East Nashville has been an emerging real estate market since the late ’90s. Restoration of the expansive homes on Eastland and Woodland and the redevelopment of the bungalows and cottages on Fatherland to Bocobel have crossed Gallatin Road with the development of The West Eastland at the corner of West Eastland and McFerrin.

Modern living spaces with a starting at $169,900, the West Eastland has drawn an upscale crowd of teachers, media professionals and even former Civic Design Center employee and community leader, Gary Gaston. Gaston left the Design Center to join Looney Ricks Kiss Architects in September of 2006. 

Gaston, a board member for the GLBT chamber of commerce, and his partner Miguel Otero [employed by Nashville Public Television] are no strangers to urban living as former residents of Germantown.

“The West Eastland was the perfect choice for our lifestyle,” Gaston explains. “We were able to purchase more house for less money at The West Eastland, and East Nashville has just the right vibe for our life together.”

A drive across Eastland Avenue, over Gallatin Road, to The West Eastland clearly showcases the reformation that is well underway in East Nashville.

“My previous work at the Civic Design Center gave me an edge in choosing where to live,” Gaston confesses. “I know all the neighborhoods Nashville has to offer, and I believe in what Debbie Frank [Debbie Frank is the owner of Urban Blueprint, the developer of The West Eastland] is doing for this community.”

Touring Gaston and Otero’s two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath town home quickly showcases all The West Eastland has to offer. The main living floor features an open floor plan complete with a kitchen containing stainless steal appliances. Furthermore, the second level features two bedrooms with a bathroom in each. The master bedroom has expansive windows, while the secondary bedroom features a fantastic view of the landscaped and gated courtyard.

“Controlled access to the parking and courtyard is one of the things I like best,” Otero says. “We like having a place to play with our dog, Pete, and we don’t have to do any yard work.”

The West Eastland has a model home open by appointment. The community is listed for sale by Village Real Estate Services, and Robin Blackmon is a friendly, knowledgeable tour guide for anyone who visits. Check out the Web site for The West Eastland at www.TheWestEastland.com.

Gaston sums up his living experience with Otero simply, “We have made great friends in this community. We still like to go to Tribe, Lipstick Lounge and Play, but staying home has gotten much more fun.”