Now that the Signature Tower is a go, I thought it would be good to create a thread just for the building here on SSC since so many other buildings had their own individual thread. I have lots of info on the building as I talk to the developer occasionally, Tony Giarratana.

So, here are the details :

Name : Signature Tower
Location : Nashville TN, 5th Ave @ Church St
Archtitect : Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates
Developer : Tony Giarratana

Preliminary Details (May change as they usually do)

Height : 700ft
Floor Count : 55 floors
Units : 600 Condo Units
Parking Spaces : 1000 parking spaces
Groundbreaking : Late 2007
Completion Date : 2009


Here are some images of the most recent preliminary designs :

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/1.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/10.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/1n.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/2.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/2n.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/3.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/3n.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/4n.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/5n.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/6n.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/9.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/cap1.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/cap2.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/fdh.jpg



Here are floor plans and details on the building itself :

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_01.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_02.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_03.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_04.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_05.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_06.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_07.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_08.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_09.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_10.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_11.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_12.jpg

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/plans/Signature-SRSSA_Page_13.jpg



Here is a snipet of an interview I conducted with Tony Giarratana about many different things, but this is about the Signature Tower :



UrbanBNA.com
• Ok, let’s move to your Signature Tower project.

Tony Giarratana

• Glad to.

UBNA

• How is the planning coming along on this project?

TG

• My December 13, 2005 Development Agreement with MDHA established an aggressive schedule for the project. We were required to acquire the 1.22 acre site by December 31, 2005, which we did. We were required to submit our development plan by January 31, 2006, which we did. We are required to submit Schematic Design Phase architectural and engineering to MDHA by April 30, 2006, which we will do. We are also required to secure reservations for 30% of the residential units (approximately 150 units) which we intend to do. There is not much room for error or delay, so it is focusing my team’s resources and attention.

UBNA

• Did the market study prove successful for you?

TG

• Our market study is primarily done with the individuals that are actually living downtown or want to live downtown. There is no one better to ask about what to build than the people that will actually live in the completed building. Edsel Charles of Market Graphics helped clarify our thinking and confirm the direction we are going with Signature Tower. Our previous projects were, of course, also invaluable.

UBNA

• Were you able or still in the process of landing the tax-increment financing for the Signature?

TG

• MDHA committed $12 million in TIF to Signature Tower on December 13, 2005, on which date the Development Agreement was executed and approved by the MDHA board. Without the TIF commitment, there would be no Signature Tower.

UBNA

• Is there any word yet on a pre-sell rate that you will have to meet to get your construction loans?

TG

• As stated above, the MDHA requirement is 30%. I anticipate the lender pre-sale requirement being 50% to 60%. We began taking registrations at www.SignatureTowerNashville.com 10 days ago and already have 300 registrants. We will begin advertising the project next week and expect to add hundreds more before initiating the reservation process. Because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Nashvillians to live in such as tremendous tower, we expect the project to sell very quickly.

UBNA

• Seeing as how the Viridian was 65%, do you think it will have to be more than that? I do not doubt that you can sell those units like hot cakes, but if it is near 65%, do you think you could get that done in a cost efficient timeline?

TG

• Yes.

Another fact :

It will become the tallest building in the state of Tennessee, surpassing the current tallest, Bellsouth Tower.

It's a very nice tower! It will look great in the skyline. :)

I Really like it! Great for Nashville!!

What has happened for this thing to be "a go?"

There is only one thing I can say: Congratulations to Nashville for attracting such a great investment :okay:

Welll for Nashville's sake I hope this is not a "once in a lifetime" oppurtunity as Tony G would like to have you believe...I hope the exact opposite...I hope this is a sign of things to come for Nashville.

There is an unbelievable demand for lofts and hi-rise condos in downtown. With each new tower planned (Viridian, Adelicia, Terrazzo, Icon, Encore, and Signature), there must be five lofts being put into an older building. And the demand keeps building.

One thing I have noticed since moving here is how young and vibrant the population appears to be.

Hey, looks good.

