When it opens in 2012, Urban Green Lab will offer something completely different in Nashville. A cross between a community center and an educational hub for eco-issues, the non-profit is the brainchild of president and co-founder Dan Heller, a native Nashvillian.

“Urban Green Lab is a community center in the fullest sense, but it’ll be unlike any other in our city, or elsewhere in the country,” he says. “It’s a collaborative effort to impact the culture of sustainability in our neighborhood. It’s a place of hands-on learning and a place for everyone to enjoy a variety of cultural events like music, theater, dance, films and lectures from noted scholars on the environment and sustainability from around the world.”

If it sounds lofty, it is. The East Nashville-based project, located at 1302 Maxey Lane, will be composed of a complex of small, multi-purpose buildings with a total square footage of around 5,000. It will have a small, indoor/outdoor amphitheater, office space, tool-lending library, commercial kitchen, bathrooms and, possibly, showers for bike commuters. There also will be electric vehicle charging stations.

In fact, Nissan America announced a few weeks ago a founding partnership with Urban Green Lab, giving it an infusion of cash to get things rolling. A first installment of $100,000 was made, with Nissan committed to giving $375,000 total. “Nissan coming on board as our founding partner says a lot about their commitment to the community and this project,” Heller says.

Every aspect of the project’s design is to maximize resources (edible landscaping, rain barrels, etc.).

“With the right plan and the right team, one small community can create something new that can impact our city and the environment in a positive, measurable and inspiring way,” Heller says. “Our intent is to make the building an appropriate size for neighborhood needs and address any concerns in a very collaborative and creative way. The big picture is that Urban Green Lab is a very innovative, high-impact community center that will connect a lot of different city elements, bring resources and talent to that will stimulate a culture of sustainability over time.”

Heller has every confidence now is the time for an innovative project like this in a neighborhood like East Nashville.

“I moved to this part of town because there is a lot of interesting community interaction and passion for community projects and events, a real desire by all citizens to raise the bar and make life better,” he says. “The area is becoming more dynamic, more progressive and more interesting in a lot of ways. So there is business opportunity, to be sure, but there is also opportunity to shoot higher with projects like Urban Green Lab.

“It’s come at the right time and we have the right combination of talent, resources and partnering opportunities with companies like Nissan, Metro, non profits and universities to make it happen.”

And by creating a public space that inspires change and promotes a healthier lifestyle, Heller hopes over time it can really happen. People learn about saving money through weatherization or learn how to start a backyard garden.

“It’s a new model for engaging individuals, one that we expect will create measurable changes in individual lives, the community and the broader environment over time,” Heller says. “It’s the next logical -- if not essential -- step in addressing climate change and one that doesn’t necessarily look to the government for answers.”