A popular retail strip center located near Crieve Hall — and home to longstanding tenants Radnor Wine and Spirits and venerable Caribbean cuisine restaurant Back to Cuba, among other retailers — is slated to be demolished and replaced with an updated Mapco convenience center building.
The looming closures of the South Nashville businesses have many residents displeased, according to social media posts.
Located at 4671 Trousdale Drive near that street’s intersection with Harding Place, the property is anchored by a smallish Mapco market and its gas pumps. Of note, Franklin-based Mapco recently assumed control of the master lease of the entire site from owner Edward Cooke, who acquired the 1.5-acre property in 1990 for $1.03 million, according to Metro records.
The strip center (which is connected to the Mapco market) also includes a sandwich eatery, a nail shop, a dry cleaners business, a Chinese restaurant and a Sprint. Some have operated at the site more than 25 years.
It is unclear if the building housing Italian restaurant Mama Mia’s will be impacted or if the future Mapco retail building could offers a space or two for non-Mapco businesses.
The tenants recently found out they must be out of their spaces by Aug. 31, according to Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston, in whose District 26 the property sits. Some tenants, including Radnor Wine and Spirits, are hoping to relocate. But none seemingly has announced details regarding its future — including a possible permanent closing.
“I think everyone would agree that the building itself could use some attention,” Johnston said, adding that she is not going to take an official position on the change because current zoning allows for the proposed plan. “But personally, as a patron of these businesses for 20 years, it’s very sad to see them go, as they have been a part of our community and daily lives for almost 30 years.”
Johnston said she will meet with Mapco later on Thursday to see the type of convenience center the company plans for the site. She said her primary reason for the meeting is to “speak on behalf of the neighbors and tenants to ask for grace in the form of extra time for the very valued businesses to relocate.”
“I also want additional details about Mapco’s plans for the site,” she added.
Located near the Nashville Zoo, the various tenants generate a good bit of business from residents of the nearby Caldwell Abbey Hall and Crieve Hall neighborhoods. Office workers at Grassmere Park support the retailers also.
Mapco emailed the Scene the following statement:
"Mapco appreciates Councilwoman Johnston’s involvement in ensuring the highest and best use of our community’s properties are met while also addressing the needs of small business owners. Since May, we have been working with the tenants to support business continuity during these challenging times, including rent forgiveness and introductions to real estate professionals to support tenants’ relocation efforts. Our planned revitalization of this intersection represents a significant investment in the area and a permitted use of the property. Mapco believes that small businesses are an integral part of our community and we are committed to continuing to work together."
A Mapco located nearby at 4805 Trousdale Drive is expected to remain open long-term, according to sources.
