An in-depth monthly look at development in Downtown Nashville. The Nashville Downtown Partnership's core purpose is "to make downtown Nashville the compelling urban center in the Southeast in which to live, work, play and invest."

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February 12, 2004

RYMAN AUDITORIUM WINS TOP

CONCERT INDUSTRY AWARD

On February 6, General Manager Pam Matthews accepted a prestigious Pollstar Concert Industry Award for downtown’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Voted as 2003 “Theatre of the Year” by concert industry peers, the Ryman is the smallest and oldest venue ever selected for this honor. A first-time nominee for the Pollstar “Theatre of the Year” award, the Ryman edged out five other outstanding venues — Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Dodge Theatre in Phoenix, the Fox Theatres in Atlanta and Detroit, and Radio City Music Hall in New York City — to win the top ranking. About 1,500 industry leaders and stars attended the awards gala at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre, winner of this award for 2002.

“It is truly gratifying to know that the Ryman’s unique qualities are appreciated within the industry and by the people who come to work and perform here every year,” said Matthews. The Ryman’s “rich musical history and amazing acoustics” contribute to its being “one of the most unique places in America to listen to and experience music,” Matthews said.

Matthews also said the award “is a testament to the dedication of the Ryman’s fantastic staff.” The great customer service given all performing artists and crews from the moment they arrive at the Ryman until they leave is a vital part of the venue’s appeal.

Matthews is a member of the Nashville Downtown Partnership’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Access and Transportation Committee. Chair John Gupton congratulated Matthews and her staff on this major national recognition for the Ryman Auditorium — truly one of downtown’s greatest treasures.

RYMAN AUDITORIUM
o National Historic Landmark built as a church in 1892
o Home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974
o Completely renovated in 1994
o Owned by Gaylord Entertainment
o For more information visit www.ryman.com
 

CHECKING OUT THE DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The best way to find out what the Downtown Development Center (One Nashville Place, Suite G-150) can do for your business is to stop by for an orientation tour.  Several groups of commercial real estate brokers are doing just that over the next six weeks. At a breakfast meeting with one group, a typical comment was, “I didn’t realize what valuable resources you have for us to use!”

Spend a few minutes with Partnership staff to discuss how the Center can help you market downtown Nashville to your tenants, business prospects, potential residents or your own employees. Schedule your meetings and presentations at the Center, and request customized research information for your group. Call or e-mail Tamara Walters, Development Manager, to schedule a meeting or an orientation visit (phone 743-3091 or e-mail twalters@nashvilledowntown.com).

Downtown Development Center
One Nashville Place
150 4th Avenue North, Suite G-150
Nashville, Tennessee 37219

WHAT METRO DISTRICT ENERGY SYSTEM OFFERS DOWNTOWN CUSTOMERS

The new Metro District Energy System (DES) is open for business. DES, which replaced the old Thermal plant as the source of heating and cooling for 40 downtown buildings, actually began operating in December 2003, seven months earlier than expected.

The DES pumps steam and chilled water through a five-mile series of underground pipes to downtown buildings. Its nine chillers and four boilers allow for ample expansion to accommodate many new customers, far beyond the capabilities of the Thermal plant.

“The advantages to DES customers are numerous,” said John Schaffer, DES general manager. “First, the Metro Council has assured customers that their rates for heating and cooling will be 10 percent below the cost that would be incurred by a building using its own standard HVAC system,” Schaffer said. “DES also provides savings on up front capital costs for new buildings and on operating costs once they are connected to the system.”

Greater efficiency, lower electricity demand, a cleaner environment and a projected financial savings of $67 million for the city in its first ten years are just some of the benefits that the DES facility will provide to the Nashville community as a whole, Schaffer added. The Schermerhorn Symphony Center and the Viridian (see January Developments: www.nashvilledowntown.com/news/developments011604.htm) are the latest to announce that they will become DES customers upon completion.

For more information about the District Energy System, contact John Schaffer

at 742-1833.

BREAKFAST TALK ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Mark your calendars now for Wednesday, March 17! Stop by the Partnership’s Downtown Development Center (One Nashville Place, Suite G-150) for a complimentary breakfast (8 to 9 a.m.) and a lively panel discussion on “Getting the Neighborhood Ready for the Schermerhorn Symphony Center!” Join the discussion on what is within walking distance of the site now, what is planned and what else is needed by the time the new facility opens just 30 months from now.

The detailed tabletop model of the Symphony Center is currently on display at the Partnership location. Invitations and detailed information about the March 17 meeting will go out next week. Contact Sally Connelly for more information (743-3092 or sconnelly@nashvilledowntown.com).

WHY NASHVILLE? THE SHORT ANSWER IS . . .
On February 10, Mayor Bill Purcell launched the 2004 Forum Series sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners. In addressing this group of business and community leaders, he described the past year as remarkable because “five major corporations looked at the whole world and chose Nashville” for their corporate headquarters. He commented on the individual decisions made by Quanta Computer Inc., Asurion, Caremark Rx Inc., Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and CLARCOR to relocate to Nashville. Two of these companies — Caremark Rx Inc. and Louisiana-Pacific Corporation — located downtown.

Purcell said a frequent question is whether some major incentive package attracted these major companies. Actually, he said each group concluded that for their particular company, Nashville was “simply the one place they wanted to be.” Many factors contribute to Nashville’s appeal — ranging from the favorable tax environment to the friendliness of the people, Purcell said.

In an Expansion Management survey of 70 prominent site selection consultants, Nashville ranked number two on their 2003 list of top expansion and relocation sites. Consultants were asked to rank 370 metropolitan statistical areas on factors including business environment, work force quality, operating costs, incentive programs, worker training programs, and ease of working with local politicians and economic development officials. (Full report available in the January 2004 issue at www.expansionmanagement.com).
 

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