The Origins of The Mall at Green Hills
In 1955, Nashville saw the opening of Green Hills Village, a shopping center that would eventually evolve into what we know today as The Mall at Green Hills.
The idea for this shopping destination started a couple of years earlier, in 1953 when local real estate developers William C. Weaver Jr. and W.H. Criswell devised the concept.
They selected a strategic spot at the intersection of Hillsboro Pike and Abbott Martin Road, a location that had been showing promising population growth since the 1940s.
The initial blueprint for the mall was simple by today’s standards—a 135,000 sq ft strip mall featuring 25 stores. Among the original tenants were well-known brands like Woolworth, Kroger, and Castner Knott.
The layout was open-air, with about 112,400 sq ft of retail space, making it a central shopping spot for residents.
The inclusion of department stores like Castner Knott and Gus Mayer gave the mall a solid foundation in Nashville’s commercial scene, catering to the growing needs of the area’s middle and upper-class shoppers.
The 1950s were exciting times for the development of retail spaces, especially in rapidly growing cities like Nashville, Tennessee.
Green Hills Village was one of the first to embrace this trend, creating a retail space that not only served the local community but also started drawing people from surrounding areas.
This laid the groundwork for its eventual transformation into the modern, upscale mall we know today, offering many things to do in Nashville, TN.
Major Expansions and Renovations
As the retail landscape shifted and consumer demands grew, The Mall at Green Hills adapted through several key expansions.
One of the most notable changes came in 1987 when the popular Nashville-based Cain-Sloan department store closed, and Dillard’s moved into its space.
This move not only added a strong anchor tenant but also marked a major phase of the mall’s evolution. It allowed the mall to maintain its competitive edge in Nashville’s growing retail market.
In 1998, another major development took shape. A 16-screen Regal Cinemas megaplex opened right next to the mall, drawing moviegoers from across the city. At the same time, Regal also launched a short-lived amusement park concept called FunScape.
While FunScape didn’t last long—it closed in 2000—the cinema continued to be a popular attraction. Meanwhile, other retail changes were underway. Castner Knott, another original tenant, had transitioned to Proffitt’s by this point and was later rebranded as Hecht’s in 2001.
By 2004, the mall had added a newly built Hecht’s store, replacing the previous location. This addition brought a fresh wave of customers, further cementing the mall’s status as a retail hotspot.
When Hecht’s became Macy’s in 2006, the mall officially completed its transformation into a premium shopping destination, offering an even more diverse range of high-end brands and shopping experiences.
Recent Changes and Current Layout
The most recent developments at The Mall at Green Hills continued its trend of modernization and expansion. In 2011, the mall celebrated the opening of Tennessee‘s first Nordstrom store, located at the mall’s entrance on Abbott Martin Road.
This was a key moment in the mall’s growth, solidifying its appeal to affluent shoppers in Nashville and beyond. By attracting Nordstrom, the mall positioned itself as a leader in luxury retail for the region.
The current layout of The Mall at Green Hills spans over 1,053,000 square feet of retail space across two floors, with major anchors like Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom.
This upscale mall now houses more than 130 stores and restaurants, making it one of the most diverse shopping centers in the state.
High-end brands like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Burberry have also established their presence, ensuring that Green Hills remains a premier destination for luxury shopping.
Architectural updates have been made over the years to keep the mall feeling fresh and contemporary. The design firm Hart Freeland and Roberts has overseen many of these changes, ensuring that the mall’s look matches the high expectations of its clientele.
From sleek, modern interiors to updated storefronts, these renovations have helped maintain The Mall at Green Hills’ relevance in Nashville’s bustling retail environment.
Events and Community Engagement
The Mall at Green Hills has always been more than just a place to shop—it’s a hub for community activities and events. In 2024, the mall will host a variety of events catering to different interests.
Fitness enthusiasts can join the Camp Gladiator Workout sessions, which run throughout the year from January to December, encouraging an active lifestyle for visitors of all ages.
Additionally, the Walking & Wellness Program offers a more relaxed approach to staying healthy, promoting social walks and wellness tips within the mall, also available through December 2024.
One of the highlights of the year is the annual Restaurant Week, running from September 30th to October 6th, 2024.
During this event, food lovers can enjoy special menus and discounts from the mall’s selection of upscale and casual dining options. It’s an opportunity to explore different flavors and try new dishes, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
October also brings a range of themed events to The Mall at Green Hills. On October 12th, 2024, families can enjoy the Fall Fun Fest, a day filled with seasonal activities and entertainment for kids and adults alike.
The excitement continues with the BOSS X NFL Event on October 13th, blending fashion and sports to create a unique experience for shoppers.
Toward the end of the month, on October 26th, the Sports & Social event offers another opportunity for the community to come together in a lively, interactive setting.
These events highlight the mall’s role as a key player in Nashville’s social calendar, offering more than just shopping.