:eek2:

WOW!!!! I can't believe the amazing towers that the south is deservidly getting. With this tower and the one in being built in Mobile, the south is getting great quality architecture.

This isn't even the FINAL design of this tower either. The final is expected next month. And if you like this....you're going to LOVE the final design. Hint: Dream big.

i can't even front...that is one of the nicest building i've ever seen

especially from this angle

http://www.urbanbna.com/bldgdb/bldgs/SignatureTower/images/9.jpg

it gives the skyline a more menacing look

hehe, i know some stuff to LEXY. I am meeting up with Tony G next week to talk about some stuff (secret hehe, you will soon find out) and he is taking me into the Viridian, I am so excited. Anways, I will post the pics I take and the interview I have with him then.

People are saying this tower will reach 900 feet? It looks impressive as a 700 footer!

I just cannot get over how great this building looks!

Man o man!!!!!!! that crown on the top of this building is truly a sight to see. it's really going to set off nashville's skyline significantly. go nashville!!!!!

Ok. This project was listed at 500 condo units, 55 stories, with a total height (spire and all) of around 850 feet. But I went to Tony G.'s website and now the number of condo units has risen to 600. Using a little math:

600 is 1.2 times the 500. If the condo units aren't smaller than planned, and you go with the original 700 feet for the unit itself and multiply the height by 1.2, you get 840 feet. Add back in the crown at 100 feet and wahlaaa....a 940 foot building? Hmmmmmm? :eek2:

So why is construction not starting till 2007?

That will be a nice looking building, and I like how it will fit in nicely in Nashvile's skyline from those photos. The South will have some major players with Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville and all the big boys from Florida leading the charge!

So why is construction not starting till 2007?

Pre-sell hasn't quite started. That will happen in the spring of this year. And if my sources are correct, and they usually are 99% of the time, Tony G. has quite a bit of intrest in this tower. Groundbreaking may actually happen sooner than stated. But that is just a guess.

This is a nice building and quite ambishious for Nashville. I hope it gets built...but until the money shows up from the Pre-Sells I remain skeptical....until the money shows up...its all just talk.

This is a nice building and quite ambishious for Nashville. I hope it gets built...but until the money shows up from the Pre-Sells I remain skeptical....until the money shows up...its all just talk.

Seriously. It will get built. Believe me, he only has to pre-sell around 150 of the units to get the financing for this thing and also to get the TIF money. It's gonna get built. The pre-regestration for the tower is well beyond what most would expect and that is all I CAN say so far. LOL!!!

Correct me if I am wrong, but pre-registration doesn't cost any money. Also your statement that he only has to presell 150 seems awful low...that would mean he would only have to pre-sell less than 30% of the building. Most banks require a 50% presell before they release the money.

I am just as excited about this building as anyone...but until the money shows up from presells...it is all just talk.

...unless it was propose for Charlotte, of course.

:D

Gurl please, don't even try to go there unless you got some facts to back it up.

Really nice tower, I wish it was in Charlotte.

Correct me if I am wrong, but pre-registration doesn't cost any money. Also your statement that he only has to presell 150 seems awful low...that would mean he would only have to pre-sell less than 30% of the building. Most banks require a 50% presell before they release the money.

I am just as excited about this building as anyone...but until the money shows up from presells...it is all just talk.


You don't live here, you don't know Tony, you haven't met with Tony. So you really just don't know what You are talking about. It was published in the Tennessean that in order for him to get the TIF funds, he will have to pre-sell around 150 units in the tower. If you want to go dig it up, be my guest but until then....I guess it is just all talk. Sucks that Nashville is actually getting a tall doesn't it??


From an interview with Tony that can be found in THIS VERY THREAD.....Tony G.-" As stated above, the MDHA requirement is 30%. I anticipate the lender pre-sale requirement being 50% to 60%. We began taking registrations at www.SignatureTowerNashville.com 10 days ago and already have 300 registrants. We will begin advertising the project next week and expect to add hundreds more before initiating the reservation process. Because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Nashvillians to live in such as tremendous tower, we expect the project to sell very quickly." Any questions. The TIF will get the ground broken and the banks will sign on to the deal as soon as pre-sell minimum requirments are met. Which intrest shows will happen shortly thereafter. The pre-sell starts this month. Let me just say, that off the cuff....the money is there. That is all that I can say about it. Any questions, email Tony himself. He has answered every email anyone of my friends has ever sent him.

tony the tiger ? lol...its an amazing tower, who is tony?

