Image Credit: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout
*Note from The Tennessee Conservative: This article posted for informational purposes only.
By Sam Stockard [Tennessee Lookout -CC BY-NC-ND 4.0] –
The pieces are coming together for work to start on a new Tennessee Performing Arts Center as part of a massive project on Nashville’s East Bank.
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell and TPAC, a nonprofit entity, recently reached an agreement enabling the arts center to relocate from the James K. Polk Building at the corner of Deaderick Boulevard across from the War Memorial Plaza to Metro property at the base of the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, an area now used for Tennessee Titans parking.
The State Building Commission approved a $200 million grant for the TPAC project in 2023 and is expected to authorize another $300 million for the job now that a deal has been reached. TPAC is to raise another $100 million from private sources.
A Piedmont Gas pipeline is to be moved before ground work can start on the building in early 2027 with completion slated around 2030.
“This agreement ensures Metro and TPAC will partner on related infrastructure costs and advances a key piece of the East Bank redevelopment,” O’Connell said in a statement.
TPAC, which will be an anchor for the East Bank area along the Cumberland River, will share infrastructure costs with Metro and allow it to use the center for educational purposes under the agreement.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who serves on the East Bank Development Authority Board, urged a 2030 completion date.
“I appreciate Mayor O’Connell personally taking over the negotiations with TPAC and getting a deal done,” Sexton said in a statement. “This is a significant milestone for our state and Nashville to compete as a vibrant performing arts community. TPAC will be a valued addition to the East Bank and Lower Broad area that will enhance the entertainment district.”
Sexton this fall criticized Metro Nashville chief development officer Bob Mendes’ negotiation of a development contract with Boston-based Fallon Company that he said was too favorable to the company and cost the local government money. Mendes left the post in late October.
TPAC is contributing $24 million to infrastructure costs, including $15.8 million for Victory Drive and Davidson Road improvements, utilities and connection to the pedestrian bridge. Metro will cover other infrastructure expenses related to the pedestrian bridge and a greenway connector.
Previous estimates had TPAC’s share of expenses at $67.6 million.
Cost overruns are to be paid by TPAC, which is being required to meet project deadlines. The arts center also will use Metro-owned parking at market rates.
Amid the TPAC-Metro deal, construction workers recently raised the final beam on a $2.1 billion enclosed stadium being built next to the old Titans stadium. It is to open in 2027.
The Metro Nashville Council unanimously approved a 99-year lease deal with Fallon for 30 city-owned acres in April 2024. The property could have reverted to Fallon if Metro Nashville and TPAC hadn’t reached an agreement.
In addition, tech giant Oracle is to build a campus on 60 acres in the area after receiving a $175 million economic incentive grant from Metro.
Fallon is responsible for building 1,550 residential units on the property, 695 of which are to be designated as “affordable,” meaning they will be priced for those at 30-80% of the median income.
One Response
This shows misplaced priorities > “The State Building Commission approved a $200 million grant for the TPAC project in 2023 and is expected to authorize another $300 million for the job now that a deal has been reached.”
So TN is giving them $500 million???? And TN gave the Titans $500 million. That’s $1 BILLION.
Fire them all. I’m NOT impressed with Sexton giving away $1 Billion.