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Metro plans to clear a decades-old Nashville encampment

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A large dwelling made out of plywood with a fence, two stories, and a garage.
Tasha A.F. LemleyWPLN
Old Tent City near Silliman Evans Bridge has been an encampment for unhoused Nashvillians for over 40 years. It's been home to some complex dwellings, like this one with two stories and a garage. In September 2024, Metro demolished these structures due to safety concerns.
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Nashville’s Office of Homeless Services plans to clear out Old Tent City. The encampment south of downtown near the Cumberland River and Interstate 24 has been a community for unhoused Nashvillians for over 40 years.

It’s also the future site of Wharf Park.

Six months ago, Metro demolished the largest structures in Old Tent City, including a two-story wooden dwelling built by a resident, citing safety concerns. But until now, the encampment was allowed to remain open.  

The Office of Homeless Services says it informed Old Tent City residents on Monday. The department says it will work with nonprofits to offer residents assistance finding affordable housing, substance abuse treatment, moving supplies and accommodations for pets. Metro has been steadily clearing camps and developing a pathway to transitional and permanent housing options.

Char Daston

Char Daston is a reporter and newscast writer for WPLN. Char got his start in public radio at WYSO public radio in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he answered questions sent in by listeners for a program called WYSO Curious. He went on to work at St. Louis Public Radio and WBEZ Chicago, where he produced the daily talk show Reset and reported for the education desk. His work has appeared nationally on shows like Morning Edition and The World. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Char attended college and grad school at the University of Chicago, where he wrote his master’s thesis on the politics of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Unable to settle on one creative project, Char enjoys writing poetry, plays and video essays in his spare time. You’ll likely find him rushing to choir rehearsal or seeking out Nashville’s best Thai and Korean food.

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