How Art Builds Pride and Purpose in Affordable Housing with Nancy VanReece
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 72
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In this inspiring episode, Nancy VanReece, VP of Strategic Engagement for LDG Development, discusses the importance of affordable housing and the misconceptions surrounding it. She emphasizes how essential affordable housing is for everyone from teachers and nurses to firefighters and restaurant workers, and highlights the need for more three- and four-bedroom units to accommodate growing families. The conversation delves into LDG Development’s approach to community engagement and art integration, both of which help ignite pride and purpose in residents. Nancy also shares about projects like The Briarville Apartments and Ewing Heights, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with communities to understand their needs and build quality projects that meet them. Altogether, the conversation provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of affordable housing development, as well as the role of art in creating inclusive and connected communities.
Discussed in the Episode:
LDG Development
The Briarville Apartments
Original Local Art at The Briarville Apartments
Artist Omari Booker
Omari Booker’s Mural at The Briarville Apartments
Nossi College of Art
Urban League of Middle Tennessee
Warren Village
Ewing Heights
Hatch Show Print
Amqui Station
Nancy VanReece on LinkedIn
About Nancy VanReece:
Nancy VanReece is the Vice President of Strategic Engagement for LDG Development, where she launched a pilot program in Tennessee to establish long-term relationships with the artist communities and policymakers in LDG neighborhoods. In the first year of the program, LDG manifested its commitment that “everyone deserves a quality place to live” by placing nearly $60,000 into the pockets of local Chattanooga and Nashville artists without raising costs. Nancy is also an artist whose works are on display on several university campuses and throughout the United States and Canada. She is the proud recipient of the Nashville Arts Coalition’s Stein Award for Public Leadership in the Arts and completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education Certificate in Sr. State & Local Government.
During her eight-year tenure as a Nashville Metropolitan and Davidson County Councilmember, Nancy VanReece championed smart and inclusive development, resulting in 34% of all new housing in the district being offered at affordable and workforce rates. Her impactful work culminated in the TIF Economic Development for the 37-acre town center development Madison Station, which garnered support from 27 co-sponsors. This ambitious project has the potential to include up to 1.75 million square feet of business and retail space, 1700 mixed-income residential units, and sustainable green space, further enhancing the community’s livability. Her last legislation was to create a home for The Catalyst Fund at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, where additional short-term loans will be made to assist with gaps created in the housing space.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!