Merritt Mansion & Humphreys Street Coffee

Before you reach Humphreys Street Coffee, you will pass 441 Humphreys Street on your right. This is the area’s most historic home—called Merritt Mansion. It includes a log cabin built by Captain John Rains, one of Nashville’s founders, in the late 1700s. The cabin was moved to this site in 1840 and Rains built a Federal-style residence around the cabin for his daughter, Sally Merritt. In 1870, Merritt completed a massive Italianate-style addition—which is what you see today. In an interview with the Nashville Scene, former owner Patrick Murphy said: “In the 1970s livestock still grazed on farmland where art galleries stand today.” Murphy and his wife saved the home from demolition in 2004 and spent years restoring it to its former glory. In 2015, the Merritt Mansion was sold to members of the popular band Kings of Leon for $1.3 million.

Needless to say, Wedgewood-Houston is a neighborhood in transition, and rapid change has come with growing pains. Wedgewood-Houston has emerged a popular neighborhood for young professionals looking for renovated or newer houses. On the other side, gentrification has had a negative impact on longtime neighborhood residents. There are fewer options for affordable housing and many are fighting to maintain a sense of community. In response, community leaders established a neighborhood association in the 1980s called South Nashville Action People or SNAP. 

Working with SNAP and sponsored by non-profit Harvest Hands Community Development Center, Humphreys Street Coffee makes the most of new development while maintaining a connection to the community’s residents. Harvest Hands was started by Brentwood United Methodist Church, which launched an after school program in 2008. The after school program taught skills and provided opportunities for young people living in South Nashville. Harvest Hands worked out of this former church, Humphrey Street United Methodist Church, which was built in 1929. They first experimented with coffee and teas and then built a roastery in the basement of the building. 

Harvest Hands grew from twelve to over one hundred students in ten years. The office moved but they kept the property and opened this coffee shop in 2018. They also make and sell handcrafted body products. All employees are young people from South Nashville, and 100% of the business’s profits are reinvested into the students and community. According to Humphrey’s Street, “We’re a social enterprise of Harvest Hands, born out of a desire to raise up leaders within our neighborhood.” Step inside to see the uplifting but simple decor that honors the building’s history as a church—including original hardwood floors, pew seating, and farm tables made with heart pine reclaimed from the original church. Humphreys Street is also available as a venue rental.

Turn LEFT onto Pillow Street. Once you have reached Houston Street turn RIGHT. You will see Never Never on your right.