Steve Turner, developer of The Gulch in Nashville, has died

Veteran Nashville developer Steve Turner, known for his work revitalizing the Gulch, has died at the age of 77.

The Gulch was a derelict rail yard before Turner transformed it into one of Nashville’s first modern urban neighborhoods, the Nashville Business Journal reported. The cause of his death on Tuesday wasn’t reported. He was born and raised in Scottsville, Kentucky.

His professional journey began with a long tenure at Dollar General, which was founded by his father and grandfather. He stepped away from the family business to focus on real estate, founding MarketStreet Equities in 1990.

MarketStreet quickly became a driving force in Nashville’s development. The Gulch is now one of Nashville’s most sought-after areas for commercial and residential properties, a testament to Turner’s ability to see potential where others saw only decay.

Beyond his real estate work, Turner was a committed philanthropist. He and his wife, Judy, were strong supporters of Nashville’s cultural institutions, particularly the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Turner served on the museum’s board for nearly 25 years, including more than a dozen years as its chairman. His efforts were crucial in the 2014 expansion of the museum, which doubled its space and helped it become Nashville’s largest tourist draw.

Turner helped create the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, one of Nashville’s major venues. His contributions to both the arts and the city’s real estate landscape earned him numerous accolades, including his 2022 induction into the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Hall of Fame.

Turner’s survivors also include his son Jay Turner, who is CEO of MarketStreet Equities, as well as his brother, Cal Turner Jr., CEO of Dollar General.

— Andrew Terrell