Mayor Barry Brokers Printers Alley Hotel Agreement

BREAKING - This afternoon, Mayor Megan Barry called a meeting with the developers of the proposed luxury hotel in Printer's Alley, representatives of several city agencies including MDHA and the Metro Historical Commission, city attorneys, and Historic Nashville. During the meeting, an agreement was hammered out that will allow the project to move forward. The $70 hotel rehabilitation project includes $6.5 million in city funds through TIF financing. In the agreement, the developers will salvage portions of the historic Climax Saloon/Embers building - including the original facade, elevations, and interior elements - and donate a preservation easement for the Utopia Hotel to Historic Nashville. At the recommendation of Historic Nashville, the easement will ensure the Utopia Hotel is preserved in perpetuity. Historic Nashville also recommended that the developers complete documentation such as measured drawings and large format photography for the Climax Saloon/Embers building prior to demolition and renovation work. "Based on these actions that will preserve the Utopia Hotel and portions of the Climax Saloon, Historic Nashville is no longer opposed to the project," said board president Brian Tibbs. "We are grateful to Mayor Barry for taking the lead on this situation and brokering an agreement that will enable the project to move forward and preserve these unique and significant historic buildings in Nashville's legendary Printer's Alley." More details are in the Tennessean, which broke the story this evening. We will keep you posted with any updates.