More About Our Home: From Cohn School to Today’s Renaissance Center
Whether a for class, meal or party we are blessed to call this place our home!
If these walls could talk, they’d tell 97 years of West Nashville stories.
Our home at 4805 Park Avenue once welcomed generations of students as Cohn School (later Cohn High School) - a landmark named for Corinne L. Cohn, the education advocate who helped introduce junior high schools to Nashville. Cohn opened in 1928 (the first Nashville school named for a woman) and became a high school in 1936; in 1983 it merged with Pearl to form Pearl-Cohn while this building continued serving the community as a learning center.
Today, that same address is home to a number of programs including the Renaissance Center Nashville - a free, welcoming hub for adults 60+ to move, learn, volunteer, and belong. We like to think the building kept its original mission: opening doors to education, purpose, and connection in West Nashville. And yes, the alumni spirit is still strong - there are active Cohn High alumni groups that celebrate different classes history, networking and reunions.
A few fun facts about “our” Cohn
A first for Nashville: Cohn Junior School was the first public school in the city named for a woman - Corinne L. Cohn - honoring her push for junior high education.
A neighborhood anchor since 1928: The building’s been a constant in the Sylvan Park / West Park area for nearly a century. Historic tours still highlight its role in the community.
Living history: After the 1983 Pearl-Cohn merger, this campus continued as the Cohn Adult Learning Center - and today welcomes a new generation of learners through RenCen’s programs.
Why this history matters to us (and maybe to you)
Place matters. When you walk through our doors, you’re stepping into a living timeline of learning and community in West Nashville. If you - or your parents or grandparents - ever walked these halls as Cohn students, you already know the feeling of belonging that lingers here.
That spirit continues at Renaissance Center in ways that fit life after 60:
Fitness & movement in the same halls where teams once trained
Tech workshops (hello, Google!) where learning has always been the point
Creative projects & volunteering that echo the building’s heart for service
Day trips & Lunch Bunch that keep friendships growing - block by block
Calling all neighbors & alumni: be part of the next chapter
Cohn alumni: Drop in, say hi, and tell us your favorite memory. We’d love to feature short alumni stories (with a photo!) in a future “Cohn to RenCen” series.
West Nashville friends: If you frequent Richland Park Library or stroll Charlotte Ave, you’re already in our neighborhood - come by for a class, a coffee, or a tour.
Adults 60+ & families: Looking for free senior activities in Nashville with real connection? Try a class, join an outing, or volunteer with programs like Flower Power and the Community Closet.
Visit us
Renaissance Center Nashville
📍 4805 Park Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209 (former Cohn School)
Come for the history - stay for the community. The doors that opened for students in 1928 are open for you today. Let’s write the next chapter together.