The Preservation Society of Nashville's inaugural "Paint the Town" event, held on September 14, 2024, was hosted at the Neuhoff District in Germantown. It was a beautiful and engaging evening that celebrated Nashville's rich history and the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique heritage.
A Backdrop of Preservation
The event took place at the Neuhoff District, a fitting location that exemplifies the power of adaptive reuse. The Neuhoff District served as more than just a venue; it was a living testament to the importance of historic preservation. Once a bustling meatpacking facility from the early 1900s, Neuhoff has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use development. The 14-acre site's mix of repurposed buildings and new construction tells the story of Nashville's evolution from an industrial hub to a cultural center.
PSN extends heartfelt gratitude to New City Properties, the visionary developers behind the Neuhoff District's transformation, and the property management team at Cousins Properties for their gracious hosting of the event.
Living into the Theme
The theme for the event stemmed from the initial site visit to the Neuhoff District. The development's prominent metal pavilion, The Platz, boasts a stunning and memorable rusty red color. PSN's events committee believed the "Paint the Town" theme was evergreen and transcendent and could live on annually. After brainstorming ways that the organization's mission could permeate the event, the committee believed it was obvious to include paintings of historic places as part of both the fundraising efforts and event intrigue—enter, the Chestnut Group.
The Chestnut Group is a local plein air artist nonprofit that hosts workshops and events and partners with conservation organizations, raising funds through art sales to protect threatened habitats in Middle Tennessee. Historic preservation was a natural tie, and the Group was excited to paint built environments to support the cause. Paintings included: Belle Meade Theater,
Honoring a Preservationist
The Society announced a new award, the Sondra Morris Impact Award, and the first recipient, Meg Hershey.
Morris, along with another remarkable woman has been instrumental in the Preservation Society of Nashville’s early success, and she has embodied the passion and dedication that drives our movement forward. Sondra is a model Nashvillian, a long-time supporter of preservation, and a generous philanthropist. Her ongoing involvement and generous support have played a significant role in advancing historic preservation efforts throughout all of Middle Tennessee.
The Sondra Morris Impact Award will recognize individuals who make extraordinary contributions to Nashville's preservation efforts.
Hershey has lived in Nashville for nearly 15 years. In that time, she's worked for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, various marketing agencies, and most recently the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, where she served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2023, she formed an independent consultancy focused on supporting arts, culture, and placemaking organizations. She, alongside President and CEO of the Heritage Foundation, Bari Beasley, helped develop and form the Preservation Society of Nashville, supporting PSN founders, Kelleigh Bannen and Colson Horton, for a year and a half prior to the organization's launch in 2022. Hershey continues to work with PSN, guiding the organization's strategy and preservation advocacy efforts.
Introducing the Inaugural Leader
The Society also used the affair to announce its inaugural executive director, David Greider. With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, Greider brings a wealth of knowledge and nonprofit management experience to the organization.
A graduate of Tennessee State University with an MBA in nonprofit management from Lipscomb University, Greider has held leadership positions at the Center for Nonprofit Management, Nashville Health Care Council, and Digital Medicine Society before founding Orange Oak Nonprofit Management in 2023.
Greider serves on the board of the Tennessee Environmental Council, chairing its governance committee. He is a 2012 Nashville Emerging Leaders Alumni and formerly served as the director of Nashville-based Young Nonprofit Professionals.
Community Impact
"Paint the Town" brought together nearly 200 preservationists, historians, and community supporters, fostering connections and reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding Nashville's cultural legacy. The event raised more than 10% of the organization's total annual operating budget—a meaningful financial launchpad into the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2025. The success of this inaugural event sets a promising tone for future PSN initiatives and underscores the community's commitment to preserving Nashville's unique character.
Key Supporters
The Preservation Society of Nashville extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the key supporters of the event:
Landmark Sponsors: Why & How Management, Red Light Management
Coalition Supporters: Sue Bannen, Cairn Financial Group, Rachel Halvorson Interior Design, Sondra Morris, Neuhoff District, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Dryden Architecture + Design, Lipman Brothers, Robin Rains Interior Design
Cornerstone Supporters: Becky Nielsen Designs, Becky Rose Design, Four Square Design Studio, Ojas Partners, Wyatt Design Build, Cara Jackson and Michael Bryan, Jennifer and Billy Frist, Mary Belle Grande, Amy Lamb, Joelle Maynard, Cyril Stewart, Julie and Brian Waller, and TJ Wilt.
Additional Event Partners
PSN would also like to acknowledge and thank the event production partners that made it all happen:
Chestnut Group Artists: Ellen Parker Bibb, Donna Brumbergs, Lee Ann Burney, Jessica Lewis, Jess Peoples, Jeanne Pickard, Angela Powers, Ashleigh Suarez,
Live Music: Lockeland Strings provided enchanting melodies throughout the night.
Culinary Delights: Juniper Green catered the event, offering delectable treats.
Floral Displays: Farmers Florist
Event Furnishings: Mayker and Please Be Seated
Audio and Visual Production: Bright Event Productions
Public Relations: Nancy Floyd of Hall Strategies
Photography: Jason Bihler
Event Invitation: St. Croix Designs
Event Planner: Catherine Nail