OneC1TY – Nashville, TN
April 20, 2016
Cancer Survivor’s Park
May 6, 2016OneC1TY Boardwalk
Bespoke Masterpieces Since 1985
Connecting An Office Campus In Nashville, TN
Located at the intersection of innovation, wellness, and community design, the OneC1TY Boardwalk in Nashville, Tennessee serves as a signature pedestrian feature within one of the city's most progressive mixed-use developments. Positioned near Interstate 440 and Charlotte Avenue, this custom timber boardwalk was designed and constructed by York Bridge Concepts in partnership with OneC1TY and JE Dunn Construction.
The project was envisioned as more than a simple pedestrian crossing. It was designed to create a unique outdoor experience that encourages community engagement, promotes walkability, and connects residents and visitors with the natural landscape surrounding the development.
Through YBC's Decero™ Design-Engineer-Build process, the boardwalk combines architectural creativity, environmental stewardship, and functional infrastructure to create a destination that enhances the overall OneC1TY experience.
A Community Designed Around Connection
OneC1TY was developed with a vision centered on healthy living, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. The mixed-use community brings together residential, commercial, retail, healthcare, and educational spaces into a unified environment designed to promote interaction and well-being.
To support this vision, outdoor spaces play a critical role throughout the development.
The OneC1TY Boardwalk serves as an important connector that:
- Encourages pedestrian activity
- Promotes outdoor recreation
- Enhances accessibility
- Creates gathering opportunities
- Supports community engagement
- Connects visitors with natural features
The boardwalk helps transform the landscape into an active public space rather than simply a transportation route.
Custom Decero™ Design
Every York Bridge Concepts project begins with a site-specific design process that evaluates how a structure will interact with its environment.
For OneC1TY, the Decero™ Design Team developed a boardwalk that integrates seamlessly into the community while maximizing functionality and user experience.
Key design objectives included:
- ADA accessibility
- Enhanced pedestrian circulation
- Visual interest
- Community gathering opportunities
- Long-term durability
- Environmental compatibility
The resulting boardwalk features graceful curves, widened gathering areas, and a covered overlook that transforms the crossing into an immersive experience.
Winding Curves Create a Natural Experience
Unlike conventional straight pathways, the OneC1TY Boardwalk was designed with a flowing alignment that follows the character of the site.
The curved design creates several benefits:
Enhanced User Experience
Visitors experience a more engaging and natural journey through the landscape.
Improved Visual Appeal
The sweeping curves create architectural interest and encourage exploration.
Site Integration
The boardwalk blends more naturally with surrounding environmental features.
Community Character
The design reinforces OneC1TY's commitment to thoughtful, human-centered planning.
The result is a pedestrian pathway that feels intentional, welcoming, and connected to its surroundings.
Wide-Out Areas for Gathering and Relaxation
One of the defining features of the boardwalk is the inclusion of two wide-out sections strategically incorporated along the route.
These expanded areas provide:
- Informal gathering spaces
- Opportunities for social interaction
- Scenic viewing locations
- Rest areas for pedestrians
- Flexible community-use spaces
Rather than simply moving people from one location to another, the boardwalk creates destinations where visitors can pause and enjoy the environment.
Covered Overlook Pavilion
The boardwalk also features a covered overlook section that enhances both functionality and user comfort.
The overlook serves as:
- A sheltered observation area
- A scenic viewing point
- A gathering location
- A visual landmark within the development
This architectural feature creates an inviting destination where residents and visitors can enjoy views of the pond and surrounding landscape while remaining protected from the elements.
ADA-Compliant Accessibility
Accessibility was a critical component of the project design.
The boardwalk was developed to provide a welcoming experience for users of all ages and abilities.
Accessibility features include:
- ADA-compliant design standards
- Comfortable pathway widths
- Smooth pedestrian circulation
- Safe handrail systems
- Accessible gathering areas
These features ensure that the boardwalk serves the entire community while promoting inclusivity and mobility.
Timber Architecture That Enhances the Landscape
The OneC1TY Boardwalk showcases the beauty and versatility of timber construction.
Decero™ Vertical Picket Rail System
The boardwalk features a custom ADA-compliant timber picket handrail system that complements the project's architectural character.
Natural Material Aesthetic
Southern Yellow Pine creates warmth and texture that blend naturally with the landscape.
Sustainable Design
Timber construction supports environmentally responsible development while delivering exceptional durability and visual appeal.
Timeless Character
The combination of natural materials and thoughtful detailing ensures that the boardwalk remains relevant and attractive for decades.
Pile-Supported Construction
The boardwalk utilizes a pile-supported structural system designed to accommodate site conditions while minimizing environmental impacts.
Benefits include:
- Reduced disturbance to the pond environment
- Stable long-term support
- Efficient installation
- Adaptability to varying site elevations
- Improved drainage and water movement
This construction approach allows the boardwalk to function harmoniously with the site's natural features.
Supporting Nashville's Vision for Walkable Communities
As Nashville continues to grow, projects like OneC1TY demonstrate the importance of creating infrastructure that prioritizes people, wellness, and community interaction.
The boardwalk contributes to:
- Increased walkability
- Enhanced outdoor recreation
- Community engagement
- Environmental stewardship
- Improved quality of life
By investing in pedestrian-focused infrastructure, OneC1TY has created an environment where residents and visitors can connect more meaningfully with both the community and the surrounding landscape.
Boardwalk Specifications
Project Name: OneC1TY Boardwalk
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Type: Boardwalk
Width: 8' Overall (7' Clear)
Length: 160'
Height: 8' Above Grade
Capacity: 85 PSF
Span Type: Pile-Supported
Material: Southern Yellow Pine
Crossing: Pond
Guide Rail: Vertical Picket Series
A Landmark for Community and Wellness
The OneC1TY Boardwalk represents the successful integration of architecture, infrastructure, and placemaking. Through thoughtful design, sustainable construction, and attention to user experience, York Bridge Concepts created a structure that does more than provide access—it creates opportunities for connection.
Today, the boardwalk serves as a defining feature within the OneC1TY development, inviting residents and visitors to explore, gather, and experience the community in a meaningful way. It stands as a lasting example of how pedestrian infrastructure can contribute to the health, vitality, and character of a modern mixed-use development.