NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- In west Nashville, near Bellevue, strip malls and big box retail stores have sprung up all over. But now, some developers have a new idea that could bring a slice of downtown to the west side.

Video: Waterfront Community Proposed For West Nashville

Developers said their new, $250 million idea would break up the suburban spread.

"It's completely in the midst of suburban sprawl," said Brian Wright, of the Town Planning and Urban Design Collective. "We've thought about this project as a seed of urbanism."

Wright said he and others in the collective are finalizing a plan that would turn an abandoned driving range along the Cumberland River into a creative urban center similar to the popular Pearl District in Portland, Ore.

"This project is called H20, it's an urban waterfront district," said Wright.

While some have taken up residence in the new area, H20 living accommodations won't be quite as cheap, said some planners.

"People will be living in lofts and condos above shops and restaurants," said Wright.

He said that the district would also house galleries and gourmet grocery stores and would even take care to make flood proofing add character to the development.

Wright said all buildings would be environmentally friendly and hopes to be a part of west Nashville but change it.

He said that if all goes well, cleanup of the site could start in summer and construction continuing for up to five years. Developers aren't sure how many condos will be available, but should know by the time they take the plan to the planning commission in January.

The project will be built using private money.