Historic Bluefields

Historic Preservation became a key issue for Bluefield residents during the "No Cell Tower in Historic Bluefields Campaign in 2014". With the Bluefields neighborhood reaching the ripe old age of 85 in 2014 (and fast approaching its first century), combined with Bluefield's Architecture, history and recent revitalization it became obvious during negotations with local, state & fedaral representatives that historic preservation provides a critical and cruicial form of protection to a neighborhood.

historic bluefields 2605 bluefields avenue 1930

 

Do you have any old photos of Bluefields? We would love to share them with our website visitors so please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As part of our defense in the "No Cell Tower Campaign" Bluefields was deemed eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Tennessee which was not only a valuable designation for our campaign but also a wonderful honor and recognition to the families and neighbors that have called Bluefields home for over 85 years (that's over five generation of families). We are excited to share that based on National Register designation Bluefields was provided a grant for the purpose of documenting the unique architectural style and significance of our neighborhood (a requirement for the National Register process).

Historic Preservation Research

In the fall of 2014 a committee was formed (as part of the SmartGrowth Initiative) to further explore the Preservation options available to our neighborhood and sharing that information with our neighbors. This group was headed up by Kara Siejakowski and comprised of the following members:

  • Kara Siejakowski
  • Joe Siejakowski
  • Megan Deardorff
  • Nancy Donavan
  • Maggie Bracewell
  • Maggie Sidelinger
  • Doug Henry (BHA Representative)
  • Vicki Beare

No Cell Tower in Historic Bluefields Campaign in 2014

  • No Cell Tower at Historic Bluefields - May 15, 2014 - View
  • Cell Tower Threatens Historic Nashville Neighborhood - May 27, 2014 - View
  • Historic Bluefields Continues Fight to Proposed Cell Tower - June 2, 2014 - View
  • Join Us For Historic Bluefields Annual Picnic and BBQ! - June 10, 2014 - View
  • Photos from Announcment of No Cell Tower in Historic Bluefields - View
  • Cell Tower to be moved outside of bluefields - August 11, 2014 - View

Information sessions on: Metropolitan Historic/Conservation Zoning

This group met with the Tennessee Historic Commission and were provided an introductory session on Historic Preservation and based on unanimous agreement the committee agreed to work with the Historic Commission to provide 2 Introduction Sessions to Bluefields Neighbors. These meetings were held at Fifty Forward in November 2014 and were well attended and received with lots of interest and questions from neighbors. We were also fortunate to have several local representatives attend which was very much appreciated.

Historic Bluefields Subdivision - Circa 1950

Based on the continued interest in Historic Preservation as well as the expected approach of Infill Development to the Donelson area we have setup this Resource Center that will provide neighbors with a place to find important information as well as well keep up with key happenings and upcoming events.

National Register of Historic Places

In early 2015 History Incorporated commenced the process of documenting our neighborhood necessary for completing our application for National Register of Historic Places. Jaime Destefano from History Incorporated and members of Historic Nashville then held an information session for Blueifled Neighbors in July and present the neighborhood with their work and documentation.

The meeting reviewed the documenation and application work done by History Incorporated and also provided a detailed explaination of the process moving forward. Many good questions came from the attending neighbors. One of the most exciting benefits to neighbors with this designation is the 20% tax credit for doing renovations! So there is tremendous honor and benefit to Bluefield's being listed on the National Register!

Our application was presented to the Metro Historical Commission in October 2015 and was approved for final consideration of the proposed "Bluefields Historic District". The application now goes to the State Review Board for nomination  to the National and Tennessee Register of Historic Places on Wednesday January 6th 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at Clover Bottom Mansion located at 2941 Lebanon Road, Nashville. All Bluefield neighbors are invited to attend. 

As soon as we are establish the steps involved in purchasing a plaque for your home (that can be proudly displayed on your house) we will share that information. 

If you have any questions about your property being listed on the National Register please be sure to contact Claudette Stager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (615) 770-1089. 

Bluefields Historic National Register Plaque

Historic Preservation Information & Resources

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.

What is an Historic & Conservative Overaly?

A Historic overlay district is a layer of local planning regulation in the United States which incorporates the restrictions of the underlying zoning for a given geographic area, with the main goal of preserving the historic character of the neighborhood.

What is Infill?

In urban planning, infill is the rededication of land in an urban environment, usually open space, to new construction. Infill also applies within an urban polity to construction on any undeveloped land that is not on the urban margin.

Historic Agency & Organizations:

Neighborhoods/Districts in Nashville in the National Register of Historic Places:

  • Belle Meade Golf Links Historic District 
  • Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood
  • City Of Edgefield (East Nashville)
  • The Germantown Historic District
  • Richland-West End
  • Tanglewood Historic District (Madison)
  • Woodbine

  • Woodmont Estates

Webmaster's Note - Two Rivers Mansion, Clover Bottom Mansion & McCambell House (all located in Donelson) are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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