Music City Center in Nashville Drives Economic Success, According to tvsdesign

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Since opening its doors in May, Nashville's $585 million, 1.2-million-square-foot Music City Center has given the city a beacon for development and anchored a renaissance in downtown Nashville.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140107/CL42185)

In its first quarter since opening, Music City Center's 100 events led to more than 18,000 hotel room nights and generated $26.4 million in economic impact. It is also the catalyst for more than $1 billion in new development in Nashville's burgeoning SoBro neighborhood, located South of Broadway.

Music City Center was a collaboration among the architecture firms tvsdesign, Tuck Hinton Architects and Moody Nolan; the construction team of Bell/Clark/Harmony; and the Nashville mayor's office. The result is a center that is more than just a place for meetings. It is a place that encompasses the spirit of Nashville and Tennessee.

"There was a lot of care taken to create a place that reflects the best features of the city and brings them down to the human scale," said Kevin Gordon, principal with tvsdesign. "We've designed convention centers all over the world, including three of China's largest convention centers and four of the five most popular U.S. convention centers. There really isn't anything else like Music City Center in the world."

And developers have taken notice. Two new hotels have already opened near the convention center. Another hotel, several restaurants and a 41-story mixed-use tower also are under development.

Part of the credit should be given to Music City Center's unique appearance. The facility's design cues incorporate Nashville's iconic scenes and sounds. Its undulating, vegetated roof represents the rolling hills of Tennessee and sound waves like those heard from performers playing throughout the city. The center's wood and curves draw inspiration from the handcraft of stringed instruments. The ballroom itself evokes the feeling of sitting inside an acoustic guitar. In addition, Music City Center's carpet features a custom-made, one-of-a-kind "sound wave" design. The project recently received the Merit Award from the Middle Tennessee chapter of the American Institute of Architects for its design.

Even before opening last May, Music City Center reached an event booking goal that yielded 1 million hotel room nights at downtown hotels. It hopes to reach that same mark this year, too. The center's more than 100 events already hosted have included the Nashville International Auto Show and the fan experience for the 2013 CMA Music Festival.

For more information on Music City Center, visit nashvillemusiccitycenter.com.

About tvsdesign

tvsdesign is a firm of architects and designers that creates landmark buildings and signature spaces around the world. With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dubai and Shanghai, tvsdesign works alongside clients worldwide to create inspired, well-thought-out designs that are an engaging expression of the client's brand. Recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2002 with its prestigious Firm Award, tvsdesign's process enables its team to imagine more for clients. Award-winning projects range from convention centers to aquariums, mixed-use destinations to hospitals, stadiums to government offices, financial institutions to retail showcases. From seeing the real potential in a project to finding smart solutions to complex design challenges, tvsdesign is a true partner. Collectively, its studios' sustainable design experience encompasses 30 LEED Certified and 14 LEED registered projects. tvsdesign.com

SOURCE tvsdesign