About Renaissance Center Nashville
Welcome to Renaissance Center Nashville – A Community for Thriving Seniors
The Renaissance Center is focused on serving older adults with free programs and activities that reduce isolation, increase quality of life, support personal growth, and empower people as they age. We strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where individuals can connect with friends, enjoy shared meals, pursue their interests, volunteer, and find the support they need.
Our current program offerings include personal technology instruction, yoga, functional fitness, craft workshops, and educational sessions covering topics such as history, health, science, and local resources. In October 2024, RenCen was honored with the CNM Leadership Award, recognizing our organizational turnaround and revitalization. This award is a testament to our renewed energy, community support, and forward momentum.
The success of Renaissance Center Nashville is made possible by our incredible community. You can support our mission by attending our biannual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser or donating to our Thrift Shop, ensuring we continue to provide free senior activities and vital community resources. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected future for seniors in Nashville!
CONTACT US
Info:
4805 Park Ave. Nashville, TN 37209
615-200-6158
info@srcnashville.org
Hours:
Monday: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Tuesday: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Friday: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Our location can be tricky to find. The address (4805 Park Ave.) will take you to the right building but there are several entrances. Locate 48th Ave, from there follow the “Renaissance Center” sign pointing to a small parking lot where you can enter.
There’s landscaping and a table and chairs at our door. You’ll need to ring the “door bell” to be let in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Our address (4805 Park Ave) will take you to the right building but there are several entrances. Locate 48th Avenue. From there, follow the “Renaissance Center” sign pointing to a small parking lot where you can enter. There’s landscaping and a patio set at our door. You may need to ring the “door bell” to be let in.
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Yes, there is parking in our lot off of 48th Avenue. If spaces are full, there is ample street parking available along Elkins and Park Avenue.
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The only classes or events you need to sign up or RSVP for are marked with an asterisk (*) on the calendar. These are the classes or events that have limited seats available and require a head count beforehand. Otherwise, there is no required sign-up! Just show up on the morning of and an employee or volunteer will help sign you in.
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There is no registration fee and all scheduled activities are free of charge! The only reason you’d want to bring some form of payment is if you happen to find an item in the thrift store you can’t resist!
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No, you don’t have to be a bona fide senior citizen to attend! Most of our attendees are over 60, but our programming is accommodating for all ages or stages of life!
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The Metro Senior Nutrition Program (managed by Metro Social Services) provides a free meal to older adults 60 and older in Davidson County. This lunch is served Monday - Friday at 11:00am. You have to enroll in this program in order to participate. If you’re interested in signing up, visit the center in-person to fill out the application.
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The thrift store is open during center hours. As long as a volunteer or employee is present to receive payment, you can shop Monday - Friday, from the hours of 8:30am - 12:30pm.
Meet our staff
Bre Clark, MSW, Director
Bre Clark has more than a decade of experience leading programs and advocacy efforts that support older adults. She holds social work degrees from Harding University and the University of Michigan.
Bre serves as Director of the Renaissance Center, a senior center in Nashville’s Sylvan Park neighborhood, where she develops enriching programs, leads end-of-life planning sessions, and teaches technology classes for adults 60 and older. Her work is rooted in a positive, relationship-centered approach to aging that emphasizes connection, dignity, and meaningful engagement.
Bre is also a Death Doula. Through her practice, Eclipse Into Harmony, she offers end-of-life planning and hands-on support. She helps individuals and their loved ones navigate the dying process through education, compassionate presence, and practical care.
Hope Tabor, Center Operations Coordinator
Hi! I’m Hope Tabor. I’ve been working within senior citizen communities since 2022, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to bring my love for creativity and hospitality to the Renaissance Center.
My favorite scheduled activities at the Renaissance Center are Friday Morning Bingo and our Matinee Movie showings, though some of my all-time favorite moments happen when hanging out at the puzzle table. Outside of my working hours, you’ll find me at the park with friends, drinking a cappuccino, reading a book, or training for open water swims!
meet our board
Pat Williams | Renaissance Center Nashville Board President
Bernard Pickney | Renaissance Center Nashville Board Treasurer
Mary Ann Gregory | Renaissance Center Nashville Board Secretary
Robert Chick | Renaissance Center Nashville Board Member
Gail England | Renaissance Center Nashville Board Member
Peter Brush | Renaissance Center Nashville Board Member
Scotty Saunders | Renaissance Center Nashville Board Member
Susan Henderson | Renaissance Center Nashville Board Member
History
Officially opened in June 1988, the Senior Renaissance Center first served 500 adults aged 60 to 90, born between 1908 and 1938. At the time, 120 members participated weekly, while 320 received the monthly calendar mailing and supported fundraisers and special events. Most participants were Cohn High School graduates and lived in the Sylvan/West Park and Robertson Road areas. This generation—often referred to as The Greatest Generation—lived through the Great Depression and three wars.
During its early years, the Senior Renaissance Center’s activities reflected the culture of the time, offering big band dances, pool tournaments, a quilting club, a woodshop, and various craft projects and card games. The Center also hosted Music in the Park events, where members performed country and bluegrass shows.
As cultural trends shifted and the Boomer Generation (born 1946–1964) began to age, the Center adapted by introducing fitness classes and technology education. Now, as we continue to evolve, the Renaissance Center remains a welcoming place where people can volunteer, connect with friends, share a meal, explore new interests, and find the support they need.
(SENIOR) RENAISSANCE CENTER
We are still officially the Senior Renaissance Center, but you may have noticed we’ve adopted the nickname “Renaissance Center.” While we are still officially the Senior Renaissance Center, we’ve embraced this change to better reflect the diverse identities and preferences of those 60 and older.
Our mission remains the same—providing a vibrant space for learning, connection, and creativity. However, we’re emphasizing “Renaissance” to celebrate the energy, experience, and curiosity that define our community. While we honor aging, we also recognize that not everyone over 60 identifies as a senior. Our goal is to ensure our name reflects the full spectrum of aging experiences.
No matter where you are in life’s journey, you belong here. We invite you to be part of this exciting chapter!
Photography Policy
To protect the privacy and comfort of participants and visitors, photography at the Senior Renaissance Center, during Center-organized outings and at Center-sponsored events, is restricted to designated photographers sanctioned by the Center. Personal photography, including by participants and visitors, is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by the Renaissance Center board and staff.
Sanctioned photographers will request verbal consent before taking an individual’s or group photo. By granting permission to be photographed, individuals acknowledge and agree that their image may be used in Center communications, including social media, the website, and other promotional materials.
If a participant prefers not to have their photo used in promotional materials, they should inform the photographer or Center staff at the time of the photo. The Center is committed to respecting such requests whenever possible.
Failure to adhere to this policy may result in a verbal warning, restricted participation in Center activities, or other appropriate actions as determined by Center leadership.
This policy ensures a respectful environment while allowing the Center to highlight its programs and community engagement.