This week marks the 100-year anniversary of the “Great Nashville Fire,” a blaze that left massive destruction in its wake — decimating 35 blocks and hundreds of homes, churches, schools in East Nashville, leaving what would be the equivalent of $43 million in damages.
That event — along with two major tornadoes — is a huge part of what shaped what we know as East Nashville today. Beautiful historic homes were lost in Edgefield — many on what’s now East Park — and many new homes were built, too. In lots of cases, the grand Victorians that served as summer homes to wealthy downtown-dwellers were replaced with cute Craftsman family homes, shifting the vibe and personality of the neighborhood.
But even before the flames were put out, that fire set the stage for East Nashville’s still-going spirit of togetherness and determination, with neighbors pitching in and forming bucket brigades to try to help.
The beautiful homes are a big draw toward East Nashville today, but the neighborliness is something many Eastsiders prize just as much.
To mark this centennial, we searched through what’s on the market now to find some historic East Nashville homes that — whether pre-fire or post-fire — have stood strong through decades, helping to give the Eastside its uncommon beauty. Take a look:
Historic East Nashville homes
228 Berry St
Nashville, TN 37207
PRICE: $309,998
Inside, this Cleveland Park home is decidedly 2016. But look at that restored 1915 exterior: historic charm that exemplifies the past and present of East Nashville.
1505 Woodland St
Nashville, TN 37206
PRICE: $379,000
Woodland in Lockeland Springs is one of those great streets in East Nashville that’s packed with historic homes, filled with stories and memories. This smaller cottage is a post-fire gem, updated inside and full of early 1900s charm outside.
1015 N 5Th St
Nashville, TN 37207
PRICE: $389,900
Edgefield was known for lavish Victorians, but cozier Craftsman homes — like this one in Cleveland Park — ended up becoming more common as new homes were built after the fire. This 3-bed, 3-bath is a pre-fire property, built in 1899, and it’s totally updated inside. But just look at that historic curb appeal…
1010 W Greenwood Ave
Nashville, TN 37206
PRICE: $415,000
Another pre-fire home that’s been updated, but maintains lots of its 1909 charm — check out the fireplaces in this Greenwood Neighbors property, in particular. Absolutely stunning.
1113 Greenwood Ave
Nashville, TN 37206
PRICE: $659,000
Updating a 1928 home is tricky — most want to account for modern needs, but not erase history. They’ve done a great job here, choosing finishes that might not be exact matches for the period, but have a clean, classic and timeless look that fits.
714 Russell St
Nashville, TN 37206
PRICE: $1,000,000
This absolutely majestic home is already under contract (sorry house hunters), but you should still take a look and do a little swooning. It’s a picture-perfect view of pre-fire Edgefield, built in 1878 and with glorious historic details intact throughout, from ceiling medallions to transom windows. If you’re a historic home devotee, the $1 million price tag for this nearly 4,300-square-foot beauty in a fantastic East Nashville location is pretty close to a bargain.
122 S 12th St
Nashville, TN 37206
PRICE: $1,250,000
Another majestic mansion that’s under contract but worth some time to appreciate/admire — this 1899 Victorian is also emblematic of early Edgefield and its affluence. Over almost 4000 square feet, you have remarkable woodwork, beautiful brick, soaring ceilings… and that porch out front. Whoa. Many like these were lost in the fire — sure is wonderful to see a restored property like this being loved more than a century later.
Did these historic beauties make you fall in love (or fall more in love) with East Nashville? Whether you’re looking for a property with history or a brand new build, we can help — East Nashville is one of our favorite parts of town, and we love helping homeowners find the perfect Eastside spot. Give us a call!