^^ Probably the developer, right? :?
BTW, I'm happy that Nashville is getting not only a new tallest, (like so many cities), but that it it so good-looking! It's the total package if you ask me! By far the best looking tower being built or "soon to be built" in the country! I'm envious. I'm happy that my hometown of Baltimore is getting a new tallest, (that also will grown in height), but even though I like it's design and all, (glass and more glass), something Baltimore really lacks in the skyline, but it does not look like the total package as the Signature Tower is. :)

I can't wait till this tower starts building. I wish more new tallest towers, AND MORE tall towers, in general, would start rising in the South. :)

tony the tiger ? lol...its an amazing tower, who is tony?


Tony Giarrantana is the Developer/Owner of Signature Tower. He owns the Cumberland, Viridian, Encore, Signature, Benny Dillion and others in Nashville.

Lexy, I think the testament to demand in Nashville's CBD is the fact that Mr. Giarratana can't get Signature up fast enough, so he's "having" to build Encore to satisfy demand that he saw for Viridian. He's also adding more units to Signature.

My wife and I considered downtown when we moved here 4 months ago, but with the young'un... we opted for the 'burbs. But we talked with some of the realtors at Bristol.

In Nashville, there is such pent-up demand for DT condos that it is estimated to be anywhere from 700-1000 per year for the next 5 years. Also, there's very little speculative flipping going on here as has already been seen in other markets. Apparently the city's behind Signature in a big way b/c they really want to pump life back into DT. This thing will be built.

Lexy, I think the testament to demand in Nashville's CBD is the fact that Mr. Giarratana can't get Signature up fast enough, so he's "having" to build Encore to satisfy demand that he saw for Viridian. He's also adding more units to Signature.

My wife and I considered downtown when we moved here 4 months ago, but with the young'un... we opted for the 'burbs. But we talked with some of the realtors at Bristol.

In Nashville, there is such pent-up demand for DT condos that it is estimated to be anywhere from 700-1000 per year for the next 5 years. Also, there's very little speculative flipping going on here as has already been seen in other markets. Apparently the city's behind Signature in a big way b/c they really want to pump life back into DT. This thing will be built.

You are exactly right. The demand FAR exceeds the supply at the moment. That is why Encore will start this summer and Sig. will start Pre-selling by the end of this month. It's hard for someone who doesn't live here to understand.

I'd like to see how many units ARE being flipped in Nashville. Sadly, with interest rates the way they are now, lots of people are investing in condos.

As I stated earlier this is a great building and Nashville should be proud to have it. With respect to Tony G breaking ground Lexy...he probably won't do it till he pre-sells 50%. The banks won't release the money until then. If he is going to break ground before the banks release the money then he is making a big gamble with his own money.

Lexy, you really need to lose the attitude. I never said that I thought Nashville was not capable of being able to support a condo tower. Just like you I think the demand is there. So you and your defensive ass attitude are just pissing off someone that is cheering for your town. You are making a bad name for yourself and I am really glad that most people I know in Nashville are not hyper sensitive defensive people such as yourself.

As I stated earlier this is a great building and Nashville should be proud to have it. With respect to Tony G breaking ground Lexy...he probably won't do it till he pre-sells 50%. The banks won't release the money until then. If he is going to break ground before the banks release the money then he is making a big gamble with his own money.

Lexy, you really need to lose the attitude. I never said that I thought Nashville was not capable of being able to support a condo tower. Just like you I think the demand is there. So you and your defensive ass attitude are just pissing off someone that is cheering for your town. You are making a bad name for yourself and I am really glad that most people I know in Nashville are not hyper sensitive defensive people such as yourself.


