-focused strategies in nationally recognized spaces including Detroit’s Campus Martius Park, Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park, and New York’s Bryant Park —setting new standards for civic engagement, activation, and economic growth through public space.
“We couldn’t think of a better time to welcome George to Nashville to share his insights with our community,” said Tom Turner, President and CEO of the Nashville Downtown Partnership. “Having led both public and private property owners to recognize the value of investing in shared public spaces, his perspective will resonate here as we continue to strengthen and activate our streets, parks, and public spaces.”
“Vanderbilt is proud to help bring George Roberts to Nashville,” Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. “His ideas about creating economic value through public space are of particular interest as we work with the city to plan a West End innovation neighborhood. We look forward to his insights.”
The event also honors individuals and businesses shaping and transforming downtown. Award winners are announced during the luncheon in the categories of LIVE, WORK, PLAY, and INVEST, as well as a recipient for the Jeannie R. Hastings Vision Award.
Tickets to the Partnership’s Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon are available for purchase at nashvilledowntown.com/events/annual-meeting.
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About Nashville Downtown Partnership
Organized in 1994, the Nashville Downtown Partnership is a private-sector nonprofit corporation and membership organization whose core purpose is “to make Downtown Nashville the compelling urban center in the Southeast in which to LIVE, WORK, PLAY and INVEST.” For more information, visit nashvilledowntown.com.