The Clear Blue Company alongside project supporters earlier this month celebrated the opening of Highland East, a 238-unit, seven-building affordable housing development at 301 Ben Allen Road in Nashville, Tennessee.
The development is the first trail-oriented affordable housing community in Nashville, designed to connect residents with recreation, wellness, and mobility opportunities through direct access to the Metro Greenway and broader trail system.
Highland East delivers 238 residences to the community – a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units available to individuals earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Ten units will be reserved for those earning up to 30% of the AMI, and five units will be dedicated as permanent supportive housing to serve individuals who formerly experienced homelessness. The community includes a state-of-the-art clubhouse, business center, playground, multiple family-friendly spaces, indoor fitness center, outdoor fitness circuit, dog park, art installations, and a direct greenway connection.
Highland East offers a variety of outdoor spaces, including private patios at each unit, decks with fire pits, and grilling areas nestled among mature trees, all just minutes from downtown. Through a partnership with Metro Parks, the property connects directly to Nashville’s expanding trail and greenway network – promoting healthier lifestyles, strengthening neighborhood connectivity, and offering alternative routes that complement traditional transportation. This approach represents a first-of-its-kind model for affordable housing in the region, tying affordability to long-term quality of life.
Supplemental on-site resources, including career training and financial literacy courses, will also be available to all residents, providing education and skill-building opportunities that reinforce housing stability and upward mobility.
Highland East also exemplifies The Clear Blue Company’s commitment to sustainability, with features such as energy-efficient appliances and solar panels, reducing long-term utility costs for residents while promoting environmental responsibility.
The development represents a milestone in Nashville’s broader housing strategy, aligning with citywide efforts to expand affordable housing supply while building connected, livable neighborhoods. Highland East is also part of The Clear Blue Company’s growing portfolio, which now includes over 6,400 units throughout the Southeast. Together, these developments demonstrate how CBC is scaling innovative housing models to address the crisis at both the local and national level.
The Clear Blue Company broke ground on Highland East in June 2023, marking a major step forward in expanding Nashville’s affordable housing supply. The development is supported by Amazon, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits generating $36.7 million in equity, and construction and LIHTC equity investment from JP Morgan. Regions Bank provided a $24.8 million construction loan and a $23.6 million equity bridge loan. Permanent financing is being provided by Walker & Dunlop. Locally, the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency has contributed GAP financing and property tax relief through a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), with additional support from the Barnes Housing Trust Fund. Together, these partnerships reflect a strong public-private commitment to creating high-quality, affordable housing in the heart of Nashville.
