Ryman Hospitality Properties is planning a renovation which includes the addition of a new rooftop venue to the Wildhorse Saloon. Located on historic 2nd Ave, the project also includes facade updates and joins neighboring bar Coyote Ugly which underwent renovations last year. Wild Horse Saloon is located at 120 2nd Avenue N.
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The 66,000 SF venue opened its doors in 1994 and received its last major renovation in 2016. With a current capacity of 2,400, Wild Horse Saloon prides itself as the largest per capita restaurant in Tennessee according to its website and serves as a bar, concert site, dance venue and TV studio—all under one roof. The venue has a large central performance area which includes a dance floor and stage with seating and bars located on each side. Levels 2-3 overlook the dance floor and includes additional bars and seating areas.
The Historic 2nd Avenue sustained major damage north of union street following the 2020 Christmas Day bombing. Since then, plans have been in the works for its redevelopment. Properties south of Union Street saw damage as well and are also making updates to bring entertainment back to 2nd Ave. Since that time, requests for additional height with setbacks from the street have been submitted for multiple properties. This effort allows for future growth and a greater mix of uses for the properties which are constrained by their historic designations.
A request for concept plan approval has been submitted for the property which is zoned DTC. Once approved, the request will advance plans to permit the renovation to the existing building with the rooftop addition on the 0.58-acre site. The request was made by Centric Architecture, on behalf of the property Owner. Here’s the quick rundown:
WildHorse Saloon
120 2nd Avenue N
| What’s Now | Existing Building |
| What’s Next | Renovation |
| Developer | Ryman Hospitality |
| Architect | Centric |
| Venue | 8,000 SF Addition |
| Contractor | TBA |
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On the first level, the gift shop will be replaced with a new performance area which includes booth seating, stage platform, and bar. The ceiling in this area will be removed and open to the 2nd level. The bar on the 2nd floor will shift to the wall to accommodate the new opening. The bar area on level 3 appears to now be enclosed, creating separation from the main dance floor and stage.
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Guests get access to the rooftop via the main stairs or public elevator. There is an entrance corridor which leads you to the new venue space which includes two bars, back-of-house kitchen, booth seating, and platform stage. There are overhead doors which open the venue up to the outdoor patio overlooking the Cumberland River and the East Bank. Plans also show rental cabana areas on both sides of the patio.
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Exterior changes on 1st Avenue (shown above) include an additional level to the facade which serves as a mechanical screen. The design of the mechanical screen will match the existing building; however, the aluminum window frames will receive a mesh infill in lieu of glazing for mechanical ventilation. The parapet of the additional level will also act as the balcony rail of the rooftop addition. Other improvements include refacing the existing signage with new property branding.
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Work on the exterior extends to 2nd Avenue as well. The entire street-level exterior will receive new custom door and window replacements. The new doors will also meet new egress requirements. Other improvements include new ticket windows with transaction counters located outside as well as refacing the existing signage with new property branding.
The project is slated for the 10/26/2023 Metro Planning Agenda.
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