East Ivy Mansion Transformation
East Nashville is considered one of the most socially creative and creatively social communities in Middle Tennessee. Considered the creativity capital of Nashville, the process of artistic creation and transformation seems to be a natural, historical and cultural occurrence. The community has become a haven for the artist and artisan and at the very same time, an incubator for entrepreneurial innovation. Not surprisingly, East Nashville claims a significant historical distinction as well. Built in 1868 and first owned By Senator Henry Cooper, East Ivy Mansion is positioned as one of East Nashville’s most historic event venues and lifestyle vacation destinations. It has also created one heck of a community development and transformation project.
Ed Clay, Owner and Entrepreneur
Real estate investment partners Ed Clay, dashing real estate entrepreneur, and Dave Wachtel, III, local restaurateur, co-owner of Soulshine Pizza, The Slider House, had a lofty vision to transform The East Ivy Mansion into more than an old house with a 21st century facelift.
"Thanks to the City of Nashville and the overwhelming support from the citizens of East Nashville, we felt certain that preserving the architectural integrity of East Ivy Mansion was not just a good business venture, but an innovative way to inspire further residential and community development. We hope to support the transformation in and around the 5th Street district,"
said Ed Clay, Nashville native, former Mixed Martial Arts champion and serial entrepreneur. "I remember riding by the mansion as a kid and being in awe of the architecture and the mammoth size of the property. Back then it was like a community landmark, we were loaded with curiosity, and respect that the breadth of this restoration project has not been so much a real estate investment, but an artistic dream come true."
Clay and Wachtel were committed to maintaining the integrity of the Italianate architecture and decor including a 145 year old library and a third story lookout (with one of the finest skyline views of downtown Nashville). The enclosed backyard features a red brick walkway, two Koi Ponds and beautifully manicured Asian-style gardens. Vacationers can enjoy a covered cabana and private pool with private areas for picnics and entertainment.
East Ivy Mansion’s living quarters are made up of 8 luxury bedrooms (sleeps 18), 3.5 baths, 2.5 kitchens and over 44,000 square feet of interior and exterior entertainment space perfect for weddings, historic home events and fund raising/corporate events. "We welcome historic home enthusiasts, anyone interested in experiencing a unique travel or vacation destination or plan a wedding, corporate or fundraising event. We invite the Nashville community to tour East Ivy Mansion and recommend it to their local and social communities," said Clay. "Our customers have been overjoyed at the restoration, transformation and the overall experience of East Ivy Mansion, see for yourself."
– Article by Heather Venesile
