Green Hills Neighbors Continue To Fight Planned 17-Story Tower

A rendering of the proposed 17-story tower in Green Hills. Credit: Southern Land Co.

A Green Hills neighborhood group is continuing a fight against the construction of a high-rise tower, advancing their argument that the proposed building violates city height restrictions.

Last month, a judge handed a victory to Franklin-based Southern Land Co., which is planning the $100 million project. This latest volley by the neighbors, in the form of an appeal, has the case moving to the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

The project has the blessing of the city’s planning department. Despite that, the neighbors contend that the builders bypassed some development rules.

“It is our opinion that the final site plan, which includes a 17-story tower, does not comply with the requirements of the urban design overlay,” said attorney Peter Curry, who is represented the neighborhood association. “And it also conflicts with several other provisions in the ordinance.”

Nonetheless, Southern Land Co. says plans to start construction on the tower are still on for later this year — that is, barring an order, likely in the form of a temporary restraining order, requiring the developers to halt their plans.