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FutureVU

FutureVU

The Greenway Network

Connections between the neighborhoods of the Vanderbilt campus are essential to the formation of a coherent campus fabric. The Greenway network vision is to establish recognizable connections between campus places and spaces. Establishing clear and safe connections between neighborhoods will create a more unified and accessible campus, in keeping with the Vanderbilt principles of community and inclusion. The Greenway network was originally conceived as part of the FutureVU land use process, and as future planning discussions continued, the network expanded to include a vision for primary Greenway paths, secondary paths, and a Walk and Roll Loop around the campus edge. To read more about the Greenway network vision (including a campus-wide map, principles and character precedents), please visit the Greenway framework page.

Expansion of the Greenway network will be considered as various neighborhood projects are implemented. If you have questions, comments or concerns regarding the construction projects underway, please contact the Facilities team here.

 

Internal Campus Greenway

Internal campus Greenway precedent imageA primary Greenway path is envisioned to connect bikeways and sidewalks in adjacent neighborhoods near the edge of campus with the center of campus and form a wide pathway that promotes the pedestrian experience, while also allowing for those on other modes, such as bicycles and other rolling devices, to comfortably circulate through campus. This primary Greenway path will be accompanied by key secondary paths to form a network throughout the internal campus.

The first installment of the internal campus Greenway has been implemented as a part of the West End neighborhood transformation. 24th Avenue, between West End Avenue and Vanderbilt Place, was converted to a pedestrian-centric Greenway. A precedent image for this first installment as well as an image of the transformation are included below.

 

West End Neighborhood Before and After

FORMER KENSINGTON AVENUE
FORMER ALLEY

WEST END NEIGHBORHOOD FEATURING NEW BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY PATHWAYS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional installments of the internal campus Greenway will be considered as the university continues planning processes for additional campus neighborhoods.

 

Walk and Roll Loop

A Walk and Roll Loop is envisioned to ensure Vanderbilt’s perimeter is designed and developed to provide an enhanced mobility experience for Vanderbilt and the surrounding community. The concept embraces the campus edge as a high-profile gateway to campus. Building off a recommendation from the Vanderbilt Student Government in 2017, as part of the FutureVU planning process, the “Walk and Roll Loop” is envisioned to be a wide and comfortable loop encircling campus for active transportation and recreation, and to integrate the Vanderbilt campus with the rest of Nashville.

An example precedent image of what the Walk and Roll Loop may look like along 21st Avenue is below; however, refinements may be made as the university continues studies underway.

 

  • The first installment of the Walk and Roll Loop was implemented in front of E. Bronson Ingram College and Warren & Moore Colleges, ending near the 21st Avenue and Terrace Place crosswalk in fall 2020.  This portion of the loop is signed and marked for walking, bicycling and other rolling devices.
  • The second installment of the Walk and Roll Loop was constructed as part of the renovation and expansion of the Owen Graduate School of Management which kicked off in spring 2021. The removal of parking lot 6B on 21st Avenue, between Scarritt Place and Grand Avenue, was in support of the university’s goals to reduce hardscape and add more green space and create a more park-like setting on campus. The parking lot was transformed into a new welcoming entrance along 21st Avenue and a portion of the Walk & Roll Loop.
  • A third phase of the Walk & Loop was installed during construction of Zeppos College, Rothschild College and Residential College C along West End Avenue between 24th and 25th Avenues. The enhanced, ADA accessible pathways, Walk & Roll Loop and green space support the university’s goal to improve connectivity and enhance accessibility throughout campus.

A Walk & Roll Steering Committee was formed in fall 2021 to determine the alignment of the Walk & Roll Loop and guide the design and materials to provide for connectivity and consistency across campus. As the campus continues to evolve, this design guide will help inform specific Walk & Roll Loop width, materials, routing and connections.