This post is going to a mod. Nothing that I have said in here has prompted this outburst. If you have THAT much of a problem with me or my post, then you should have PM'ed me. I would love to talk to you about it like a civilized heman being should.

OK! Enough of this, i am the one who interviewed Tony about this, i am the one who posted this thread, IT IS 30%!!! Thats all there is to it. As lexy said, you dont live here, you havent talked to Tony, and you obviously dont know. now, thats over, it is 30%. Anyways, I am back from DC now, pictures soon to come, anyways, i am going to be getting in contact with tony again this week hopefully to iron out a few more recent details. i will post them as soon as i get them. ;)

OK! Enough of this, i am the one who interviewed Tony about this, i am the one who posted this thread, IT IS 30%!!! Thats all there is to it. As lexy said, you dont live here, you havent talked to Tony, and you obviously dont know. now, thats over, it is 30%. Anyways, I am back from DC now, pictures soon to come, anyways, i am going to be getting in contact with tony again this week hopefully to iron out a few more recent details. i will post them as soon as i get them. ;)

In your own interview Tony G states: "I anticipate the lender pre-sale requirement being 50% to 60%. "

The 30% presell will only get him the $12M TIF money.

Hypothetically speaking if he presold 40% of the tower, the banks would not lend him the money at that point and the tower would not be built.

What I read from that interview is that the final go ahead for this project will not happen till 50%-60% of the tower is presold. In otherwords when the money shows up it will be a go.

Using those numbers it means it would have to pre-sell a minimum of 250 units. However now that its going to be 600 units he will have to pre-sell a minimum of 300 units before this tower is a go.

your still going? the mods have been made aware of your posts and uncivilized actions.

i dont get what you n'ville guys are getting so pissed about,most of uptown's points are good points but you guys are dismissing them without even considering that he makes a good argument.

We'll see what the details end up being on the Signature, but one thing that is interesting is that Encore, at 20 floors and 333 units will break ground in May. It received its bankroll without any pre-sales required at all. Very unusual, but speaks volumes for Tony's relationships with the banks. Hopefully, it will sell quickly and continue to cement his reputation with those holding the wallets.

all of this stuff is true with any large tower in any city that isnt being built by a bank or other very large F500 company. the reason there wouldnt be doubt there is because they are going to occupy the building.

every other building this size needs to have bank backing or someone is just messing around with their money.

I'm not sure what you are alerting the Mods to, since Uptown is just stating the truth, and then you refute it. Also the reason Encore is being built without presales is because Novare is involved, not because Tony Giritana(sp?) has a "good" relationship with the banks.

I'm not sure what you are alerting the Mods to, since Uptown is just stating the truth, and then you refute it. Also the reason Encore is being built without presales is because Novare is involved, not because Tony Giritana(sp?) has a "good" relationship with the banks.


He still has to get the money from somewhere. Novare isn't just going to foot the bill for it totally. I have never denied what Uptown has said. Not once. What I have done is offer up the facts as they have told to me, by certain people that are very much in the loop. Believe me if you like....I know hat I have heard and read.

the mad hatter : he makes a pointless argument. tony will get the money at 30%. it may be 50% for other projects in other places, but not this one. his comments are being dismissed because they hold no value to this particular project. he is getting it at 30%, not 50%. there is no need to drone on about this.

He still has to get the money from somewhere. Novare isn't just going to foot the bill for it totally. I have never denied what Uptown has said. Not once. What I have done is offer up the facts as they have told to me, by certain people that are very much in the loop. Believe me if you like....I know hat I have heard and read.

Novare self finances all their projects now (and they have for a while) . They don't get loans from the bank.

the mad hatter : he makes a pointless argument. tony will get the money at 30%. it may be 50% for other projects in other places, but not this one. his comments are being dismissed because they hold no value to this particular project. he is getting it at 30%, not 50%. there is no need to drone on about this.

The Signature will get the money from the banks as soon as it hits 50%-60% presales. That is what Tony G said. He said it in YOUR interview that you posted on here and that I quoted from.

Has something changed since your interview that you posted with Tony G?