Spark downtown location transformation in full swing
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Just over 13 months ago, Lipscomb University officials announced plans to have a presence downtown by bringing its Spark concept to a vacant space located at the corner of 4th Avenue and Commerce Street.
The transformation of that 20,100-square-feet of office space, that previously sat empty for more than a decade, located on the ground floor of Nashville’s 4th and Commerce garage, 147 4th Avenue N. is almost complete. Recently, a group of Lipscomb administrators, deans and faculty toured the facility to see the progress that has been made since that announcement last spring.
View a photo gallery of the Spark downtown transformation.
John Lowry, vice president for development and external affairs and executive director of Spark, said he is pleased with the transformation process.
“This space that has been unused for so long has been transformed into a state-of-the-art learning community that will serve those working and living in the downtown area in new and unique ways,” said Lowry. “The space is inviting, the programs that will be offered here will be life-changing and the university’s presence downtown will be yet another way Lipscomb is serving this city and providing access to education in innovative ways.”
Lipscomb University signage will adorn the top of the parking structure and will be a visible part of the Nashville skyline. A sign unveiling ceremony is planned for Monday, July 17, at 1 p.m. in the SunTrust Plaza, located across the street from Spark. The official dedication of Spark is set for Thursday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m. Nashville Mayor Megan Barry among others will take part in the ceremony.
The facility is patterned after the university-operated Spark located in the Cool Springs area in Franklin. In the downtown Spark facility, Lipscomb will offer academic programs and leadership development initiatives, such as its Driving Sales Performance certificate program and its new CEO Connect program, as well as meeting and event space.
In 2012, Lipscomb successfully launched its first Spark facility in Cool Springs. Spark integrates people with architecture, technology and expertise for the purpose of inspiring creativity, fostering dialog and enhancing collaboration.
Want to know more? Visit spark.lipscomb.edu.
— Photos by Kristi Jones, Video by Josh Shaw