Christ Presbyterian Academy

Since 1984, Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) has served as a cornerstone of the Nashville community. In partnership with Hastings, CSDG was engaged to help reimagine the campus—creating a more connected, functional, and future-ready environment.

The first phase of this transformation introduced two landmark projects: the Soli Deo Center, a state-of-the-art Fine Arts Building, and a new central quadrangle that now serves as the heart of campus life. What was once a parking lot has been transformed into a 2-acre quad, offering a true gathering place for CPA’s 1,300 students. Each of the school’s four academic buildings now front onto this green centerpiece, which features thoughtfully designed spaces tailored to the unique needs of lower, middle, and upper school students.

Extensive circulation studies guided the design, resulting in a more intuitive, welcoming arrival experience and improved internal movement patterns that naturally draw students toward the central quad. This new front door establishes a unified entry sequence and reinforces the quad as the hub of campus activity.

Sustainability played a central role throughout the project. By removing large surface parking areas and replacing them with green space, the plan added 76% more usable open space and significantly expanded the campus tree canopy. Bioretention areas and rain gardens were integrated into the design to manage stormwater responsibly while enhancing the landscape experience.

The result is a campus transformation that balances function, beauty, and sustainability—supporting CPA’s mission and positioning the Academy for future growth.

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