Belmont-Hillsboro Neighborhood

Stay on the sidewalk on the right side of the street. If you are using the narration feature, walk as you listen.

Just before you walk through the neighborhood, you’ll see three statues just beside the sidewalk on your right. The two older figures represent Milton and Denise Johnson as they wave to a Belmont student. The sculpture grouping was created by artist Russ Faxon, and is located near the corner where Belmont Boulevard turns into Portland.

Milton Johnson is a Belmont graduate who established the “Bridges to Belmont” scholarship program endowed with a $10 million gift along with his wife Denise Johnson. Johnson majored in accounting and ultimately became the CEO of HCA, one of the largest hospital organizations in the nation. Johnson credits Belmont with giving him the academic scholarship that launched his career. He said: “My Belmont scholarship was a life-changing experience for me, and we want other Nashville public high school graduates to have the same opportunities at Belmont. We want these students to know that Belmont believes in them [and] we believe in them.”

Bustling with students and visitors alike, this area is a boon for local businesses, restaurants, and coffee shops. The building that is now the Belmont Store has a surprising origin story—it was home to the original Lay’s Potato Chip business. Founded in 1932 by Herman Lay with only $100, Lay used the money to buy out the local branch of Barrett Food Production, which specialized in snacks. He began delivering potato chips to local stores, and the rest is history!Although he moved from his apartment at Sterling Court (which still stands today) to Atlanta, he kept his Nashville office at Portland Ave. until the late 1950s. 

As you walk down Belmont Boulevard and onto Portland, you are entering the main area of the Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood. It was created after Adelicia Acklen sold the home in 1886—a year before her death. Much of the estate was unceremoniously partitioned and sold as residential lots. Most of the homes you see were built between 1900 and 1930. This neighborhood, based on the Conversation Zoning overlay to protect historic homes, is flanked by 12th Avenue South and 21st Avenue South. 

Continue listening as you walk, and also watch your step! There are several places with uneven sidewalks due to tree roots.

One of the first homes near Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood was located on 18th Avenue South. This home was designed by architect Robert S. Sharp who built and occupied the home in 1911. Several other homes in the neighborhood date back to circa 1900 and 1905. With the founding of Vanderbilt University and Peabody College, which you’ll hear about later on in this tour, this area soon became home to young families, professionals, professors, and local businesses.

You’ll see a wide variety of architectural styles throughout the neighborhood. A mix of nineteenth-century designs, foursquares, bungalows, and cottage styles give Belmont-Hillsboro a beautiful, eclectic feel. The use of local materials(primarily limestone) was encouraged by many architects for an “honesty” in building and a unique, non-standardized neighborhood look. Press pause on the narration, and then hit play once you’ve reached 21st Avenue.

After you’ve walked three blocks through the Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood, turn right on 21st Avenue to enter Hillsboro Village. But to get there, follow to the right as Magnolia Avenue splits in that direction. Using the crosswalk, turn LEFT, crossing over Magnolia Avenue and then turn RIGHT on 21st Avenue. Walk on the right side of the street as you begin the next entry. Once you reach Belcourt Ave. turn LEFT, crossing over 21st Avenue.