Angela Simeone's Abstractions Bring Refined Depth to Nashville's Peabody Union Through Thoughtful Collaboration

Angela Simeone's Abstractions Bring Refined Depth to Nashville's Peabody Union Through Thoughtful Collaboration

In Nashville's current urban expansion, abstract painter Angela Simeone is adding a layer of artistic nuance to Peabody Union, the mixed-use project along the Cumberland River. Her installation integrates large-scale oil paintings that align with the site's architectural elements, achieved through ongoing partnerships with developer Ray Hensler of Hensler Development Group and the team at Casella Interiors, fostering a cohesive blend of art and design within the city's evolving landscape.

Situated in Nashville's South Bank district, Peabody Union is offering a balanced approach to urban living, incorporating residential, office, and retail components that respect the area's historical context while embracing modern needs. This district, developing in real time over recent years, provides a more understated alternative to the city's busier areas, with features like greenways and riverfront access that promote connectivity and a sense of community. Hastings Architecture, a nationally recognized Nashville-based firm comprising architects, designers, planners, and sustainability experts, is serving as the lead architect for the Peabody Union project, overseeing its master planning and design to create a walkable, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use environment that harmonizes with the Cumberland Riverfront.

Simeone's has the most paintings of any other artist in the Peabody Union commercial project positioned to interact with the building's interiors. These paintings convey bold movements with rich chromas as well as create a quiet sense of movement and emotion, supporting the project's goal of combining functionality with aesthetic consideration.

Central to the project is the involvement of Ray Hensler, who relocated from South Florida to Nashville over two decades ago and, after co-founding Corner Realty Partners, established Hensler Development Group to lead award-winning high-rise developments such as the Adelicia and Twelve-Twelve. Hensler's approach at Peabody Union reflects a focus on sustainable and culturally attuned development, where art plays a role in enhancing the overall environment.

Similarly important is the contribution from Casella Interiors, where Simeone's pieces are woven into the design fabric, including areas like fitness centers and communal spaces, to create a consistent and inviting atmosphere. Laret Casella, a LEED AP and registered interior designer who founded her firm in 1997, brings extensive experience in crafting spaces that integrate client identity with practical refinement. Casella Interiors has handled high-profile projects such as the owners' lounge at Twelve Twelve in the Gulch and has been featured in Southern Living for designs that blend traditional facades with contemporary interiors.

This effort is reinforcing Simeone's position within the regional art community and illustrates how collaborative projects can shape urban settings. As South Bank progresses, Peabody Union's incorporation of art through these partnerships offers a model for integrating creativity into everyday spaces, appealing to those interested in thoughtful design.